Patent ID: 7364351
Filing Date: 2008-04-29
Classification: B01F,B03D,C22B,Y02P

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for mixing fluids within a vessel having a contiguous sidewall centered about and defining a longitudinal axis, the mixing apparatus comprising: a mixing head having a blade body for immersion in the fluids, the blade body having a first end, an opposed second end disposed in spaced relation thereto along a blade body axis, and a passageway extending therealong between the first and second ends; the passageway tapering from the first end to the second end; the blade body further having an inner surface and an outer surface, the outer surface of the blade body defining an inside blade diameter ID at the second end, and an outside blade diameter OD at the first end; means for mounting the mixing head within the vessel; and means for imparting reciprocating longitudinal movement to the mixing head, the reciprocating longitudinal movement being defined by a stroke length S, with a duration T for each cycle, the mixing apparatus being operable within a set of operational parameters defined by the equation: where OD, ID and S are each expressed in inches, and T is expressed in minutes; and wherein by virtue of the reciprocating longitudinal movement imparted to the mixing head, a portion of the fluids is urged to flow through the passageway defined in the blade body to thereby encourage efficient mixing of the fluids in the vessel.