METHOD AND MEANS FOR MIXING

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for mixing a substance (1, 1<1>, 1<2>, 1<3>...) with water (2) or some other similar liquid. The missing process is so arranged as to take place inside a mixing vessel (3, 3<1>, 3<2>, 3<3>...), which is arranged separately from a receiving vessel (5, 5<1>, 5<2>, 5<3>...) intended for subsequent receiving of the mixture (4, 4<1>, 4<2>, 4<3>...). Water (2) is so arranged as to be introduced tangentially into the mixing vessel (3, 3<1>, 3<2>, 3<3>...) via a mixing unit (12) to form a vortex internally in the aforementioned mixing unit (12), in conjunction with which the flow through a passage between the mixing vessel (3, 3<1>, 3<2>, 3<3>...) and the receiving vessel (5, 5<1>, 5<2>, 5<3>...) is prevented. The mixture (4, 4<1>, 4<2>, 4<3>...) is so arranged as to be introduced into the receiving vessel (5, 5<1>, 5<2>, 5<3>...) after the mixing process in the mixing vessel (3, 3<1>, 3<2>, 3<3>...) is complete, before the mixture (4...) is caused to be transported to the intended consumption point. The invention also relates to an arrangement for implementing a method in accordance with the foregoing.

Description: Method and means for mixing. The present invention relates to a method for mixing a substance with water or some other similar liquid. Water or some other liquid is usually mixed with the substance, which is in solid or liquid form, in special mixing vessels for the subsequent dispensing of the mixture to desired specific consumption points. During the period for which mixing takes place, it is not possible to take out any part of the mixture, since the mixture is not ready and its concentration may be incorrect. Time will be lost in this way if it is necessary to wait until the mixing process has first been completed before any part of it can be dispensed. This may cause a process to be delayed if it is first necessary to wait until the mixing process is complete. An alternative is to provide a reservoir containing the finished mixture of the substance and liquid, although this is an extra item which will make the final product more expensive and will require more personnel, space and equipment for the purpose. If it is then wished to mix different substances, for example with water, this will call for an organized storage system for the finished mixtures and will impose an even greater space requirement . The principal object of the present invention is thus, in the first instance, to solve the aforementioned problems, among others, by simple and effective means. The aforementioned object is achieved by means of a method in accordance with the present invention, which is characterized essentially in that the mixing process is so arranged as to take place inside a mixing vessel which is arranged separately from a receiving vessel intended for subsequent receiving of the mixture, in that water is so arranged as to be introduced tangentially into the mixing vessel via a mixing unit to form a vortex internally in the aforementioned mixing unit, in conjunction with which the flow through a passage between the mixing vessel and the receiving vessel is prevented, in that the mixture is so arranged as to be introduced into the receiving vessel , after the mixing process in the mixing vessel is complete, before the mixture is caused to be transported to the intended consumption point . The invention also relates to an arrangement for the implementation of a method for mixing in accordance with the invention. Previously disclosed mixing arrangements are not suitable for use because, in order to ensure that complete mixing takes place, they require advance preparation of the mixing process and the provision of a storage facility for this purpose. Previously disclosed mixing arrangements also require a number of valves or other opening devices, which require accurate control in order to function safely. A further object of the invention is thus also to make available an arrangement, which, among other things, solves the aforementioned problems by effective and simple means . The aforementioned further object is achieved by means of an arrangement in accordance with the present invention, which is characterized essentially in that a mixing vessel is positioned separately from a receiving vessel for the finished mixture, in that a mixing unit is arranged adjacent to the aforementioned mixing vessel, in that openings are provided which lead to the aforementioned mixing unit, in that the mixing unit comprises a supply channel for the supply of water, and in that the aforementioned supply channel discharges into a centrally located chamber and extends tangentially from the supply opening for water through an enclosing wall and an annular flange formed in the aforementioned mixing unit for the purpose of creating a vortex which is so arranged as to prevent flow from the mixing vessel to the receiving vessel, in that a passage leads between the aforementioned mixing vessel and the receiving vessel, and in that a pump or some other means of transport is present, which is so arranged as to cause the mixture to be transported from the receiving vessel as far as the intended point of consumption. The method and the arrangement in accordance with the present invention comprise a number of communicating vessels consisting of a mixing part and a receiving vessel. These are in turn connected to one another via a connection or lead-through. These vessels are positioned inside one another for practical reasons, although the design could equally consist of two vessels positioned alongside one another or even with a shared partition wall. The connection between the vessels is closed when the mixing process is taking place, and the connection is open when the mixing process is not taking place. The idea of invention is to make this possible entirely without valves or other mechanical closing arrangement. The invention is described below as a preferred illustrative embodiment, in conjunction with which reference is made to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figs. 1-2 illustrate examples of the arrangement in an exchange system of mixing means, viewed from the side and from above; Fig. 3 illustrates a mixing unit from above with different sections marked thereon; Fig. 4 illustrates a section along the line IN-IV seen in Fig. 3; Fig. 5 illustrates a section along the line V-V seen in Fig. 3; Fig. 6 illustrates a section along the line VI-VI seen in Fig. 3; Figs. 7-12 illustrate different views and sections of an upper part of which the aforementioned mixing unit is constituted; Figs. 13-14 illustrate a sectioned view and a plan view of a lower part of which the aforementioned mixing unit is constituted; Figs. 15-17 illustrate plan views and a side view of a central part of which the aforementioned mixing unit is constituted; Fig. 18 illustrates a spreader wing contained in the aforementioned mixing unit; Figs. 19-20 illustrate part of a top view and a sectioned side view of the arrangement; and Fig. 21 illustrates a basic circuit diagram of the constituent lines for a mixing vessel in accordance with the invention. The invention is intended for application to mixing vessels in which the mixing process takes place and to receiving vessels to which the finished mixture is led after mixing, which, as stated above, are situated optionally at a distance from one another as required or are closely connected to one another. For the sake of simplicity, the example described below is only one example of closely packed mixing vessels and receiving vessels, although all solutions in respect of positioning are thus possible in accordance with the invention. A method for achieving effective mixing of a number of substances 1, l 1 , l 2 , l 3 , ... with water 2 or with some other similar liquid proceeds in such a way that the mixing process is so arranged as to take place in a separate mixing vessel 3, 3 1 , 3 2 , 3 3 ..., which is arranged separately from a mixture receiving vessel 5, 5 1 , 5 2 , 5 3 ... intended to receive the mixture 4, 4' The aforementioned mixing vessel 3, 3 1 , 3 2 , 3 3 is arranged in such a way that the mixture 4 ... is so arranged, after the mixing process is finished, as to be supplied to separate holding vessel 5, 5 1 , 5 2 , 5 3 . Means 6 are also provided in the form of, in the first instance, pumps or other means of transport, which are caused to transport the mixture 4 to the intended point of consumption, such as a washing station for vehicles, a textile washing plant or some other cleaning or processing plant. This mixing process is so arranged as to be performed by accurately pumping in a specific quantity of, for example, a concentrated solution, after which the actual mixing vessel 3, 3 1 , 3 2 , 3 3 is filled with water 2. The entire process takes place inside a closed unit with an inlet for water 2 and an outlet for the mixture 4, for example industrial solutions for degreasing, alkaline and neutral shampoo, foam and wax and micro-emulsion. Naturally, the invention is not restricted to the example described above, but the receiving vessel may contain a finished mixed liquid instead of an industrial solution or a washing solution, and emptying can also take place with the help of gravity. The mixing process is so arranged as to be capable of taking place regardless of the number of occasions on which the mixture 4 ... is emptied from the respective receiving vessel 5, 5 1 , 5 2 , 5 3 . The mixing process is so arranged as to take place when the level inside the receiving vessel is low. The emptying process is interrupted in accordance with the illustrated example while the mixing process takes place, i.e. with this design mixing will take place automatically between two emptying occasions, although as already stated this is not a condition. The system thus requires the possibility of mixing more rapidly than the average rate of consumption from the receiving vessel. Because mixing takes place in batches, any remaining liquid below the low level indicator must accordingly be greater than the quantity which can be consumed while the mixing process takes place. In the example of a washing machine described above, mixing may only take place when the washing machine in question is not pumping any mixed industrial solution, and the mixing process must accordingly be completed between two successive emptying occasions. Upon reaching the level which triggers mixing in the respective mixing vessel 3..., the receiving vessels 5 ... must also contain at least one ready- mixed washing dose, since mixing cannot commence until after the corresponding pumping time has elapsed or the quantity of finished mixture has been pumped out. The mixing process is thus so arranged as to start, for example, when a meter 7, 8 indicates that a certain quantity of the mixture 4 ... has been transported from the receiving vessel 5, 5 1 , 5 2 , 5 3 , for example by starting a pump and opening a valve 9, 10 for the substance 1 and for water 2 in order to supply an intended quantity to the aforementioned mixing vessel 3, 3 1 , 3 2 , 3 3 ... An arrangement 11 for implementing a method in accordance with the present invention for the purpose of achieving mixing of a substance 1, l 1 , l 2 , l 3 , ... with water 2 or with some other similar liquid comprises one or more mixing vessel 3, 3 1 , 3 2 , 3 3 ... which is/are situated at a distance from receiving vessels 5, 5 1 , 5 2 , 5 3 , for example the mixing vessel 3, 3 1 , 3 2 , 3 3 is situated at a level above a receiving vessel 5, 5 1 , 5 2 , 5 3 ... and a mixing unit 12 is arranged in conjunction with the aforementioned mixing vessel 3, 3 1 , 3 2 , 3 3 ... . Provided in conjunction with this are openings 13-16 which lead to the aforementioned mixing unit 12, either leading into its inside or through it. A passage 17 is provided which runs between the aforementioned mixing vessel 3, 3 1 , 3 2 , 3 3 ... and, for example, a subjacent receiving vessel 5, 5 1 , 5 2 , 5 3 ..., preferably in the form of a centrally located hole with a connected pipe in the bottom 18 of the aforementioned mixing vessel 3, 3 1 , 3 2 , 3 3 ... and internally in the mixing unit 12. Also provided is a pump 6 or some other suitable means of transport, which is so arranged as to cause the mixture to be transported from the receiving vessel 5, 5 1 , 5 2 , 5 3 ... concerned to the intended point of consumption. The aforementioned mixing unit 12 is arranged on the bottom 18 of the aforementioned mixing vessel 3, 3 1 , 3 2 , 3 3 ... with a drain pipe 19 for the mixture and leading to an aforementioned subjacent receiving vessel 5, 5 1 , 5 2 , 5 3 ..., for example through the mixing unit 12. The mixing unit 12 is preferably designed as a separate or fixed annular unit with a centrally located chamber 20, which is closed in an upward direction 21 and is attached to the bottom 18 of the mixing vessel 3, and the drain pipe 19 discharges from the aforementioned chamber 20 through the bottom 18 and down to the receiving vessel 5, 5 1 , 5 2 , 5 3 ..., which in this case functions as a mixture receiving vessel. The mixing unit 12 comprises a supply channel 23 which is intended for the supply of water 2, and the aforementioned supply channel 23 discharges into the centrally located chamber 20 extending tangentially from the supply opening 14 for water 2 through an enclosing wall 24 in a formed annular flange 28 in the aforementioned unit 12. Extending laterally from the aforementioned centrally located chamber 20 in the mixing unit 12 is a number of flow channels 33 for the purpose of leading fluid between the centrally located chamber 20 and the outside 25 of the mixing unit 12. The aforementioned flow channels 33 are in the form of grooves open in a direction downwards 27 from the mixing unit 12 which extend tangentially and at an angle and exhibit a widening external mouth part 34. A channel 26 for a substance 1, l 1 , l 2 , l 3 , ... intended for mixing, which is preferably in the liquid phase, leads through the mixing unit 12 to its outside for the supply of substance to the mixing vessel 3, 3 1 , 3 2 , 3 3 . The aforementioned supply channel 26 for the substance extends preferably tangentially from the supply opening 13 for the substance 1 and out through the mixing unit 12 and its aforementioned annular wall 24. The invention is suitable for mixing both liquids, semi-liquid materials and solid materials. At least one of the materials and the finished mixture must be in liquid form, however. In order to get the mixing unit 12 in position, it is detachably attachable by means of a number of screws 29 or other fixing devices to the bottom 18 of the mixing vessel 3, 3 1 , 3 2 , 3 3 ... in which mixing is intended to take place. It is also possible for integration of the mixing unit and the mixing vessel to take place, for example by moulding the mixing unit as a part of the vessel. The mixing unit 12 is preferably divided and consists of several components capable of being assembled together. An upper part 12A, in which the liquid supply channel 23 extends internally, and the aforementioned channel 26 for the supply of the substance ... is arranged in the form of a groove open in a direction downwards; an annular central part 12B exhibiting the aforementioned transcurrent flow channels 33 in the form of downwardly open radial channels; and a bottom part 12C so arranged as to function as a mounting plate on the under side 18B of the bottom 18 of the mixing vessel, while the two upper channels 12A, 12B are accommodated on the upper side 18A of the aforementioned bottom 18. As can be appreciated from the drawings, the arrangement 11 is compact in the first instance thanks to the fact that the mixing vessel 3, 3 1 , 3 2 , 3 3 ... and the receiving vessel 5, 5 1 , 5 2 , 5 3 ... for the finished mixture 4 are accommodated close together to form a compact unit. In this way, thanks to the fact that the aforementioned vessels and containers are conical, it is possible to insert each mixing vessel 3, 3 1 , 3 2 , 3 3 ... into an associated subjacent receiving vessel 5, 5 1 , 5 2 , 5 3 ... and, for example, to suspend the vessel 3, 3 1 , 3 2 , 3 3 ... by means of hooks 30 or other carrying devices as illustrated in Fig. 20. A lid 31 with transcurrent openings 32 can be used as a means of closing each vessel 3, 3 1 , 3 2 , 3 3 . The function of the arrangement 11 is such that, when water 2 is sprayed in through the inlet 14 provided for this purpose in the respective mixing vessel 3..., the water 2 flows in tangentially through the supply channel 23 and into the chamber 20 inside the mixing unit 12 before being led out through the aforementioned flow channels 33 along the upper side 18A of the bottom 18 of each mixing vessel 3... and into its receiving area 34 for as long as water 2, for example from the ordinary water mains, continues to be sprayed in through the mixing unit 12 to the desired level. When water 2 is sprayed in tangentially, this creates a vortex which obstructs the flow through the passage 17 between the mixing vessel 3 and the receiving vessel 5 ... . The one or more substances 1, l 1 , l 2 , l 3 ... with which it is wished to mix the liquid 2 are then supplied, preferably in the form of a concentrate, through the inlet 13. The aforementioned substance 1 ... is led directly out through the channel 26 to the mixing vessel 3, 3 1 , 3 2 , 3 3 ... where it is mixed with the supplied liquid 2. When the supply of water 2 to the mixing unit 12 is then shut off, the supplied mixture 4, 4 1 , 4 2 , 4 3 ... will flow out through all the flow channels 33 and into the inner chamber 20 of the mixing unit 12, and only after this thorough remixing will it be allowed to flow down, or be caused to be led in some other way, through the drain pipe 17 or some other line and, for example, a receiving vessel 5, 5 1 , 5 5 3 ... located in a subjacent or some other position, to which the pipe 17 extends, after positioning a vessel 3 ... on a container 5 ... . Thus, no water 2 or substance 1 is led down via the pipe 17 until everything is present in the mixing vessel 3 ... and has been mixed and for as long as water 2 continues to be supplied, and the mixing process is complete in conjunction with return flow through the mixing unit 12, with excellent results as a consequence. In order further to increase the remixing, a centrally located wing 35 can be positioned internally within the chamber 20, as shown in Fig. 3, which breaks up the flow path of the mixture is it passes through so that a new path is created for it. The supply of liquid 2 and substance 1 and the removal of the finished mixture 4, 4 1 , 4 2 , 4 3 ... can be effected via, for example, metal pipes 36, 37, 19, which extend through the entire arrangement and are held in place by means of a bridging, curved securing plate 39 with a subjacent thickened part 40, and the whole is screwed together to the upper side 18A of the bottom 18 of a mixing vessel 3, 31, 32, 33 by means of fixing screws 41 passing into the mixing unit 12 on its upper side. The invention is not restricted to the illustrative example described above and shown in the drawings, but may be varied within the scope of the Patent Claims without departing from the idea of invention. For example, it would be possible to mount the mixing unit in a position other than on the bottom of a container. It could be positioned on a wall, for example.

Claims: P a t e n t C l a i m s 1. Method for mixing a substance (1, l 1 , l 2 , l 3 , ... ) with water (2) or some other similar liquid, characterized in that the mixing process is so arranged as to take place inside a mixing vessel (3, 3 1 , 3 2 , 3 3 ...), which is arranged separately from a receiving vessel (5, 5 1 , 5 2 , 5 3 ...) intended for subsequent receiving of the mixture (4, 4 1 , 4 2 , 4 3 ...), in that water (2) is so arranged as to be introduced tangentially into the mixing vessel (3, 3 1 , 3 2 , 3 3 ...) via a mixing unit (12) to form a vortex internally in the aforementioned mixing unit (12), in conjunction with which the flow through a passage (17) between the mixing vessel (3, 3 1 , 3 2 , 3 3 ...) and the receiving vessel (5, 5 1 , 5 2 , 5 3 ...) is prevented, in that the mixture (4, 4 1 , 4 2 , 4 3 ...) is so arranged as to be introduced into the receiving vessel (5, 5 1 , 5 2 , 5 3 ...), after the mixing process in the mixing vessel (3, 3 1 , 3 2 , 3 3 ...) is complete, before the mixture (4...) is caused to be transported to the intended consumption point. 2. Method in accordance with Patent Claim 1, characterized in that the mixing process is so arranged as to be capable of taking place regardless of the number of occasions on which the mixture (4...) is emptied from the receiving vessel (5... ) . 3. Method in accordance with Patent Claim 2, characterized in that the mixing process is so arranged as to start when a meter indicates that a certain quantity of the mixture (4...) has been transported from the receiving vessel (5, 5 1 , 5 2 , 5 3 ...), for example by starting a pump and opening a valve (9, 10) for the substance (1) and for water (2) in order to supply an intended quantity to the aforementioned mixing vessel (3, 3 1 , 3 2 , 3 3 ...). 4. Arrangement for achieving mixing of a substance (1, l 1 , l 2 , l 3 ...) with water (2) or with some other similar liquid in accordance with one or other of the above Patent Claims, characterized in that a mixing vessel (3, 3 1 , 3 2 , 3 3 ...) is situated separately from a receiving vessel (5, 5 1 , 5 2 , 5 3 ...) for the finished mixture (4...), in that a mixing unit (12) is arranged in conjunction with the aforementioned mixing vessel (3, 3 1 , 3 2 , 3 3 ...), in that openings (13-16) are provided which lead to the aforementioned mixing unit (12), in that the mixing unit (12) comprises a supply channel (23) for the supply of water (2), and in that the aforementioned supply channel (23) discharges into a centrally located chamber (20) and extends tangentially from the supply opening (14) for water (20) through an enclosing wall (24) and an annular flange (28) formed in the aforementioned mixing unit (12) for the purpose of creating a vortex which is so arranged as to prevent flow from the mixing vessel (3...) to the receiving vessel (5), in that a passage (17) leads between the aforementioned mixing vessel (3, 3 1 , 3 2 , 3 3 ...) and the receiving vessel (5, 5 1 , 5 2 , 5 3 ...), and in that a pump (6) or some other means of transport is provided which is so arranged as to cause the mixture to be transported from the receiving vessel (5, 5 1 , 5 2 , 5 3 ...) to the intended point of consumption. 5. Arrangement in accordance with Patent Claim 4, characterized in that the mixing unit (12) is arranged on the bottom (18) of the aforementioned mixing vessel (3, 3 1 , 3 2 , 3 3 ...) with a drain pipe (17) leading from it to a receiving vessel (5, 5 1 , 5 2 , 5 3 ... ) . 6. Arrangement in accordance with Patent Claim 5, characterized in that the mixing unit (12) is designed as an annular unit with a centrally located chamber (20), in that the aforementioned chamber (20) is closed in an upward direction (21) and is attached to the bottom (18), and in that the drain pipe (17) discharges from the aforementioned chamber (20) through the bottom (18) of the mixing vessel (3, 3 1 , 3 2 , 3 3 ...) and to the receiving vessel (5, 5 1 , 5 2 , 5 3 ...). 7. Arrangement in accordance with one or other of Patent Claims 4-6, characterized in that a channel (26) for the substance (1, l 1 , l 2 , l 3 ...) intended for mixing, which is preferably in the liquid phase, leads through the mixing unit (12) to its outside for the supply of the substance to the mixing vessel (3, 3 1 , 3 2 , 3 3 ...). 8. Arrangement in accordance with Patent Claim 7, characterized in that the aforementioned supply channel (26) for substances extends tangentially through the mixing unit (12) . 9. Arrangement in accordance with one or other of Patent Claims 7-8, characterized in that, extending laterally from the aforementioned centrally located chamber (20) in the mixing unit (12), there is a number of flow channels (33) for the purpose of leading fluid between the centrally located chamber (20) and the outside (25) of the mixing unit (12). 10. Arrangement in accordance with Patent Claim 9, characterized in that the aforementioned flow channels (33) are in the form of grooves open in a direction downwards (27) from the mixing unit (12) . 11. Arrangement in accordance with Patent Claim 10, characterized in that the aforementioned flow channels (33) extend tangentially. 12. Arrangement in accordance with Patent Claim 11, characterized in that the aforementioned flow channels (33) extend at an angle and exhibit a widening external mouth part (34) . 13. Arrangement in accordance with one or other of Patent Claims 6-12, characterized in that an annular flange (28) extends along the centrally located chamber (20) on its lower part. 14. Arrangement in accordance with one or other of Patent Claims 4-13, characterized in that the mixing unit (12) is attachable by means of fixing devices (29) to the bottom (18) of the mixing vessel (3, 3 1 , 3 2 , 3 3 ...).

Inventors: MORICHETTO MICHELE, MORICHETTO, MICHELE
Applicants: MORICHETTO MICHELE, SNOELAND AB, MORICHETTO, MICHELE
Application year: 2000
Main classification: B01F5
IPC codes: B01F5