Patent Publication Number: US-10766011-B2

Title: Liquid polymer activation system using a submersible acutator

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     N/A 
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT 
     N/A 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to a submersible mechanical blending mechanism, and more particularly relates to a structure built into a chamber including a polymer/chemical dilution and boosting system mechanically driven by a submersible motor. 
     Discussion of the Background 
     Currently mechanical blending system are used for integrated equipments the separation of liquids from solids and vice versa on water treatment plant, waste-water treatment plant, pharmaceutical plant, food and beverage plant, diary, distillery, power plant, industrial plant and mining processing facilities. 
     Further standard mechanical and non-mechanical blending systems are used as ancillary equipment of liquid/solid separation technologies and play an essential role in sludge dewatering industries. In fact, the separation in sludge dewatering industries will not take place without a polymer blending system. For example, the polymer blending system are used with the following sludge dewatering equipment:
         Decanters   High speed centrifuges   Belt filter presses   Gravity Belt thickeners   Rotary Drum thickeners   Plate presses   Screw Presses   Primary and secondary thickeners   Market snapshot       

     Standard mechanical and non-mechanical polymer blending systems use a single energy reaction chamber for dilution and activation of polymer. All of them depend on high inlet water pressure to get or maintain a constant blend if the inlet pressure is low; then the constant blend turns into variable blend. All variable blend the operator will follow two things that will increase consumption costs:
         Increase polymer dosing pump capacity   Decrease production to maintain process stability       

     Currently standard mechanical polymer blending systems comprises external motor, water inlet, polymer inlet, mixing device, mixing chamber reaction and blend outlet. The minimum inlet pressure is 30-50 PSI wherein with a low water inlet pressure a poor blend is achieved. 
     The non-mechanical polymer blending systems comprises a water inlet, poymer inlet, mixing chamber reactor, static mixing device and blend outlet. The minimum inlet pressure is 60 PSI wherein with a low water inlet pressure a worst blend is achieved compared to the mechanical polymer blending system. 
     Therefore, there is a need for a mechanical blending system that provides a correct and constant blend if the inlet water feed pressure is under 35 PSI and 60 PSI for non-mechanical blender. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In light of the above shortcomings of the structures available to provide a blending system, the present disclosure provides a mechanical blending system comprising a polymer dilution/activation technology with a submersible motor inside a reaction chamber. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a constant blend. In accordance with the principle of the present disclosure the first exemplary embodiment comprises mixing chamber including at least a submersible motor, at least a high shear mixer, at least an impeller and at least a multistage retention time cup that can be used for submersible applications. 
     Another objective of the present invention is to provide a higher flow and blending capacities. In accordance with the principle of the present disclosure the first exemplary embodiment integrates a submersible motor, mixing technology and propulsion technology in a single reaction chamber. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a device with more mixing capacity in less space. In accordance with the principles of the present disclosure no external motors are used. 
     To enable a better understanding of the objectives and features of the present invention, a brief description of the drawing below will be followed with a detailed description of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is an exemplary view of a blending system including a housing and the first exemplary blending skid in accordance with the principles of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is an exemplary exploded view of a housing and blending system including the first exemplary blending skid in accordance with the principles of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  is an exemplary exploded view of the blending system including the first exemplary blending skid in accordance with the principles of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 4A   4 B are exemplary views of the first exemplary blending mechanism in accordance with the principles of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  is an exemplary cross section of the first exemplary blending mechanism in accordance with the principles of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  is a detailed view of the cross section for the top part of the first exemplary blending mechanism in accordance with the principles of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7  is a detailed view of the cross section for the bottom part of the first exemplary blending mechanism in accordance with the principles of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8  is an exploded view of the first exemplary blending mechanism in accordance with the principles of the present invention. 
         FIG. 9  is an exploded view of the first exemplary blending mechanism inner elements in accordance with the principles of the present invention. 
         FIG. 10  is another exploded view of the first exemplary blending mechanism inner elements in accordance with the principles of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 11A-11F  are exemplary views of the first exemplary blending mechanism assembly in accordance with the principles of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 12A-12K  are exemplary views of the first exemplary blending mechanism flow in accordance with the principles of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 13A-13D  are exemplary views of the second exemplary blending mechanism process configuration in accordance with the principles of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 14A and 14B  are exemplary views of the third exemplary blending mechanism process configuration in accordance with the principles of the present invention. 
         FIG. 15  is an exemplary view of the fourth exemplary blending mechanism process configuration in accordance with the principles of the present invention. 
         FIG. 16  is an exemplary view of the fifth exemplary blending mechanism process configuration in accordance with the principles of the present invention. 
         FIG. 17  is an exemplary view of the sixth exemplary blending mechanism process configuration in accordance with the principles of the present invention. 
         FIG. 18  is an exemplary view of the seventh exemplary blending mechanism process configuration in accordance with the principles of the present invention. 
         FIG. 19  is an exemplary view of the seventh exemplary blending mechanism process configuration in accordance with the principles of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The current disclosure presents several exemplary embodiments wherein each integrated blending system is employed in different environment and/or in combination of different water treatment systems. For example,  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2  are exemplary views of a blending system including a housing H and the first exemplary blending system in accordance with the principles of the present invention. 
     The housing as the frame is made to support the blending system S including all the elements. The blending system S comprises a blending mechanism  1 , a control mechanism C, a first substance supplier PA and a second substance supplier PB. The term substance is directed but not limited to liquids, solid particles or any physical matter. 
     Several pipes are mechanically coupled to provide path for the first substance, such as water, be delivered to the blending mechanism  1 . A valve V 1  permits the flow of water into the blending mechanism  1 . A first pressure indicator  3  indicates the water pressure entering the blending mechanism  1  a second pressure indicator  4  indicates the mix of substances getting out of the blending mechanism  1  through the outlet O. 
     Another plurality of pipes is used to create a path to deliver the second substance PB, such as a polymer, to the blending mechanism  1 . A pump  5  is used to raise or move the second substance into the blending mechanism  1 . The selection of the pump  5  depends on the properties of the second substance. For instance, if a polymer or any other substance with viscosity is selected the preferred pump  5  is a progressive cavity pump. 
     A calibration column,  2  which assists with the calibration of the blending system, is mechanically coupled to the to the system in order to know and calibrate the number of gallons the pump  5  is capable of delivering to the blending mechanism. The calibration column is mechanically couple to the path providing the second substance PB. A valve is used to avoid the second substance to move or direct toward the calibration column while the blending system is mixing the first substance and second substance.  FIG. 3  present an exploded view of the elements of the blending system S. 
     The control panel is electrically coupled to the solenoid valve and pump  5  to control the delivering of the two substances. The control panel further control the actuator mechanism that impart motion of the fluids inside the blending mechanism.  FIGS. 4A through 4B  are directed to the blending mechanism  1 , wherein said blending mechanism comprises at least a first substance inlet W, a second substance inlet P, a mixing chamber and an outlet O, as shown in  FIGS. 4A and 4B . In accordance with the principles of the current invention the inlet diameter entering the mechanism is desired to be the same as the mixed substance. Therefore, it is preferred that the same amount that is getting inside the blending mechanism be the same amount leaving the blending mechanism. For example, if a one inch diameter is used as an inlet the outlet could be two exits of a half each per exit. 
     The blending mechanism  1  comprises a chamber wherein said chamber comprises a first flange F 1 , a second flange F 2  and a cylinder mechanism CO extended between said flanges. Further inside said chamber an actuator mechanism, such as a submersible motor SM, a first retention mechanism  11 , a second retention mechanism  12 , a propeller IM and a high shear mixer HM is disposed. 
     The cylinder mechanism CO in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure the cylinder mechanism CO is made of a translucent material, such as clear plastic material. The distal ends of the cylinder mechanism CO are attached to the flanges by studs. The studs press the flanges against the cylinder mechanism CO at the respective distal end. In the instant case, sealing rings or robber gasket are used at the contacting area between the flanges F 1 , F 2  and the cylinder distal ends in order to avoid spilling of the substances outside the chamber. 
     As shown in  FIG. 5  and  FIG. 6  the top flange F 1  comprises several grooves to adjust the cylinder and the retention mechanisms. Further include inlets for the first substance W and second substance P. The first substance PA and second substance PB do not contact each other until reaching the first retention mechanism inside the chamber. Once inside the chamber the high shear mixer HM mixes the first substance and second substance. The impeller then pushes the mixed substance toward the actuator mechanism, such as submersible motor SM. The impeller IM and high shear mixer HM are attached to a shaft extension, wherein said shaft extension  10  is coupled to the motor shaft by a shaft coupling unit SH. The shaft rotation actuates the rotation of the impeller IM and high shear mixer HM. The mixed substance is directed to the second retention mechanism  12  by means of holes at the first retention mechanism  11 . The first retention mechanism  11  extends toward the submersible actuator SM. A coupling ring CP is used to connect the first retention mechanism  11  with the submersible actuator SM top surface. The connection between the first retention mechanism  11  and the submersible actuator SM avoid filtration of the mixed substance inside the first retention mechanism with the mixed substance outside of the first retention mechanism  11 . The shaft extension  10  further include (if preferred) buffer disks B 1 , B 2 . The buffer disks assist with the substance mixing. In accordance with the principles of the present disclosure the first retention mechanism  11  and second retention mechanism  12  are mechanically attached to the first flange F 1 . The retention disk RD attaches the first retention mechanism  11  to the second retention mechanism  12  creating a bottom surface for the second retention mechanism  12 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 6 , several mixing zones are provided during the mixing of the substances. The first zone Z 1  is the area wherein the substance collide for the first time inside the chamber. The second zone BZ is wherein the impeller pushes the mixed substance from the high shear mixer. The third zone RTZ is consider the retention zone wherein the substance are mixed more profoundly due to the interaction with the first retention mechanism walls. Further in accordance with the current configuration the mixed substance are directed to the second retention mechanism  12  through a first set of holes E 2  located at the first retention mechanism. The second retention mechanism surround the first retention mechanism  11  and receives the mixed substance. A fourth zone STZ is defined at the inner surface of the second retention mechanism  12 . Further, the mixed moved away from the inner wall of the second retention mechanism toward the outer surface trough a second set of holes E 3 . The mixed substance is then pushed away toward the outlet O passing through a transition retention zone TRZ. In accordance with the principles of the present disclosure the first retention mechanism  11  and second retention mechanism  12  are mechanically attached to the gaps G 1 , G 2  at the first flange F 1 . 
     The submersible actuator mechanism SM, such as a submersible motor, as shown in  FIG. 7 , is mechanically fixed to the second flange F 2 . The outlet O is coupled to the second flange F 2 . As mentioned before it is preferred that the outlet O comprises the same volume capability as the volume of the inlet at the first flange F 1  receiving the first and second substance getting inside the blending mechanism  1 . 
       FIG. 8  through  FIG. 10  are directed to the blending mechanism  1 .  FIG. 8  through  FIG. 10  show the assembling of the elements above mentioned. The submersible actuator SM is positioned inside the chamber created by the first flange F 1 , second flange F 2  and the cylindrical cover CO, wherein said cover is held in positioned between flanges F 1 , F 2  by means of studs. The inlet of flange F 1  receives the first substance and second substance. The coupling ring CP is intended to be positioned on top of the submersible actuator SM, as mentioned above. The shaft extension  10  may include several coupling units CH 1  to extend the shaft extension  10  to a preferred elongated distance. 
       FIG. 11 a    through  FIG. 11F  shows the connection of elements, as above mentioned, of the submersible motor SM, the first retention mechanism  11 , the second retention mechanism  12  and the high shear mixer HM and impeller IM. The first retention mechanism comprises a top cover  110 . The top cover surrounds the high shear mixer HM. Further the first retention mechanism  11  comprises a middle body  111 , wherein said middle body  111  comprises several holes permitting the flow of the mixed substance. Also the first retention mechanism  11  comprises a bottom body extended toward the submersible motor SM, wherein said bottom body is mechanically attached to the submersible motor. 
       FIG. 12 a    through  12  K are directed to the flow trajectory of the substance in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. The first retention mechanism receives the first substance and second substance. The substances are mixed by the high shear mixer and moves toward the bottom of the first retention mechanism  11 . The impeller moves the mixed substance toward the bottom of the first retention mechanism and assists with the mixing of the first and second substance. The mixed substance is directed to the second chamber through the holes E 1  at the middle body. The second retention mechanism  12  receives the mixed substance and direct the mixed substance toward the holes E 3  at the second retention mechanism. The mixed substance moves away the second retention mechanism  12  between the outer surface of the second retention mechanism and the cover CO. The mixed substance directs toward the outlet O located at the second flange F 2 . 
     The present blending mechanism  1  is intended to mix at least two substances inside a chamber before said mixed substance interacts with an outer environment. Therefor the present blending mechanism  1  is intended to be used in different environments wherein at least a first substance need to be mixed with a second substance before it is deployed to a preferred environment ET 1 -ET 7 . For example,  FIG. 13A  through  FIG. 13D  discloses the control mechanism C 1  coupled to the blending mechanism  1 , wherein said control mechanism, as explained above, controls the energy PW supplied to the actuator mechanism or motor M, the supplied first substance and supplied second substance. The energy, first substance PA and second substance PB is preferred to be delivered by a first line L 1 . As shown from  FIG. 14  through  FIG. 19 , the blending mechanism may be applied to provide a mixed substance for sea life, maintain clean waters, clean water from viscosity such as oil, separate water from sludge SL and others. 
     In summary of the previous sections, the disclosure presented here is structurally innovative, presents advantages not available at the moment with blending system, complies with all new patent application requirements and is hereby lawfully submitted to the patent bureau for review and the granting of the commensurate patent rights. 
     While the invention has been described as having a preferred design, it is understood that many changes, modifications, variations and other uses and applications of the subject invention will, however, become apparent to those skilled in the art without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of this invention after considering this specification together with the accompanying drawings. Accordingly, all such changes, modifications, variations and other uses and applications which do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention are deemed to be covered by this invention as defined in the following claims and their legal equivalents. In the claims, means-plus-function clauses, if any, are intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents but also equivalent structures. 
     All of the patents, patent applications, and publications recited herein, and in the Declaration attached hereto, if any, are hereby incorporated by reference as if set forth in their entirety herein. All, or substantially all, the components disclosed in such patents may be used in the embodiments of the present invention, as well as equivalents thereof. The details in the patents, patent applications, and publications incorporated by reference herein may be considered to be incorporable at applicant&#39;s option, into the claims during prosecution as further limitations in the claims to patentable distinguish any amended claims from any applied prior art.