Patent Document

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
   This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/963,079 filed on Oct. 12, 2004 now abandoned, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/271,611 filed on Oct. 15, 2002, which is now U.S. Pat. No. 6,802,639. 

   BACKGROUND 
   This application is directed to a homogenization device, and more particularly to a homogenization device having an adjustable orifice, and even more particularly to a homogenization device having an adjustable orifice for homogenization of a multi-component stream, having a liquid component and a substantially insoluble component that may be either a liquid or a finely divided solid. 
   In accordance with U.S. Pat. No. 4,127,332, there is disclosed a homogenization apparatus which provides an emulsion or colloidal suspension having an extremely long separation half-life by the use of cavitating flow. The prior art homogenization apparatus is constructed of a generally cylindrical conduit including an orifice plate assembly extending transversely thereacross and having an orifice opening provided therein. The orifice opening is described as embodying various designs such as circular blunt or sharp edged, square sharp edged and, a pair of substantially semi-circular annular segments. The homogenization process is effected by passing a multicomponent stream, including a liquid and at least one insoluble component, into a cavitating turbulent velocity shear layer created by the orifice opening through which the stream flows with a high velocity. The cavitating turbulent shear layer provides a flow regime in which vapor bubbles form, expand, contract and ultimately collapse. By subsequently exposing the turbulent shear layer to a sufficient high downstream pressure, the bubbles collapse violently and cause extremely high pressure shocks which cause intermittent intermixing of the multicomponent stream. As a result, a homogenized effluent of liquid and the insoluble component is generated which has a substantially improved separation half-life. 
   In accordance with the prior art homogenization apparatus, it is generally known that the effective intermixing of the multicomponent stream is dependent upon a number of factors, for example, upstream pressure, downstream pressure, conduit diameter, orifice diameter, etc. The most critical factor effecting the homogenizing quality and efficiency is generally considered to be the orifice diameter. U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,506,991 and 4,081,863 disclose emulsifier and homogenization devices having adjustable orifices to permit the operator to change and control the overall homogenizing quality and efficiency. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     In the accompanying drawings, embodiments of a tire, label, and method are illustrated that, together with the detailed description given below, describe example embodiments of the claimed invention. It will be appreciated that the illustrated boundaries of elements in the figures represent one example of the boundaries. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that one element may be designed as multiple elements or that multiple elements may be designed as a single element. An element shown as an internal component of another element may be implemented as an external component and vice-versa. 
     Further, in the accompanying drawings and description that follow, like parts are indicated throughout the drawings and description with the same reference numerals, respectively. The figures are not drawn to scale and the proportions of certain parts have been exaggerated for convenience of illustration. 
       FIG. 1  is a cross-sectional view taken along a longitudinal section of one embodiment of a homogenization device  10 . 
       FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view taken along section A-A of device  10  illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of flow-through channel  35  defined by cylindrical wall  40  having longitudinal slots  55  provided therein. 
       FIG. 4A  illustrates the effective length (EL) of the homogenization device  10  in one position. 
       FIG. 4B  illustrates the effective length (EL) of the homogenization device  10  in a second position after baffle element  70  is moved axially upstream to decrease the flow rate through the device  10 . 
       FIG. 4C  illustrates the effective length (EL) of the homogenization device  10  in a third position after baffle element  70  is moved axially downstream to increase the flow rate through the device  10 . 
       FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view taken along a longitudinal section of an alternative embodiment of a homogenization device  500 . 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
   Illustrated in  FIG. 1  is one embodiment of homogenization device  10 . The homogenization device  10  comprises a housing  15  having an outlet opening  20  for exiting fluid and dispersants from device  10  and an internal cylindrical chamber  25  (hereinafter referred to as “internal chamber  25 ”) defined by an inner cylindrical surface  30 . Internal cylindrical chamber  25  has a longitudinal axis A and is in fluid communication with outlet opening  20 . Although it is preferred that the cross-section of internal chamber  25  is circular, the cross-section of internal chamber  25  may take the form of any geometric shape such as square, rectangular, or hexagonal and still be within the scope of the present invention. 
   Device  10  further comprises a flow-through channel  35  defined by a cylindrical wall  40  having an inner surface  42 , an outer surface  44 , an inlet opening  46  for introducing fluid into device  10 , and an outlet opening  48 . Although it is preferred that the cross-section of flow-through channel  35  is circular, the cross-section of flow-through channel  35  may take the form of any geometric shape such as square, rectangular, or hexagonal. Flow-through channel  35  is coaxially disposed within internal chamber  25  thereby forming an annular space  50  between inner surface  42  of internal chamber  25  and outer surface  44  of flow-through channel  35 . Outlet opening  60  in flow-through channel  35  permits fluid communication between flow-through channel  35  and internal chamber  25  as indicated by arrow B. Cylindrical wall  40  includes a plurality of orifices, each taking the shape of a longitudinal slot  55 , provided therein to permit fluid communication between flow-through channel  35  and internal chamber  25  as indicated by arrows C. 
   Each longitudinal slot  55  has an upstream end  60  and a downstream end  65  defining a length (l) therebetween that is parallel to the direction of fluid flow, a width (w), and a height (h) as shown in  FIG. 3 . Although  FIGS. 1 and 2  illustrate four longitudinal slots  55  provided in cylindrical wall  40 , it will be appreciated that any number of slots less than or greater than four may be suitable for the present invention. Further, it will be appreciated that the longitudinal slots may take the form of other shapes (e.g., elliptical, rectangular, square, or any other geometric shape) or a series of orifices that are circular, elliptical, rectangular, square, or any other shape. 
   Each of the three dimensions of longitudinal slot  55 , either alone or in combination with each other, can impact a particular function of device  10 . The width of longitudinal slot  55 , indicated by dimensional arrows “w” as shown in  FIG. 3 , can determine the homogenizing quality and efficiency of device  10 . The height of longitudinal slot  55 , indicated by dimensional arrows “h” as shown in  FIG. 3 , can determine the product travel distance and, thus, can define the time interval during which energy is released. The length of longitudinal slot  55 , indicated by dimensional arrows “l” as shown in  FIG. 3 , can determine the flow rate of fluid through slot  55 . Therefore, by adjusting the length of longitudinal slot  55 , the flow rate of device  10  may be changed. Accordingly, to adjust the flow rate of device  10  while maintaining the homogenizing quality and efficiency of device  10 , the length (l) of slot  55  needs to be adjustable, while the width (w) of slot  55  needs to be maintained. 
   To accomplish the tasks of adjusting the length (l) of slot each  55  and maintaining the width (w) of each slot  55 , device  10  includes a baffle element  70  coaxially disposed within flow-through channel  35  and movable axially within flow-through channel  35  between upstream end  60  and downstream end  65  of slot  55 . Preferably, baffle element  70  includes a conically-shaped surface  75  wherein the tapered portion  80  of conically-shaped surface  75  confronts the fluid flow and a rod  85  is secured to a base portion  90  of baffle element  70 . Rod  85  is slidably mounted to housing  15  and is capable of being locked in a position by any locking means known in the art such as a threaded nut or collar (not shown). Rod  85  is connected to a mechanism (not shown) for axial movement of rod  85  relative to housing  15 . Such mechanism may be powered by a pneumatic, electric, mechanical, electromechanical, or electromagnetic power source. 
   Baffle element  70  directs a portion of fluid through the effective length of each slot  55 . The term “effective length” used herein refers to the axial distance between upstream end  60  of each longitudinal slot  55  and the base portion  90  of baffle element  70  as indicated by the dimensional arrows “EL” shown in  FIG. 4A . Since baffle element  70  is movable within flow-through channel  35  between upstream end  60  and downstream end  65  of each slot  55 , the effective length of each slot  55  may be changed thereby adjusting the flow rate of fluid through each slot  55 . Therefore, the flow rate of fluid through each longitudinal slot  55  is adjustable depending on the axial position of baffle element  70 . Although the effective length of longitudinal slot  55  is adjustable by axially moving baffle element  70 , the width (w) of slot  75  stays the same. Therefore, the homogenizing quality and efficiency of device  10  stays the same and is not affected by the change in flow rate through each slot  55 . Further, the passing of a portion of fluid through each slot  55  may generate a hydrodynamic cavitation field downstream from each slot  55  which further assists in the homogenization process. 
   Baffle element  70  is also capable of homogenizing fluid and generating a hydrodynamic cavitation field downstream from baffle element  70  via annular orifice  95 . Annular orifice  95  is defined as the distance between inner surface  42  of flow-through channel  35  and the perimeter of the base portion  90  of baffle element  70 . However, since annular orifice  95  maintains the same distance between inner surface  42  of flow-through channel  35  and the perimeter of the base portion  90  of baffle element  70  regardless of where baffle element  70  is moved within flow-through channel  35 , the flow rate of fluid through annular orifice  95  is constant. Although annular orifice  95  is ring-shaped because of the circular cross-section of baffle element  70  and the circular cross-section of cylindrical wall  40 , it will be appreciated that if the cross-section of flow-through channel  35  can be any other geometric shape other than circular, then the orifice defined between the wall forming flow-through channel  35  and baffle element  70  may not be annular in shape. Likewise, if baffle element  70  does not have a circular cross-section, then the orifice defined between the wall forming flow-through channel  35  and baffle element  70  may not be annular in shape. 
   To decrease the flow rate of fluid through each slot  55  and ultimately device  10 , baffle element  70  is moved axially upstream thereby decreasing the effective length of longitudinal slot  55  as indicated by the dimensional arrows “EL” shown in  FIG. 4B . In one example, if the effective length of each slot  55  is equal to 0, then fluid is prevented from passing through each slot  55  and all of the fluid passes through annular orifice  95  at a minimum flow rate. In this example, the flow rate through device  10  is at its minimum level because of the absence of fluid flow through slots  55 . 
   To increase the flow rate of fluid through each slot  55  and ultimately device  10 , baffle element  70  is moved axially downstream thereby increasing the effective length of longitudinal slot  55  as indicated by the dimensional arrows “EL” shown in  FIG. 4C . In another example, if the effective length of each slot  55  is equal to the length (l) of each slot  55 , then a portion of fluid passes through each slot  55  and the remaining portion of fluid passes through annular orifice  95 . In this example, the flow rate through device  10  is at its maximum level because the fluid is permitted to flow through the entire length (l) of each slot  55  and through annular orifice  95 . 
   To further promote the creation and control of cavitation fields downstream from baffle element  70 , baffle element  70  is constructed to be removable and replaceable by any baffle element having a variety of shapes and configurations to generate varied hydrodynamic cavitation fields. The shape and configuration of baffle element  70  can significantly effect the character of the cavitation flow and, correspondingly, the quality of dispersing. Although there are an infinite variety of shapes and configurations that can be utilized, several acceptable baffle element shapes and configurations are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,969,207, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety herein. 
   It will be appreciated that baffle element  70  can be removably mounted to rod  85  in any acceptable fashion. However, it is preferred that the baffle element threadedly engages rod  85 . Therefore, in order to change the shape and configuration of baffle element  70 , rod  85  must be removed from device  10  and the original baffle element unscrewed from rod  85  and replaced by a different baffle element which is threadedly engaged to rod  85  and replaced within device  10 . 
   In the operation of device  10 , a multi-component stream, having a liquid component and an insoluble component, is introduced into inlet opening  46  of device  10  at a relatively low velocity, but at a relatively high pressure generated by a pump (not shown) upstream from device  10 . The multi-component stream moves along arrow D through the inlet opening  46  and enters flow-through channel  35  where the multi-component stream encounters baffle element  70 . A portion of the multi-component stream is directed by baffle element  70  through the effective length of each longitudinal slot  55  creating a local constriction of flow. The local constriction forces the portion of the multi-component stream into internal chamber  25  at a high velocity as indicated by arrows C in  FIG. 1 . 
   As the multi-component stream is forced through the local constriction defined by the effective length (EL), width (w), and height (h) of each slot  55 , the multi-component stream is homogenized into a homogenized liquid caused by the energy release in the passageway and the hydrodynamic cavitation field created downstream from each slot  55 . The homogenizing quality and efficiency of the homogenized liquid depends on the width (w) of each slot  55 , while the flow rate of the multi-component stream through device  10  depends on the effective length (EL) of each slot  55 . The homogenized liquid exits device  10  via outlet opening  20 . 
   Due to the surface area controlled by baffle element  70  within flow-through channel  35 , the remaining portion of the multi-component stream is forced to pass between annular orifice  95  creating another local constriction, indicated by arrow E in  FIG. 1 , created between the outer diameter of the base portion  90  of baffle element  70  and inner surface  42  of flow-through channel  35 . By constricting the multi-component stream flow in this manner, the hydrostatic fluid pressure is increased upstream from annular orifice  95 . As the remaining portion of the high pressure multi-component stream flows through annular orifice  95  and past baffle element  70 , the remaining portion of the multi-component stream is homogenized caused by energy release as the remaining portion of the multi-component stream passes through annular orifice  95 . Further, a low pressure cavity is formed downstream from baffle element  70  which promotes the formation of cavitation bubbles. As the cavitation bubbles enter the increased pressure zone upstream past baffle element  70 , a coordinated collapsing of the cavitation bubbles occurs in a cavitation field, accompanied by high local pressure and temperature, as well as by other physio-chemical effects which initiate the progress of mixing, emulsification, homogenization, or dispersion. The resulting cavitation field, having a vortex structure, makes it possible for processing the liquid and insoluble components of the multi-component stream in flow-through channel  35  downstream from baffle element  70 . The processed multi-component stream exits flow-through channel  35  via outlet opening  48 , enters internal chamber  25 , and exits device  10  via outlet opening  20 . 
   If decreasing the flow rate of the multi-component stream through device  10  is desired, baffle element  70  can be moved axially upstream to decrease the effective length of each slot  55 . Rod  85  can be locked in place and the multi-component stream can then be introduced into inlet opening  46  to begin the homogenization process described above. If increasing the flow rate of the multi-component stream through device  10  is desired, baffle element  70  can be moved axially downstream to decrease the effective length of each slot  55 . Rod  85  can be locked in place and the multi-component stream can then be introduced into inlet opening  46  to begin the homogenization process described above. Once again, although the flow rate may be increased or decreased due to the adjustment of the effective length (EL) of each slot  55 , the homogenizing quality and efficiency stays the same because the width (w) of each slot  55  is maintained. 
   Illustrated in  FIG. 5  is an alternative embodiment of a homogenization device  500  that has two stages as opposed to the single stage homogenization device  10  described above and shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . Homogenization device  500  essentially includes two homogenization devices  10  arranged in series, while sharing the same rod  85  and having a single inlet opening  46  and outlet opening  20 . Although device  500  includes a single rod  85  controlling the axial movement of the baffle elements, it will be appreciated that a second rod may be provided to permit independent movement of each baffle element. Accordingly, homogenization device  500  comprises a second housing  515  having an internal cylindrical chamber  525  (hereinafter referred to as “internal chamber  525 ”) defined by an inner cylindrical surface  530 . Internal cylindrical chamber  525  shares longitudinal axis A and is in fluid communication with inlet opening  42  of the second stage assembly. Although it is preferred that internal chamber  525  is cylindrical shaped, internal chamber  525  may take the form of any shape such as square, rectangular, or hexagonal. Further, although homogenization device  500  includes two stages, it will be appreciated that more than two stages may be provided. 
   Device  500  further comprises a second flow-through channel  535  defined by a cylindrical wall  540  having an inner surface  542 , an outer surface  544 , an inlet opening  546  for introducing fluid into device  500 , and an outlet opening  548 . Although it is preferred that flow-through channel  535  is cylindrically shaped, flow-through channel  535  may take the form of any shape such as square, rectangular, or hexagonal. Flow-through channel  535  is coaxially disposed within internal chamber  525  thereby forming an annular space  550  between inner surface  542  of internal chamber  525  and outer surface  544  of flow-through channel  535 . Outlet opening  560  in flow-through channel  535  permits fluid communication between flow-through channel  535  and internal chamber  525  as indicated by arrow B. Cylindrical wall  540  includes a plurality of orifices, each taking the shape of a longitudinal slot  555 , provided therein to permit fluid communication between flow-through channel  535  and internal chamber  525  as indicated by arrows C. Each longitudinal slot  555  has an upstream end  560  and a downstream end  565  defining a length (l) therebetween that is parallel to the direction of fluid flow, a width (w), and a height (h) as shown in  FIG. 3 . Although  FIG. 5  illustrates four longitudinal slots  55  provided in cylindrical wall  40 , it is apparent that any number of slots less than or greater than four may be suitable. Further, it will be appreciated that the longitudinal slots may take the form of other shapes (e.g., elliptical, rectangular, square, or any other geometric shape) or a series of orifices that are circular, elliptical, rectangular, square, or any other shape. 
   Device  500  includes a second baffle element  570  coaxially disposed within flow-through channel  535  and movable axially within flow-through channel  535  between upstream end  560  and downstream end  565  of slot  555 . Preferably, baffle element  570  includes a conically-shaped surface  575  wherein the tapered portion  580  of conically-shaped surface  575  confronts the fluid flow and rod  85  is secured to a base portion  590  of baffle element  570 . Baffle element  570  directs a portion of fluid through the effective length of each slot  555 . Therefore, baffle element  570  is movable within flow-through channel  535  between upstream end  560  and downstream end  565  of each slot  555  to adjust the effective length of each longitudinal slot  555  thereby effecting the flow rate of fluid through each slot  555 . Although the effective length of longitudinal slot  55  is adjustable by axially moving baffle element  70 , the width (w) of slot  75  stays the same. Accordingly, the homogenizing quality and efficiency of device  10  stays the same and is not affected by the change in flow rate through each slot  555 . Further, the passing of a portion of fluid through each slot  555  generates a hydrodynamic cavitation field downstream from each slot  555  which further assists in the homogenization process. 
   Baffle element  570  is also capable of homogenizing fluid and generating a hydrodynamic cavitation field downstream from baffle element  570  via annular orifice  595  defined as the distance between inner surface  542  of flow-through channel  535  and the perimeter of the base portion  590  of baffle element  570 . However, since annular orifice  595  maintains the same distance between inner surface  542  of flow-through channel  535  and the perimeter of the base portion  590  of baffle element  570  regardless of where baffle element  70  is positioned within flow-through channel  535 , the flow rate of fluid through annular orifice  595  is constant. 
   In the operation of device  500 , a multi-component stream, having a liquid component and an insoluble component, is introduced into inlet opening  546  of device  500  at a relatively low velocity, but at a relatively high pressure generated by a pump (not shown) upstream from device  500 . The multi-component stream moves along arrow D through the inlet opening  546  and enters flow-through channel  535  where the multi-component stream encounters baffle element  570 . A portion of the multi-component stream is directed by baffle element  570  through the effective length of each longitudinal slot  555  creating a local constriction of flow. The local constriction forces the portion of the multi-component stream into internal chamber  525  at a high velocity as indicated by arrows C in  FIG. 5 . 
   As the multi-component stream is forced through the passageway defined by the effective length (EL), width (w), and height (h) of each slot  555 , the multi-component stream is homogenized into a homogenized liquid caused by the energy release in the passageway and the hydrodynamic cavitation field created downstream from each slot  555 . The homogenizing quality and efficiency of the homogenized liquid depends on the width (w) of each slot  555 , while the flow rate of the multi-component stream through device  500  depends on the effective length (EL) of each slot  555 . The homogenized liquid exits the first stage assembly of device  500  via internal chamber  525  and enters the flow-through channel  35  of the second stage assembly of device  500  as indicated by arrows F. The operation through the second stage assembly of device  500  is the same as described above. 
   Due to the surface area controlled by baffle element  570  within flow-through channel  535 , the remaining portion of the multi-component stream is forced to pass between annular orifice  595  creating another local constriction, indicated by arrow E in  FIG. 5 , created between the outer diameter of the base portion  590  of baffle element  570  and inner surface  42  of flow-through channel  535 . By constricting the multi-component stream flow in this manner, the hydrostatic fluid pressure is increased upstream from annular orifice  595 . As the high pressure multi-component stream flows through annular orifice  595  and past baffle element  570 , the remaining portion of the multi-component stream is homogenized caused by energy release as the remaining portion of the multi-component stream passes through annular orifice  595 . Further, a low pressure cavity is formed downstream from baffle element  570  which promotes the formation of cavitation bubbles. As the cavitation bubbles enter the increased pressure zone upstream past baffle element  570 , a coordinated collapsing of the cavitation bubbles occurs in a cavitation field, accompanied by high local pressure and temperature, as well as by other physio-chemical effects which initiate the progress of mixing, emulsification, homogenization, or dispersion. The resulting cavitation field, having a vortex structure, makes it possible for processing the liquid and insoluble components of the multi-component stream in flow-through channel  535  downstream from baffle element  570 . The processed multi-component stream exits flow-through channel  535  via outlet opening  548 , enters and exits internal chamber  525 , and enters flow-through channel  535  of the second stage assembly of device  500  as indicated by arrow G. The operation through the second stage assembly of device  500  is the same as described above. 
   If decreasing the flow rate of the multi-component stream through device  500  is desired, baffle elements  70 ,  570  can be moved axially upstream to decrease the effective length of each slot  55 ,  555 . Rod  85  can be located in place and the multi-component stream can then be introduced into inlet opening  546  to begin the homogenization process described above. If increasing the flow rate of the multi-component stream through device  500  is desired, baffle elements  70 ,  570  can be moved axially downstream to decrease the effective length of slot  55 ,  555 . Rod  85  can be locked in place and the multi-component stream can then be introduced into inlet opening  546  to begin the homogenization process described above. Once again, although the flow rate may be increased or decreased due to the adjustment of the effective length of each slot  55 ,  555 , the homogenizing quality and efficiency stays the same because the width (w) of each slot  55 ,  555  is maintained. 
   Regarding all embodiments described above, one skilled in the art would appreciate and recognize that the housing may be of unitary construction or may be constructed from a multiple number of parts to form such housing. Further, the inlet opening  46  and outlet opening  20  may or may not be directly provided in the housing. 
   To the extent that the term “includes” or “including” is used in the specification or the claims, it is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as that term is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “or” is employed (e.g., A or B) it is intended to mean “A or B or both.” When the applicants intend to indicate “only A or B but not both” then the term “only A or B but not both” will be employed. Thus, use of the term “or” herein is the inclusive, and not the exclusive use. See, Bryan A. Garner, A Dictionary of Modern Legal Usage 624 (2d. Ed. 1995). Also, to the extent that the terms “in” or “into” are used in the specification or the claims, it is intended to additionally mean “on” or “onto.” Furthermore, to the extent the term “connect” is used in the specification or claims, it is intended to mean not only “directly connected to,” but also “indirectly connected to” such as connected through another component or components. 
   While the present application illustrates various embodiments, and while these embodiments have been described in some detail, it is not the intention of the applicant to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention, in its broader aspects, is not limited to the specific details, the representative apparatus, and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the spirit or scope of the applicant&#39;s general inventive concept.

Technology Category: 7