Patent Document

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/529,617 filed on Sep. 2, 2009, which is a national phase application claiming priority to International Patent App. No. PCT/US2008/075366 filed on Sep. 5, 2008, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent App. No. 60/970,655, filed on Sep. 7, 2007, U.S. Provisional Patent App. No. 60/974,909, filed on Sep. 25, 2007, U.S. Provisional Patent App. No. 60/978,932, filed on Oct. 10, 2007, U.S. Provisional Patent App. No. 61/012,334, filed on Dec. 7, 2007, U.S. Provisional Patent App. No. 61/012,337, filed on Dec. 7, 2007, U.S. Provisional Patent App. No. 61/012,340, filed on Dec. 7, 2007, and U.S. Provisional Patent App. No. 61/037,032, filed on Mar. 17, 2008. All the preceding applications are incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The invention relates to dynamic mixing of fluids. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Mixing components of a mix is well known. The basic criterion for defining efficiency of a mixing process has been those parameters that define the uniformity of a resultant mix. But, the efficiency of a mixing process is better defined not only as the uniformity of the resultant mix, but should also include consideration of process parameters such as energy expense, process development time, stability of the condition of the mix, kinetic energy of the mix, as well as other considerations. 
         [0004]    In some technologies there is a desire to mix various components having different properties such as organic and/or inorganic liquids, liquids and gases, various gases with various properties, such as natural gas, hydrogen or other gases, and a gas oxidizer that is air or oxygen. 
         [0005]    Some effective known methods of mixing use what is known as a dynamic effect for process intensification and influence of a mix. Examples include those that use eductors, atomizers, or venturi devices that are more effective than mechanical mixing devices, and which generally dynamically affect only one component of a mix. Some systems and devices have limitations due to requirements for high energy inputs and the need to dynamically mix two or more components. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    In one aspect, the invention relates to technologies of dynamic influence on various fluid environments, their mixing, and intensification of their level of kinetic energy. 
         [0007]    More particularly, the technologies can be extended to areas of mixing of various liquids and/or gases, in various controllable proportions and combinations, with full and constant control of key parameters of the process, thereby defining the quality and parameters of a mix. The parameters may include velocity, pressure, direction, and level of kinetic energy. 
         [0008]    In some embodiments, the technologies have application to areas that employ the results of dynamic mixing of fluids of various origins, organic and/or inorganic, having various physical and chemical properties, and degrees of activity. For example, the principles can apply to processes of mixing of liquids and liquids, liquids and gases, gases and aerosols, gases with gases, in various combinations and proportions. More particularly, the technologies can be employed in processes and devices for preparation of fuel mixes, for processes of technological mixing in all industries, and for a multitude of other non-industrial uses. 
         [0009]    Embodiments concern technologies from which the properties of a mix and the change of properties of components of a mix result from the control of the dynamic parameters of a mixing process using a device having no moving parts. As a result of the dynamic influences on the mix components, the level of kinetic energy of the mix components change as does the level of kinetic energy of the resultant mix. 
         [0010]    The invention therefore also concerns the resultant changes that arise from the combination of effects from various kinds of dynamic influence on components of a mix during the mixing process. 
         [0011]    In some embodiments, a method of dynamic mixing of component streams to form a mixed stream is disclosed, the component streams including at least a first fluid stream and a second fluid stream. In the method, the integrated intensification of the kinetic energy level of the fluid streams is achieved with simultaneous transformation of the fluid properties of the mixed stream. 
         [0012]    In some embodiments, the method includes: providing at least two integrated concentric contours that are configured to simultaneously direct fluid flow and transform the kinetic energy level of the first and second fluid streams, and directing fluid flow through the at least two integrated concentric contours such that, in two adjacent contours, the first and second fluid streams are input in opposite directions. 
         [0013]    As a result, a zone of accumulation of kinetic energy of a mix is formed at the junction of the adjacent contours such that the stream of mix components which were originally input in opposite directions change direction and become co-terminus and mix. 
         [0014]    As the component streams of the mix move into the zone of accumulation, the physical effects acting on each stream of each contour are combined, increasing the kinetic energy of the mix and transforming the mix from a first kinetic energy level to a second kinetic energy level, where the second kinetic energy level is greater than the first kinetic energy level. Each of the at least two integrated concentric contours operates independently. 
         [0015]    In some embodiments, the first fluid stream is a liquid and the second fluid stream is a gas. In other embodiments, the first fluid stream is a first liquid and the second fluid stream is a second liquid. In other embodiments, the first fluid stream is a first gas and the second fluid stream is a second gas. In other embodiments, each of the at least two integrated contours includes no moving parts. In still other embodiments, each of the specified contours operates independently of the other contour, and employ one of the known dynamic physical principles of turbulence, such as the Bernoulli Effect. 
         [0016]    In some embodiments, a method is disclosed which provides dynamic mixing of at least a first fluid stream and a second fluid stream to provide a mixed stream having increased kinetic energy and transformed properties. In such embodiments, the first fluid stream includes a liquid and the second fluid stream includes a gas. 
         [0017]    The method includes the following method steps: providing at least two integrated concentric contours that are configured to simultaneously direct fluid flow and transform the energy level of the first and second fluid streams, and directing fluid flow through the at least two integrated concentric contours such that, in two adjacent contours, the first and second fluid streams are input in opposite directions, and a third fluid stream is added to the mixed stream in a direction perpendicular to the flow direction of the mixed stream. 
         [0018]    As a result, a zone of accumulation of kinetic energy of a mix is formed at the junction of the adjacent contours such that the stream of mix components which were originally input in opposite directions change direction and become co-terminus and mix. As the component streams of the mix move into the zone of accumulation, the physical effects acting on each stream of each contour are combined, increasing the kinetic energy of the mix and transforming the mix from a first kinetic energy level to a second kinetic energy level, where the second kinetic energy level is greater than the first kinetic energy level. Each of the at least two integrated concentric contours operates independently. 
         [0019]    In some embodiments, a method is disclosed which provides dynamic mixing of at least a first fluid stream and a second fluid stream to provide a mixed stream having increased kinetic energy and transformed properties. In such embodiments, the method includes the following method steps: providing at least two concentric vortex generating contours that are configured to simultaneously direct fluid flow and transform the energy level of the first and second fluid streams, and directing fluid flow through the at least two concentric vortex generating contours such that the fluid streams are input into one of the vortex generator contours, are mixed, and are provided with increased kinetic energy. In addition, a mixed stream flows from one of the vortex generator contours to a subsequent vortex generator contour, such that each subsequent vortex generator contour further strengthens the effect of transformation of the prior contour and further increases the turbulent energy of the component in the mix, a vortex spiral is formed in the center of the vortex generating contours, the spiral including a third fluid stream moving in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the linear streams of the mixed stream output from the vortex generating contours. 
         [0020]    As a result, each of the at least two concentric vortex generating contours operates independently. 
         [0021]    In some embodiments, the first and second streams are gases. In other embodiments, the first and second streams are liquids. In other embodiments, the first stream is a liquid and the second stream is a gas. In other embodiments, the at least two concentric vortex generating contours work together to direct fluid flow and transform the energy level of the first and second fluid streams. In still other embodiments, each of the at least two concentric vortex generator contours operates with no moving parts. 
         [0022]    In some embodiments, the methods result in a mix of liquid and gas components, the mix containing a group of gaseous-liquid capsules consisting of gas bubbles having internal pressure more than atmospheric pressure, and the gas bubbles including a coating on the surface of the gas bubbles formed of dynamically mixed liquid components. 
         [0023]    In some embodiments, the coating on the surface of the gas bubbles further comprises spherical coatings on the surface of gas bubbles. In some embodiments, the gas components are input into the mix as gas bubbles with an internal pressure greater than atmospheric pressure, and the group of gaseous-liquid capsules include compact groups of gaseous-liquid capsules in which the capsules are in contact with each other on polar points of the capsules&#39; spherical surface coating. 
         [0024]    In some embodiments, a method is disclosed which provides dynamic mixing of at least one liquid stream and a gas stream to form a mixed stream. In such embodiments, the method includes: dynamic dispersal of a first liquid stream and transformation of the first liquid stream from a first level of kinetic energy to a second level of kinetic energy, where the second level is greater than the first level; formation of an external ring zone of lowered pressure in a zone of maximal dispersal of the first liquid stream; simultaneously with dynamic dispersal of the first liquid stream and transformation of the first liquid stream, dynamic dispersal of the gas stream and transformation of the gas stream from a third level of kinetic energy to a fourth level of kinetic energy, where the fourth level is greater than the third level; formation of an internal ring zone of lowered pressure concentric to the external ring zone of lowered pressure, in a zone of maximal dispersal of the gas stream; input of a second liquid stream into a coaxial ring zone of lowered pressure of the second liquid stream; dynamically mixing the second liquid stream with the first liquid stream; simultaneously with dynamically mixing the second liquid stream with the first liquid stream, inputting the gas stream into the mixed first and second liquid streams, the gas stream including a stream of gaseous bubbles under pressure; and mixing of the gas stream with the first and second liquid streams, under conditions in which the volume of the resultant mixed stream is continuously compressed and the internal pressure of the gas bubbles in the capsules is increased and their diameters are reduced, resulting in formation of groups of gaseous-liquid capsules having gas bubbles therein. 
         [0025]    In some embodiments, the methods result in a mix of two or more fluid streams. The mix contains a first fluid stream directed to move tangentially with respect to an axis at a radial distance from the axis, and a second fluid stream directed to move linearly in the axial direction and intersect the first fluid stream, portions of the first fluid stream intersecting the second fluid stream at regular intervals along the axis. The mix of the two or more fluid streams moves in a spiral flow path about the axis. 
         [0026]    In some embodiments of the mix, the first fluid stream comprises a first gas stream and the second fluid stream comprises a second gas stream. In other embodiments, the first fluid stream comprises a gas stream and the second fluid stream comprises a liquid stream. 
         [0027]    In some embodiments, a method is disclosed which provides dynamic mixing of two or more gas streams to form a mixed stream. In such embodiments, the method includes: formation of a first gas stream; controlling and regulating at least one of the direction, the velocity, the pressure and the kinetic energy of the first gas stream; uniformly distributing at least a second gas stream into the first gas stream in a direction tangential to a flow direction of the first gas stream; using the flow of the second gas stream to form a vortex spiral concentric to the direction of flow of the first gas stream; and controlling and regulating at least one of the direction, the velocity, the pressure and the kinetic energy of the mixed stream to synchronize the flow of the mixed stream with that of the first gas stream. 
         [0028]    In some embodiments, the vortex generator contours may be applied to mixing and activation of gases. For example, the vortex generator contours may have application to the extraction of water from exhaust gases of an engine. In another example, the device may be used to mix and activate a fuel mix. The vortex generator contour, which is applied in vortex devices to achieve mixing and activation of gases, provides the additional benefit of allowing cooling effect greater than that from only throttling of pressure or adiabatic expansion of the compressed air leaving tangential channels of the specified generator. 
         [0029]    In the device, pressurized fluid is directed into the ring channel of the housing of the vortex generator, and from there through transit channels, acts in the tangential channels of the device, and exits forming a vortex spiral. On exit from the tangential channels in the housing of the vortex generator, adiabatic expansion of the fluid occurs according to the Joule-Thompson effect and the temperature of the fluid decreases proportionally to a difference in the pressure of expansion. During an output of the fluid from tangential channels of the device and adiabatic expansion, the vortex spiral is formed. This establishes conditions for occurrence of the Ranque Effect and results in a further decrease in temperature. Cumulative decreases in temperature in the streams of fluid also cool the housing of the vortex generator below the temperature of air. During compression in the compressor, the temperature of the fluid increases and, at its input in the collecting ring channel of the housing of the vortex generator contour, a primary condensation of water occurs and the temperature of the fluid thus decreases. 
         [0030]    On output from tangential channels at adiabatic expansion, there is a second stage of cooling which is defined by a difference in pressure before and after adiabatic expansion. By a change of pressure, the temperature changes, providing a temperature of at or below the dew-point. Thus, if temperature in a stream of air is below zero, water in air freezes and turns to ice crystals. Exhaust gases act in the central channel of the housing of the vortex generator contour in which a contact surface is created. Hot exhaust gases contact a cold surface of the housing of the vortex generator contour, which causes a reduction of temperature. Water, which is a part of the exhaust gas, is condensed on the cooled contact surface. 
         [0031]    Features of the devices, systems and methods described herein, whether for dynamic mixing and activation of several fluid components, mixing, cooling and extraction of water from several gas components, or for cooling a stream of compressed air and extracting potable water from it, include the positive kinetic energy effects gained by overlapping several widely known physical principles in one device with no moving parts and internal geometries within to further enhance these effects. The benefits include the formation of liquid, gaseous, or combination streams with higher kinetic energy at lower energy inputs to achieve a desired result, in smaller devices with more simplified designs and lower operating costs. 
         [0032]    In addition, the ability to overlap various effects from the several physical phenomena and further enhance them with internal energy enhancing geometries, permits the development of new mixes of various liquid and/or gas components which may otherwise not be achievable with less intensive mixing and activating methods. 
         [0033]    The overall improvement in kinetic energy production may be in excess of 5× what is otherwise available from other devices inputting the same energy. 
         [0034]    The benefits of these new mixes and the methods to produce them when applied to mixing fuels also promote more efficient fuel burning, better control over combustion processes, and new and improved approaches to efficient system design in many applications. 
         [0035]    Examples of basic principles that are applied include several examples. For dynamic mixing and activation of several fluid components, for example, liquids with liquids, gases with gases, or liquids with gases, simultaneous action and mutual influence of the Bernoulli Effect in a stream of a liquid and The Bernoulli Effect in a stream of a gas (Control of this process by only control of the liquid and gas pressures). For dynamic mixing, cooling and extraction of water from several gas components and for cooling a stream of compressed air and extracting potable water from it, continuous overlapping of the cooling effect from adiabatic expansion (Joule-Thompson phenomena) and of Ranque Effect phenomena. 
         [0036]    In addition to the underlying basic principles, examples of other geometric designs within the devices further strengthen the cumulative effects that arise from application of the technologies include: transformation of a hydraulic stream from a stream with a round cross-section to a stream with a ring cross-section, creating turbulence and enabling greater penetration of gas components into the overall liquid volume; formation of consecutive volumetric zones of lowered pressure and the input of the various components of mixes at higher pressures into these zones causing intensive mixing; and formation of hydraulic and pneumatic passageways that accelerate fuel components as well as to create vortices and turbulence. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0037]    The present invention is explained with reference to the drawings. 
           [0038]      FIG. 1A  is a diagrammatic view of a mixing device; 
           [0039]      FIG. 1B  is a sectional view of the device of  FIG. 1A ; 
           [0040]      FIG. 1C  is a sectional view of the device of  FIG. 1A  disposed within a pipeline; 
           [0041]      FIG. 1D  is a diagrammatic view of elements of two contours for dynamic mixing and activation of various fluids; 
           [0042]      FIG. 1E  is a diagrammatic view of turbulent flow in pipe; 
           [0043]      FIG. 1F  is a diagrammatic sectional view of  FIG. 1E ; 
           [0044]      FIG. 2A  is a diagrammatic view of the device of  FIG. 1A  to which a third contour is attached; 
           [0045]      FIG. 2B  is a sectional view of the device of  FIG. 2A ; 
           [0046]      FIG. 3A  is a block diagram of an embodiment of a combined device for dynamic mixing and activation; 
           [0047]      FIG. 3B  is a block diagram of another embodiment of a combined device for dynamic mixing and activation; 
           [0048]      FIG. 4A  is a diagram of an individual vortex generator contour used in systems of dynamic vortex mixing and activation; 
           [0049]      FIG. 4B  is a side sectional view as seen along line A-A of  FIG. 4A ; 
           [0050]      FIG. 4C  is a diagram of two dynamic vortex mixing contours; 
           [0051]      FIG. 4D  is a diagram of two dynamic vortex mixing contours; 
           [0052]      FIG. 4E  is a diagram of two dynamic vortex mixing contours; 
           [0053]      FIG. 4F  is a diagram of two dynamic vortex mixing contours; 
           [0054]      FIG. 5A  is an exploded view block diagram of a device for dynamic vortex mixing and the activation containing two concentric and connected vortex generator contours; and 
           [0055]      FIG. 5B  is a block diagram of a device for dynamic mixing and the activation containing four connected concentric vortex generator contours. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0056]      FIGS. 1A-1F  illustrate an embodiment of the fluid mixing device  300  which consists of two concentric contours  100 ,  200  for dynamic mixing and activation of fluids in a consecutive mode of two components of a mix.  FIGS. 1A-1D  include the following features: 
         [0057]      101 ,—A first component of a mix; 
         [0058]      102 ,—An entrance channel of the first contour  100 , in which the first component of a mix  101  enters the device  300 ; 
         [0059]      103 ,—A housing of the first contour  100 ; 
         [0060]      104 ,—A zone of change of a direction of movement of a stream of the second component of a mix  109 ; 
         [0061]      105 ,—A reflector with external  119  and internal  118  reflecting surfaces. The first external reflecting surface  119  is on a course of movement of a first stream of components of a mix (corresponding to the first component  101 ) to a contour  100 , and the internal reflecting surface  118  is on a course of movement of a second stream of components of a mix (corresponding to the second component  109 ) to a contour  200 ; 
         [0062]      106 ,—A ring zone established on the border between the first  100  and second  200  contours in which there is an addition of energy characteristics as the component streams enter zone  106  of the energy previously gained by each of the component streams in the low pressure zones of each of the contours  100  and  200 . The preliminary activated turbulent streams of components of a mix from contour  100  and contour  200  are output into zone  106  and these two streams are mixed due to creation of increased low pressure on all surfaces of zone  106 . These low pressure areas have the effect of pulling the component streams from contour  100  and contour  200  onto the surfaces of the contours within zone  106  thereby combining the kinetic energy of each of the streams; 
         [0063]      107 ,—A ring zone in which the final formation of a mix occurs; 
         [0064]      108 ,—A housing of the second contour  200  in which the second component of a mix  109  enters, in a direction opposite to a direction of movement of the first component  101  of a mix; 
         [0065]      109 ,—A second component of a mix; 
         [0066]      110 ,—A output of a mix from the second contour  200 ; 
         [0067]      111 ,—A location corresponding to a change of a direction of a stream of the second component of a mix  109 ; 
         [0068]      112 ,—A conical ring extending channel for dispersal within the limits of the first contour  100  of the first component of a mix  101 ; 
         [0069]      113 ,—A conical ring extending channel for dispersal within the limits of the second contour  200  of the second component of a mix  109  after change of a direction of movement; 
         [0070]      114 ,—A conical ring surface of the second contour  200  on which the internal area of low pressure in a stream of the second component of a mix  109  is created, after passing a dispersal stage; and 
         [0071]      115 ,—A conical ring surface of the first contour  100  on which the external area of low pressure in a stream of the first component of a mix  101  is created, after passage of a stage of dispersal. 
         [0072]    Referring now particularly to  FIGS. 1C-1F , two consecutive contours for dynamic mixing in a pipeline are shown. In  FIG. 1D , two combined contours  100 ,  200  for dynamic mixing are shown. The double reflector  105  is the basic element which connects the first contour with the second contour wherein the external conical surface  119  of reflector  105  is incorporated as a working component of the first contour  100  and the internal conical surface  118  of reflector  105  is incorporated as a working component of the second contour  200 .  FIGS. 1C-1F  include the following features: 
         [0073]      116 ,—the pipeline in which the dynamic mixing of at least two various components of a mix occurs; 
         [0074]      117 ,—a reflector which is incorporated as a working component of the second contour  200 ; 
         [0075]      118 ,—an internal conical surface of the reflector  105  which is incorporated as a working component of the second contour  200 ; 
         [0076]      119 ,—an external conical surface of the reflector  105  which is incorporated as a working component of the first contour  100 ; 
         [0077]      120 ,—top of an external conical surface of the reflector  105  which is incorporated as a working component of the first contour  100 ; 
         [0078]      121 ,—apertures or channels in the housing  108  of the second contour  200  which disperse the second component of a mix  109  before changing the direction of its flow. 
         [0079]    The following process describes the mechanism of mixing the components of a mix: 
         [0080]    In device  300 , the first component of a mix  101  enters into the channel  102  within housing  103  of the dynamic mixing contour  100 . At this stage, the stream of the first component of a mix has certain parameters and a first level of turbulence. 
         [0081]    Upon meeting with the top  120  of the external conical surface  119  of reflector  105 , the stream of the first component of a mix  101  will be volumetrically transformed from cylindrical to conical shape which extends as the stream flows. 
         [0082]    This transformation occurs as the conical surface  124  in housing  103  of contour  100  and the conical surface  119  of reflector  105  form the conical channel  112 . In the conical channel  112 , the stream of the first component of a mix  101  changes its parameters of speed and pressure in such a manner that, on output from channel  112 , the flow rate increases which reduces the local pressure in ring zone  106 , especially in a zone adjoining to the conical surface  115  which is an extension of conical surface  124 . 
         [0083]    Due to a difference in pressure in the stream of the first component of a mix in channel  112  and the lower pressure on the surface  115 , there is a further cross-section pulling effect that draws the stream of the first component of a mix to the surface  115 . 
         [0084]    Simultaneously with the flow and transformation of the first component of a mix, the second component of a mix  109  enters into the housing  108  of contour  200  in a direction opposite to a direction of movement of the stream of the first component of a mix  101 . 
         [0085]    As the second component of mix  109  flows along the surfaces of the reflector  117  in housing  108 , its volumetric form changes and becomes a ring section stream as it passes through apertures  121  in housing  108 . and the stream of the second component of a mix gains linear speed and increases its level of turbulence. 
         [0086]    In this condition, on output from apertures  121 , the stream of the second component of a mix hits in the internal conical surface  118  of reflector  105  and then changes its direction of movement to the opposite direction, coinciding with the direction of movement of the stream of the first component of a mix  101 . 
         [0087]    The stream  109  enters in conic channel  113 , which is created by the internal conical surface  118  of reflector  105  and the external conical surface of housing  108 . In channel  113 , the stream of the second component of a mix also increases its linear speed of movement and a local area of low pressure is formed on surface  114 . 
         [0088]    Due to a difference in pressure in the stream of the second component of a mix in channel  113  and the lower pressure on the surface  114 , there is a further cross-section pulling effect that draws the stream of the second component of a mix to the surface  114 . 
         [0089]    As surfaces  114  and  115  are both in ring channel  106 , this mutually drawing of streams of the first and second components of the mix to surfaces  114  and  115  provides a high efficiency of hashing and simultaneous accumulation of the kinetic energy of the two streams. 
         [0090]    The final establishment of the new parameters and properties of the stream of the combined mix after transformation, with at least the summation of the kinetic energy of each of the two component streams, occurs in the ring zone  107 . 
         [0091]    In comparison to the mixing device  300 , turbulent flow in a hollow pipeline  116  is illustrated in  FIGS. 1E-1F . In these figures,  123  represents a region of turbulent flow along the inner surfaces of the pipeline  116 , and  122  represents a region of laminar flow within, and coaxial with, pipeline  116  and region  123 .  FIGS. 1E-1F  include the following features: 
         [0092]      116 ,—the pipeline in which the stream of a component of a mix flows. 
         [0093]      122 ,—a cylindrical region of laminar flow. 
         [0094]      123 ,—an annular region of turbulent flow. 
         [0095]    Depending on an initial condition of a stream moving in a pipeline  116 , the level of turbulence can be changed. At any initial level of turbulence in the pipeline, the stream has a lower level of turbulence in the center of the flow than on periphery of the pipeline. Thus application of conical reflectors within a pipeline (as provided in mixing device  300 ) allows a stream to be moved to a peripheral zone of the pipeline and to receive the greatest possible turbulence without addition of energy to the system, using only that kinetic energy which was in the initial stream of the mix component. 
         [0096]    In mixing device  300 , as speed of movement of a stream of the first component of a mix  101  within the limits of contour  100  and speed of movement of a stream of the second component of a mix  109  within the limits of contour  200  increases in the conical ring section channels, and they are output on surface  115  of contour  100  and surface  114  of contour  200 , zones of lower pressure are formed and there is a dynamic mixing of the two streams and thus there is at least a summation of the kinetic energy stored within each of the streams. 
         [0097]    At the output from contour  100  and the output from contour  200 , both streams of components of a mix have the cross-sectional form of a conical ring which extends in the direction of movement of both streams. For this reason, at their integration, the mix receives the greatest possible level of turbulence without the addition of any external energy in ring zone  106  and through its continuation ring zone  107 . 
         [0098]    The mix, which has finally issued in ring zone  107 , has a level of kinetic energy equal at least to the sum of levels of kinetic energy of each of streams. In addition, the linear vector of speed at mixing two streams coincides with a linear vector of the axial effort developed by each streams, which increases the total level of kinetic energy of the integrated stream of a mix on output from the channel  107 . 
         [0099]      FIG. 2A  shows an embodiment of the device for dynamic mixing and activation consisting of two concentric contours  100  and  200  to which a third contour is attached in the location of their connection. Other additional contours can also be attached in the same area. The area of attachment is in an area of external low pressure that forms a ring zone in which the kinetic energy of each incoming stream is increased due to the difference between the higher pressure of the incoming stream and the low pressure in the ring zone. 
         [0100]    Contours  100  and  200  can be used in combination with additional contours which join with the first two. In the additional contours, a direction of movement of a stream of a component of a mix in the additional contours is perpendicular to the direction of movement of components of the mix in contours  100  and  200 . 
         [0101]    In  FIGS. 2A and 2B , additional contours  202  are shown of which there can be more than one, and in which the additional component of a mix  201  flows. In contours  100  and  200 , contour  202  is connected to ring zone  106  by means of channels  203  and  204 . The additional component of a mix  201  under the influence of a pressure lower in ring zone  106  than in the channels  203  and  204 , flows into ring zone  106  where it mixes with the turbulent streams of components of a mix  101  and  109 . By means of this method of mixing in an existing configuration of contours of dynamic mixing in zone  106  of contours  100  and  200 , only the kinetic energy of components of a mix  101  and  109  are needed to dynamically mix them with additional streams of additional components  201 . 
         [0102]    Two or more mixing devices  300  can be combined to form a combined device. As seen in the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 3A and 3B , a combined device can consist of multiple serially consecutive mixing systems  304 ,  305 , each of which can have two or more contours. For example, in the combined device shown in  FIG. 3B , which is a combined device for dynamic mixing and activation in which two mixing systems  304 ,  305  are employed, the first system  304  is connected to the second system  305  in a junction of its contours, and the mix  302  from the first system  304  is one of components of a mix of the second system  305 . In addition to the component of a mix of the second system  305 , there is an input (for example at  308  or  309 ) from a tank not connected with the first system  304 . Thus the mix  302 , is the first component submitted on mixing in system  305 , which also consists of two integrated contours  100  and  200 . 
         [0103]    In system  305 , this complex component consisting of a mix of components  301 ,  306  and  307  mixes with components  308  and  309 , and when this mix outputs from system  305  in a mix  303 , its components are  301 ,  306 ,  307 ,  308  and  309 . 
         [0104]      FIGS. 3A and 3B  include the following features: 
         [0105]      301 ,—A first component of a mix of the first system  304 . The first component  301  is input into the first contour  100  of the first system  304 ; 
         [0106]      302 ,—A mix generated in the first system  304 . In  FIG. 3A , the mix  302  generated in the first system  304  is input into the first contour  100  of the second system  305 . In  FIG. 3B , the mix  302  generated in the first system  304  is input by means of the second contour  200  of the second system  305 ; 
         [0107]      303 ,—A mix leaving the second system  305 ; 
         [0108]      304 ,—A first system. The first system  304  includes three contours  100 ,  200 ,  203 ; 
         [0109]      305 ,—A second system. The second system  305  includes three contours  100 ,  200 ,  203 ; 
         [0110]      306 ,—An third component of a mix which enters the first system  304  by means of the third contour  203  of the first system  304 ; 
         [0111]      307 ,—A second component of a mix which enters the first system  304  through the second contour  200  of the first system  304 ; 
         [0112]      308 ,—A fourth component of a mix which enters the second system  305  by means of the third contour  203  of the second system  305 ; 
         [0113]      309 ,—A fifth component of a mix which enters the second system  305  through the second contour  200  of the second system  305 ; and 
         [0114]      310 ,—A first component of a mix of the second system  305 . In  FIG. 3B , the first component  310  is input into the first contour  100  of the second system  305 . 
         [0115]      FIG. 4A  is a diagram of an individual vortex generator contour  400  showing tangential channels  404  of the vortex generator contour  400  used in systems of dynamic vortex mixing and activation, and  FIG. 4B  is the view seen along line A-A of  FIG. 4A . The vortex generator contour  400  includes an axial cylindrical channel  403 , and plural tangential channels  404  extending tangentially inward from the axial cylindrical channel. The ends of tangential channels  404  open into the axial cylindrical channel, and a vortex spiral  407  is formed within the axial cylindrical channel  403  around a stream of one of the components of a mix. 
         [0116]      FIGS. 4A and 4B  include the following features: 
         [0117]      401 ,—Transit apertures for submission of one of the component mixes to tangential channels  404  and for the subsequent transformation of their incorporated stream to a vortex spiral  407 ; 
         [0118]      402 ,—A housing of the vortex generator contour  400 ; 
         [0119]      403 ,—An axial cylindrical channel in which a vortex spiral  407  is formed. When at least two individual vortex generator contours  400  and  500  are axially connected, the connected vortex generator contours  400 ,  500  share the axial cylindrical channel  403 , which includes the tangential channels  404  belonging to each of the specified vortex generator contours  400 ,  500 ; 
         [0120]      404 ,—A tangential channel. The tangential channel  404  is a groove formed in an end face of the housing  402 ; 
         [0121]      405 ,—A first wall of the tangential channel  404  being a tangent to a cylindrical surface of the axial cylindrical channel  403 ; 
         [0122]      406 ,—A second wall of the tangential channel  404 ; 
         [0123]      407 ,—An output of a stream of a component of a mix from the tangential channel  404  in the axial cylindrical channel  403 , shown in the beginning of process of formation of a vortex spiral; 
         [0124]      408 ,—A basic flange of the vortex generator which is intended for creation of the fourth wall of the tangential channels  404 ; When two or more vortex generator contours  400 ,  500  are connected together into one system tangential channels  404  are formed from walls  405  and  406  in housing  402 , and flange  408  completely encloses, as the fourth wall, the other three walls  402 , 405 ,  406  of the tangential channels  404 ; and 
         [0125]      409 ,—A ring channel which stores a stream of a component of a mix and allocates a stream of a component of a mix between transit apertures  401 . 
         [0126]    In  FIGS. 4C ,  4 D,  4 E, and  4 F, models of two linearly integrated contours  400 ,  500  are shown, each of which represents an individual vortex generator contour. 
         [0127]      400 ,—the first vortex generator contour on the flow of a component of a mix, having five tangential channels  404 ; and 
         [0128]      500 ,—the second vortex generator contour, on the flow of a component of a mix also having five tangential channels  404 . 
         [0129]    The method of dynamic mixing within the limits of the number of vortex generator contours is now described with respect to  FIG. 5A , as follows: In the embodiment of  FIG. 5A , the device for dynamic vortex mixing and activation includes two coaxial and connected vortex generator contours  503 ,  505 . There is a summation of kinetic energy in a linear stream  501 , as the first components of a mix form a vortex pipe on output of each of five tangential channels  404  and add kinetic energy to the stream. After that, the mix  504  on an output from the vortex generator contour  503  has the incorporated kinetic energy and in such condition enters into the second vortex generator contour  505 . The mix  504  is increased in energy within the second vortex pipe, and on an output from the second vortex generator contour  505 , kinetic energy of the integrated stream of  507  mixes and combines at least the total level of kinetic energy of linear stream of  501  and the kinetic energy added within the two vortex pipes generated in vortex generator contours  503  and  505 . 
         [0130]    In  FIG. 5B , another embodiment of the device for dynamic mixing and activation is shown which includes four coaxially connected vortex generator contours. All coaxial vortex generator contours should be identical in size when two or more vortex generator contours are connected. In particular, all the vortex generator contours connected in one consecutive system should have equal outside diameters and equal diameters of the axial cylindrical channel  403  in which the vortex spiral is formed. The overall length of the connected vortex generator contours may vary. 
         [0131]      FIGS. 5A and 5B  include the following features: 
         [0132]      501 ,—A first stream of a component of the mix. The first stream  501  enters the first axial cylindrical channel  403  of the first vortex generator contour  503 ; 
         [0133]      502 ,—An input of a stream of a component of a mix which forms a vortex spiral in the axial cylindrical channel  403  within the first vortex generator contour  503  by movement of a stream within the first vortex generator contour  503 ; 
         [0134]      503 ,—A first vortex generator contour; 
         [0135]      504 ,—A mix produced in vortex generator contour  503  which is a component of a mix on an input into the second vortex generator contour  505 ; 
         [0136]      505 ,—A second vortex generator contour; 
         [0137]      506 ,—An input of a stream of a component of a mix which forms a vortex spiral in the axial cylindrical channel  403  within the second vortex generator contour  505  by movement of a stream within the second vortex generator contour  505 ; 
         [0138]      507 ,—A mix on an output from the second vortex generator contour  505 ; 
         [0139]      508 ,—An input of a stream of a component of a mix which forms a vortex spiral by movement of a stream within the third vortex generator contour  509 ; 
         [0140]      509 ,—A third vortex generator contour; 
         [0141]      510 ,—An input of a stream of a component of a mix which forms a vortex spiral in the axial cylindrical channel  403  of the fourth vortex generator contour  511  on a course of movement of a stream within the fourth vortex generator contour  511 ; and 
         [0142]      511 ,—A fourth vortex generator contour. 
         [0143]    The method of mixing of a first component of a mix with a second component of a mix includes the following: 
         [0144]    The first component of a mix  101 , which in some embodiments may be a liquid, is input into the entrance channel  102  of the first contour  100 . By doing so, the form of the input stream will be transformed. That is, stream  101  component of a mix flowing thru  102  and further on to external surface  119  of reflector  105  will be transformed to a conical ring stream, and after that the stream enters into the conical ring channel  112  formed by a conical surface  124  in the housing  103  and the external conical surface  119  of reflector  105 . The transformed stream is dispersed in the conical ring channel  112 . At the output of the conical ring channel  112 , a ring zone  106  of lowered pressure is formed on the ring conical area  115 . The lowered pressure zone  106  acts on a stream of a liquid component of a mix to an extent that is equivalent to a difference of pressure in a stream of a liquid component of a mix  112  and pressure in the field of low pressure  106 . 
         [0145]    Simultaneously with the effect of the lowered pressure zone  106 , the stream of the second component of the mix  109  is input into the housing  103 . In some embodiments, the second component of the mix  109  may include a compressed gas. The compressed gas is input into the housing  108  of the second contour  200 , in which it also will be transformed. After a change of a direction of movement in a zone  104  in the second contour  200 , the stream enters into the conical ring channel  113  where it is dispersed, and on an output of the channel forms the second zone of the lowered pressure in the same zone  106  on conical ring surface  114 . The effort which starts to act on a stream of a gas component and is transferred to a stream of a liquid component thus is equivalent to a difference of pressure in a stream of a gas component of a mix and pressure in the zone of low pressure  106 . 
         [0146]    Thus in zones  106  and  107  there is at least a strengthening of the kinetic potential of streams of components of a mix with the simultaneous diffusive penetration of a stream of the compressed gas component into a stream of a liquid component. The resultant level of kinetic potential includes all possible components of kinetic energy which can be received in each specific application situation in view of all factors which can affect the kinetic energy level. The level of kinetic energy is the actual level of energy in the stream of a component of a mix, which is less than the kinetic potential of the stream. Communication exists between zones  106  and  107  since zone  106  is that zone in which the output of two streams of mixed components of a mix is carried out and the zone  107  is continuation of a zone  106 . In zone  107 , the stream of a mix is finally output and in it the final level of the kinetic energy of the mix stream is established. 
         [0147]    With creation on surfaces  114  and  115  of maximum levels of low pressure, a stronger penetration of a compressed gas component stream into the liquid component of a mix occurs. The force of penetration of the gas component into the liquid component increases based upon the difference of pressure between the area of low pressure and the pressure in each of streams, and the kinetic potential of the mix and its components. The resultant level of kinetic potential includes all possible components of kinetic energy which can be received in each specific application situation in view of all factors which can affect the kinetic energy level. The level of kinetic energy is the actual level of energy in the stream of a component of a mix, which is less than the kinetic potential of the stream. The system behaves similarly both with mixing a liquid with a liquid and with mixing a gas with gas. 
         [0148]    When mixing more than two components within the limits of two incorporated contours, each additional component is involved in the incorporated zone of the lowered pressure, and both the further mixing and the increase of kinetic potential occur similarly as with a method of mixing two components. The resultant level of kinetic potential includes all possible components of kinetic energy which can be received in each specific application situation in view of all factors which can affect the kinetic energy level. The level of kinetic energy is the actual level of energy in the stream of a component of a mix, which is less than the kinetic potential of the stream. The quantity of vortex generator contours for mixing and activation can be variously increased to any number greater than two. In each vortex generator contour, identical methods of mixing and activation of two components of a mix occur. The resultant level of kinetic potential includes all possible components of kinetic energy which can be received in each specific application situation in view of all factors which can affect the kinetic energy level. The level of kinetic energy is the actual level of energy in the stream of a component of a mix, which is less than the kinetic potential of the stream. 
         [0149]    Using the technique of vortex mixing, a linear stream is formed of one liquid or gas component of a mix in the axial cylindrical channel  403  of the vortex generator contour  400 , and around it the vortex generator contour  400  processes a second component of a mix through its tangential channels  404 . A vortex spiral  407  is then created in the axial cylindrical channel  403  of the vortex generator contour as the linear and spiral component streams mix to form an integrated stream. A force vector is created within the vortex spiral  407  which coincides with the direction of movement of a stream of the first component of a mix and this force vector increases the level of turbulence of the integrated stream and raises its level of kinetic potential. The resultant level of kinetic potential includes all possible components of kinetic energy which can be received in each specific application situation in view of all factors which can affect the kinetic energy level. The level of kinetic energy is the actual level of energy in the stream of a component of a mix, which is less than the kinetic potential of the stream. Applications employing vortex generator contours and methods may be configured with any number of vortex generator contours that may be connected in linear as well as non-linear configurations or combinations thereof, providing flexibility in design as well as meeting the varying requirements for different levels of kinetic energy that may arise from one unique application to another or within a specific application.

Technology Category: 7