Dynamically enhanced V-blender
US5938330A · kind A · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 5, 1998 |
| Grant date | Aug 17, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 5, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB01F35/20
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A study was done to compare the performance of a conventional V-blender to a V-blender that incorporates perturbations of the particle flow by rocking the mixing vessel during its normal rotation. Mixing was investigated using glass beads with sizes from 66.mu. to 600.mu. in vessels of approximately one liter volume. Mixture uniformity was assessed qualitatively, using two different methods. One method involved a transparent mixing vessel where it was possible to see particle flow patterns and assess the state of the mixture at its surface during the entire experiment. The second method involved disposable aluminum mixing vessels, where the mixture was solidified by infiltrating the mixture with a binder. By slicing the solidified structure, it was possible to assess the entire state of the mixture including its interior structure after the completion of each experiment. Mixture uniformity was also assessed quantitatively using image analysis of the slices. For both particle sizes, the extent of mixing was greatly enhanced using the rocking V-blender compared to the conventional V-blender.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.