The invention relates to an apparatus for mixing additive with liquid.

Need for mixing one or more additive(s) with liquid may emerge for various reasons. Usually this need relates to dissolving of air in water, e.g. aerating lakes etc. natural water basins, or with effluent or sewage water treatment. It is known great number of methods and apparatuses for said purposes. Nevertheless, there are still need for more effective and less power consuming method and apparatus for said purpose.

Viewed from a first aspect, there can be provided an apparatus for mixing one or more additive(s) with liquid comprising a vortex channel for receiving liquid entering the apparatus, the vortex channel comprising at least one guide vane arranged to guide the liquid, the guide vane arranged divergently to the longitudinal axis of the vortex channel for creating a main vortex in the liquid, a dispersion channel arranged downstream to the vortex channel, the dispersion channel comprising at least one dispersion vane arranged divergently the longitudinal axis, the dispersion vane comprising plurality of mini blades arranged perpendicular or at least essentially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the dispersion channel, a bubbling module arranged downstream to the dispersion channel, the bubbling module comprising at least one perforated bubbling wall through which the liquid is arranged to flow, and an ejector module for feeding additive into said liquid, the ejector module being arranged upstream of the bubbling module. Thereby a simple and highly effective apparatus for mixing additive with liquid may be achieved.

The apparatus is characterised by what is stated in claim 1. Some other embodiments are characterised by what is stated in the other claims. Inventive embodiments are also disclosed in the specification and drawings of this patent application. The inventive content of the patent application may also be defined in other ways than defined in the following claims. The inventive content may also be formed of several separate inventions, especially if the invention is examined in the light of expressed or implicit sub-tasks or in view of obtained benefits or benefit groups. Some of the definitions contained in the following claims may then be unnecessary in view of the separate inventive ideas. Features of the different embodiments of the invention may, within the scope of the basic inventive idea, be applied to other embodiments.

In one embodiment the bubbling module is an impulse energy bubbling module, wherein the perforated bubbling wall is arranged in a form of an inner cone tapering preferably in direction opposite to flowing direction of the liquid. Thereby quick impulse energy which results a quick diffusion may be achieved.

In one embodiment the bubbling module is a fine bubbling tube, the perforated bubbling wall of which being arranged in a form of a cylinder, the longitudinal axis of the cylinder being arranged preferably concurrent with the longitudinal axis of the fine bubbling tube. Thereby slower diffusion phenomena may be achieved.

In one embodiment the rotational direction of the dispersion vane is directed oppositely in comparison with the rotational direction of the guide vane. Thereby an intensified mixing and diffusion may be achieved.

Some embodiments illustrating the present disclosure are described in more detail in the attached drawings, in which

• Figure 1 is a schematic side view of an example apparatus arranged in a pipeline,
• Figure 2 is a schematic side view of another example apparatus arranged in a pipeline,
• Figure 3 is a schematic side view of a detail of an example apparatus in partial cross-section,
• Figure 4 is a schematic side view of another detail of an example apparatus in partial cross-section,
• Figure 5 is a schematic side view of schematic side view of a third detail of an example apparatus in partial cross-section,
• Figure 6a is a schematic side view of a fourth detail of an example apparatus in partial cross-section,
• Figure 6b is a schematic perspective view of the detail shown in Figure 6a in partial cross-section,
• Figure 6c is a schematic end view of the detail shown in Figure 6a in partial cross-section,
• Figure 7 is a schematic side view of a fifth detail of an example apparatus in partial cross-section,
• Figure 8a is a schematic side view of a sixth detail of an example apparatus in partial cross-section,
• Figure 8b is a schematic end view of the detail shown in Figure 8a in partial cross-section,
• Figure 8c is a schematic cross-section view of a part of the detail shown in Figure 8a,
• Figure 8d is a schematic top view of a part of the detail shown in Figure 8c,
• Figure 8e is a schematic cross-section view of a part of a detail of an example apparatus in partial cross-section,
• Figure 9a is a schematic side view of a third example apparatus arranged in a dam, and
• Figure 9b is a schematic front view of the example apparatus shown in Figure 9a in partial cross-section.

In the figures, some embodiments are shown simplified for the sake of clarity. Similar parts are marked with the same reference numbers in the figures.

Figure 1 is a schematic side view of an example apparatus arranged in a bypass 7 of a pipeline 6.

The pipeline 6 may be a part of an apparatus for processing or handling liquid L.

Liquid L may be water, e.g. process water or waste water of an industrial process, municipal waste water, waterworks water, water of agricultural activities, municipal or other drainage water, natural water from natural water basins etc. Alternatively, the liquid L may be any viscose material that is needed to aerate or disperse with air, oxygen, ozone or any other disperse agent.

The flowing direction D of liquid is shown by arrows.

The main components of the apparatus 1 comprise a vortex channel 2, an ejector module 3, a dispersion channel 4, and a bubbling module 5.

The vortex channel 2 is arranged to receive liquid L entering the apparatus 1. The structure and features of the vortex channel 2 are discussed more detailed later in this description, in connection with Figure 3.

The ejector module 3 comprises means for feeding additive A into liquid L. The additive A may comprise gas, liquid and/or solid material, e.g. in particle or powder form.

Said gas may comprise, for instance, oxygen, nitrogen, ozone, hydrogen, carbon oxide, carbon dioxide, hydrochloric acid etc. The gas may also comprise one or more dispersing agent(s) with or without surfactants, or a mixture of two or more gases, such as air.

The dispersing agent(s) may be material for preventing formation of bio-fouling or biofilms in e.g. waste water treatment or industrial processes. According to an embodiment the dispersing agent disperses bacterial slime and/or increase the efficiency of biocides.

The structure and features of the ejector module 3 are discussed more detailed later in this description, in connection with Figures 3 - 5.

The dispersion channel 4 is arranged downstream to the vortex channel 2 and upstream to the ejector module 3. The dispersion channel 4 comprises at least one liquid guide. The structure and features of the dispersion channel 4 are discussed more detailed later in this description, in connection with Figures 6a - 6c.

The bubbling module 5 is arranged downstream to the vortex channel 2, the ejector module 3 and the dispersion channel 4. The bubbling module 5 comprises at least one perforated bubbling wall through which the liquid L is arranged to flow. The structure and features of the bubbling module 5 are discussed more detailed later in this description, in connection with Figures 7, 8a and 8b.

In the embodiment shown in figure 1 the ejector module 3 is arranged between the dispersion channel 4 and the bubbling module 5. It is to be noted, however, that other orders of said components are also possible.

The apparatus 1 may comprise one or more valve(s) 8a, 8b, and 8c. It is possible to control the flow of liquid L by said valves. One may, for instance, close first valve 8a completely and open second and third valves 8b, 8c, thereby leading all liquid L to flow through the bypass 7 and the apparatus 1. Alternatively, one may close second or third valve 8b, 8c, thereby prohibiting liquid L to flow through the apparatus 1, etc.

Figure 2 is a schematic side view of another example apparatus arranged in a pipeline. This apparatus 1 is arranged in a pipeline 6 like the apparatus shown in Figure 1. The main difference compared to the apparatus of Figure 1 is that the apparatus of Figure 2 is arranged in two bypasses 7a, 7b of the pipeline 6.

The bypasses 7a, 7b are juxtaposed and liquid L entering the apparatus may be divided to flow either one or both of the bypasses 7a, 7b by controlling valves 8a - 8e. It is also possible, of course, to prevent any liquid L entering the bypasses 7a, 7b by closing completely valves 8b and 8d.

Another difference is that the ejector module 3a, 3b is fitted between the vortex channel 2a, 2b and the dispersion channel 4a, 4b, respectively. One of the advantages of the invention is that the configuration of the apparatus 1 may be customized according to the demands of the application. Thus the modules and channels may be arranged in various orders and their numbers in the apparatus may also vary.

The bubbling module 5a, 5b is arranged downstream to the dispersion channel 4a, 4b, respectively.

According to an embodiment, the modules, channels and further elements constituting the first bypass 7a may be identical with the modules, channels and further elements constituting the second bypass 7b. In other words, the bypasses 7a, 7b are identical.

According to another embodiment, the first bypass 7a has at least one module, channel or further element that is different form the second bypass 7b. Said difference(s) may exist in, for instance, the vortex channel 2a, 2b, the ejector module 3a, 3b, the dispersion channel 4a, 4b and/or the bubbling module 5a, 5b. This kind of solution allows realizing alternative processing steps of liquid L in the apparatus 1.

According to an embodiment, the first ejector module 3a comprises means for feeding liquid chemicals into liquid L, whereas the second ejector module 3b comprises means for feeding air into liquid L.

According to an embodiment, the first bubbling module 5a is an impulse energy bubbling module, whereas the second bubbling module 5b is a fine bubbling tube. The structure and features of the impulse energy bubbling module and the fine bubbling tube are discussed more detailed later in this description.

It is to be noted that the number of the bypasses may be more than two.

Figure 3 is a schematic side view of a detail of an example apparatus in partial cross-section. The vortex channel 2 is basically a pipe the longitudinal axis of which is shown by reference symbol X. The cross-section of the inner surface or a flow directing wall 11 of the vortex channel 2 may be circular, oval, polygonal etc. Liquid L is arranged to enter to the vortex channel 2 in direction shown by an arrow L.

The vortex channel 2 comprises at least one guide vane 14 arranged to guide liquid L.

At least the trailing edge of the guide vane 14 is arranged divergently making thus a flow directing angle α to the longitudinal axis X of the vortex channel 2. The flow directing angle α may be e.g. 5° - 45° depending on the flow velocity. The flow rate of liquid L and flow directing angle α may be linked to each other by a principle according to which the lower the flow rate the bigger the flow directing angle α. The flow directing angle α is preferably chosen so that turbulent flows are eluded and losses minimized.

The leading edge of the guide vane 14 may be parallel with the longitudinal axis X of the vortex channel 2, and the guide vane 14 turning gradually from parallel or 0° angle to the flow directing angle α.

Following said at least one guide vane 14, liquid L is caused to flow in a rotational manner in a main vortex V.

The guide vane(s) 14 are fastened in a vortex cartridge 10. The vortex cartridge 10 comprises a wall constituting the flow directing wall 11 and a flange 15 which positions the cartridge 10 inside the vortex channel 2.

The vortex cartridge 10 is attached in a detachable way to the vortex channel 2. Thus the guide vane(s) 14 can be removed from and replaced by new ones quickly. The cartridge 10 makes it easier to change and decontaminate the guide vanes 14, thus preventing of growth of bacterial strains can be effectively realized.

It is possible, of course, to realize the vortex channel 2 without the vortex cartridge 10.

The embodiment of the vortex channel 2 shown in Figure 3 is one and the same element with an ejector module 3. Said ejector module 3 is arranged downstream to the vortex channel 2. It is to be underlined, however, that the vortex channel 2 the ejector module 3 may be separate elements, e.g. as shown in Figures 1 and 2.

The ejector module 3 comprises at least one ejector conduit 12. The number of ejector conduits may be e.g. 1 - 10. Multiple ejector conduits 12 are preferably arranged circumferentially in the flow directing wall 11.

The ejector conduits 12 are arranged to feed one or more additive(s) A into liquid L.

The suction effect of liquid L passing the ejector conduit may be the only force that forces the additive A into liquid L. This is a very simple and inexpensive feeding system. The angle α₂ of the ejector conduits 12 is then preferably same or essentially same with the flow directing angle α. It is to be noted, however, that the angle α₂ can also be chosen so that it is essentially different as the flow directing angle α.

In another embodiment the additive A is pressurized in order to intensify flow of the additive into liquid L.

The shape, length, number, placing, dimensions etc. of the ejector conduit 12 may vary. The ejector conduit 12 may be just an opening in the flow directing wall 11.

Deviating from the embodiment shown in Figure 3, one or more guide vane(s) 14 may extent to past and upstream the ejector conduits 12.

Length L₂₊₃ of the vortex channel 2 and the ejector module 3 is preferably 2xD - 5xD, wherein D corresponds to inner diameter of the vortex channel 2. Length L₂ of the vortex channel 2 is preferably 0.5x L₂₊₃ to 0.7x L₂₊₃.

Figure 4 is a schematic side view of another ejector module of an example apparatus in partial cross-section.

The features of the ejector module 3 are essentially similar as in the ejector module shown in Figure 3, except that the ejector module 3 is now separate from the vortex channel 2.

The length L₃ of ejector module is preferably equal to the inner diameter D of the module. The distance L₁₂ from the upstream end of the module to the ejector conduits 12 is preferably 0.3xD.

Figure 5 is a schematic side view of third ejector module of an example apparatus in partial cross-section. This ejector module 3 is especially meant to feeding of gaseous additives G to liquid L. Also additives in powder and/or liquid form may be fed by the ejector module 3 shown in Figure 5. The ejector conduits 3 have been connected to a distributor chamber 13 that surrounds the ejector module 3. The distributor chamber 13 distributes gas G fed therein evenly in the ejector conduits 12 and to liquid L.

Figure 6a is a schematic side view of a dispersion channel of an example apparatus in partial cross-section, Figure 6b is a schematic perspective view of the dispersion channel shown in Figure 6a in partial cross-section, and Figure 6c is a schematic end view of the dispersion channel shown in Figure 6a in partial cross-section.

The dispersion channel 4 comprises a tube 16 having open ends. Liquid enters the dispersion channel 4 in one end as shown by an arrow L and leaves the dispersion channel through opposite end. The length L₄ of the dispersion channel is preferably 2xD - 5xD.

Inside the tube 16 there is arranged at least one dispersion vane 18. Preferably, there are two or more dispersion vanes 18, e.g. two, three, four, five or even more dispersion vanes 18. In embodiments having a great tube diameter D there may be as much as hundred or more dispersion vanes 18 in the dispersion channel 4.

The dispersion channel 4 comprises a dispersion cartridge 17 that comprises a wall constituting the flow directing wall 11 and a flange which positions the cartridge 17 inside the dispersion channel 4. The cartridge 17 makes it easier to change and decontaminate the dispersion vanes 18, thus preventing of growth of bacterial strains can be effectively realized.

It is possible, of course, to realize the dispersion channel 4 without the dispersion cartridge 17.

The dispersion vane 18 is arranged divergently the longitudinal axis X in a twisting or turning way in the tube 16, as best shown in Figure 6b. According to an embodiment, the dispersion vane 18 is arranged twisting or turning in opposite direction in comparison with the guide vanes 14 in the vortex channel 2 of the apparatus. As a result is thus oppositely rotating vortexes, which intensifies the mixing of liquid. At the same time, however, the oppositely rotating vortexes may remain alive or continuous in a tubular way, which may intensify the efficiency of the diffusion especially in case of contaminated liquid, e.g. waste water.

The dispersion vane 18 comprises a great number of mini blades 19 in its edge closest to the longitudinal axis X. The mini blades 19 are arranged perpendicular or at least essentially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X.

At least some, but preferably all, of the mini blades 19 are turned in opposite direction relative to the turning direction of said dispersion vane 18. The turning angle of the end of each of the mini blade 19 is preferably same and in range of 5° - 40°. The width of the mini blade 19 may be e.g. 2 - 100 mm. The flow directing angle α may be selected e.g. in range of 5° - 45° depending on the flow velocity.

The flow of liquid L is turned and divided into tiny vortexes rotating in opposite direction to main vortex V by mini blades 19. The tiny vortexes may enhance the dissolving of additives into liquid.

Figure 7 is a schematic side view of an impulse energy bubbling module of an example apparatus in partial cross-section. The impulse energy bubbling module 5' is one alternative of various constructions of bubbling modules 5.

The impulse energy bubbling module 5' comprises a first perforated bubbling wall 24a that is arranged in a form of an inner cone 22. The diameter of the inner cone 22 is essentially smaller than the inner diameter D of the impulse energy bubbling module 5'. Furthermore, the impulse energy bubbling module 5) comprises a second perforated bubbling wall 24b in form of truncated outer cone 23 that surrounds at least partly the inner cone 22. The truncated outer cone 23 is arranged to taper in opposite direction in comparison with the inner cone 22. The inner cone 22 tapers preferably in direction opposite to flowing direction of the liquid L as shown in Figure 7.

The tapering angle α₃ of the inner cone is preferably 20° - 45°, and the tapering angle α₄ of the outer truncated cone is also preferably 20° - 45°. The bigger is the tapering angle, the bigger is the efficiency of the diffusion effect and resistance of the flow.

The function of the impulse energy bubbling module 5' is based on quick impulse energy which results a quick diffusion.

As shown in Figure 7, there may be plurality of inner cones 22 and/or outer cones 23 arranged consecutively in flowing direction of the liquid L. according to an embodiment, however, the impulse energy bubbling module 5' comprises only one inner cone 22 and one outer cone 23.

The perforated bubbling wall 24a, 24b comprises holes which are preferably round in shape and having diameter of 0,5 mm - 2 mm.

The cones 22, 23 may be attached to an impulse energy bubbling module cartridge 21 that attached in a detachable way to the tube 20.

The diameter D_B of the bubbling module is preferably 1.2xD - 2xD, wherein D is diameter described earlier in this description. The length L_5" is preferably 1.5x D_B - 10x D_B.

Figure 8a is a schematic side view of a bubbling module of an example apparatus in partial cross-section, Figure 8b is a schematic end view of the bubbling module shown in Figure 8a in partial cross-section, Figure 8c is a schematic cross-section view of a cylinder shown in Figure 8a, Figure 8d is a schematic top view of a part of the cylinder shown in Figure 8c, and Figure 8e a schematic cross-section view of another cylinder.

The bubbling module is a fine bubbling tube 5" wherein three perforated bubbling walls 24a, 24b, 24c are arranged in a form of cylinders 27. The longitudinal axis of each of the cylinders 27 is preferably concurrent with the longitudinal axis X of the fine bubbling tube 5" as shown in Figure 8a. The number of the cylinders 27 may be less or more than three. The cylinders 27 are supported by supports 28 and attached to a detachable fine bubbling tube cartridge 26. The cartridge 26 makes it easier to change and decontaminate the bubbling module, thus preventing of growth of bacterial strains can be effectively realized. The cylinders 27 may also be attached directly to the tube 25.

The diameter D_B of the bubbling module is preferably 1.2xD - 2xD, and the length L_5" is preferably 1.5x D_B - 10x D_B.

The function of the fine bubbling tube 5" is based on a slower diffusion phenomena compared to the impulse energy bubbling module 5'. The fine bubbling tube 5" gives more time for the diffusion to take place.

Figures 8c and 8d show an embodiment of the first perforated bubbling wall 24a. It is to be noted here that all bubbling walls may have similar structure with the first bubbling wall 24a or, alternatively, at least one perforated bubbling wall may have structure that differs from first bubbling wall 24a.

The bubbling wall 24a may comprise projections 29. The projection 29 may have one or more hole(s) 30 that opens up to the flowing direction of liquid L.

As liquid L flows over the projection 29, its flowing speed will increase. Fast flowing liquid L creates a sucking effect in the hole 30 which may increase dissolving additives in liquid L.

The projection 29 may be manufactured e.g. by partial die cutting etc. The shape, size, number, placing etc. of the projections 29 may vary.

The projection 29 may have a point-form shape as shown in Figures 8c, 8d but, alternatively, it may have a ridge-like form the dimension of which is substantially larger in first direction than in second direction. Said first direction may be transversal to the flowing direction of liquid L.

As shown in Figure 8e, the bubbling wall 24a may comprise pits 31 and at least one hole 30 arranged to join obliquely to the pit 31. The direction of the hole 30 is preferably selected so that its end in the pit 31 directs downstream of the flowing direction of liquid L such that a low pressure is created in the hole 30 by liquid flowing by.

The hole 30 may have a constant diameter, or alternatively it may be conical as shown in Figure 8e.

Figure 9a is a schematic side view of a third example apparatus arranged in a dam, and Figure 9b is a schematic front view of the example apparatus shown in Figure 9a in partial cross-section.

Multiple of apparatuses 1 are arranged into a dam 33 for handling water of a basin 34. The number of apparatuses 1 is here six, but naturally their number can vary. All the apparatuses 1 may have identical structure or, alternatively, they may have differences in their modules and channels.

The apparatus 1 shown in Figure 9a comprises a vortex channel 2 for receiving water from the basin 34, a dispersion channel 4 arranged downstream to the vortex channel 2 for receiving vortical water therefrom, an ejector module 3 for adding additive A in water coming from the dispersion channel 4, a bubbling module 5 for enhancing dissolving the additive in water, and an outlet channel 32 for water exit.

The apparatus 1 may be aligned to fall away from the basin 34 as shown in Figure 9a, but this is always not necessary.

The apparatus may have one or more of the next advantages:

• The efficiency of dissolving additive with liquid is high thanks to multiple vortexes and/or turbulent flow of liquid, long flowing path of liquid molecules, throw-out phenomena taking place in the vortex channel and/or in the dispersion channel, and great number of small sized vortexes generated in liquid in the bubbling module.
• There is no need for any drive unit for carrying out the mixing process.
• Cleaning and maintenance of the apparatus is easy.
• A mixing process having high quality and cleanness may be achieved.
• Growth of bacterial strains can be effectively prevented.
• The structure of the apparatus is simple, durable and inexpensive to manufacture.

The invention is not limited solely to the embodiments described above, but instead many variations are possible within the scope of the inventive concept defined by the claims below. Within the scope of the inventive concept the attributes of different embodiments and applications can be used in conjunction with or replace the attributes of another embodiment or application.

The drawings and the related description are only intended to illustrate the idea of the invention. The invention may vary in detail within the scope of the inventive idea defined in the following claims. 1 apparatus 2, 2a, b vortex channel 3, 3a, b ejector module 4, 4a, b dispersion channel 5, 5a, b bubbling module 6 pipeline 7 ,7a, b bypass of pipeline 8a, b, c valve 9 tube 10 vortex cartridge 11 flow directing wall 12 ejector conduit 13 distributor chamber 14 guide vane 15 flange 16 tube 17 dispersion cartridge 18 dispersion vane 19 mini blade 20 tube 21 impulse energy bubbling module cartridge 22 inner cone 23 outer cone 24a, b, c perforated bubbling wall 25 tube 26 fine bubbling tube cartridge 27 cylinder 28 support 29 projection 30 hole 31 pit 32 outlet channel 33 dam 34 basin α angle A additive D diameter D_B diameter of bubbling module G gas L liquid L₂ length of vortex channel L₂₊₃ length of vortex channel and ejector module L₃ length of ejector module L₄ length of dispersion channel L₁₂ distance to ejector conduit V main vortex X longitudinal axis