DEVICE FOR MIXING FLUIDS

Abstract

 It is provided a device (1) for mixing fluids comprising:
- a tank (2) comprising a pressurised chamber (20) capable of allowing the formation of a fluid mixture by interaction between an aqueous liquid and a gaseous fluid under pressure, a first inlet duct (20a) capable of continuously conveying the aqueous liquid into the chamber (20) from the external, a second inlet duct (20b) capable of continuously conveying the gaseous fluid into the chamber (20) from the outside and comprising a valve (5), an outlet duct (20c) capable of continuously conveying, in a continuous manner, the fluid mixture to the external, a level probe (3) capable of generating a level signal when it detects that the fluid mixture has reached a predetermined level within the chamber (20), a processor (4) operatively connected to the level probe (3) and the valve (5), wherein the processor (4) is configured to close the second inlet duct (20b) by means of the valve (5) for a period of time at least equal to the duration of the level signal so as to prevent oversaturation of the fluid mixture.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for mixing fluids of the type specified in the preamble to the first claim.

[0002] In particular, the present invention relates to a device for mixing fluids having a principal use in the food and health sector and as a drinking and non-drinking water improvement.

[0003] Similar devices are described in patent applications KR-A-20200142964 and CN-A-108854610.

[0004] Several devices for mixing fluids at industrial level are currently known. In particular, devices for mixing liquids and gaseous fluids are considered. The objective of these devices is to allow and/or maximise the transfer of matter from one phase to another and thus obtain a single new phase.

[0005] In particular, these devices work continuously: the liquid and gaseous phases are continuously fed to the device by means of inlet ducts, and the phase resulting from mixing is continuously drawn from an appropriate outlet duct.

[0006] The agitated vessels are the mixing equipment par excellence, as they are suitable for use in a wide range of industrial processes. An agitated vessel basically consists of a tank, usually cylindrical, fitted with a flanged lid and equipped with a mechanical agitator. The agitator is generally in an axial position and is driven by a motor. A certain volume of liquid is contained within the tank while the gaseous current is fed laterally or from below, via a suitable duct, into the liquid phase. The mechanical agitation thus allows intimate mixing between the two phases. This type of device is mainly used for processes involving chemical reactions between the two phases and, therefore, when adequate contact time is to be ensured.

[0007] In cases where mainly physical mixing is desired, more efficient technical solutions are known. Such solutions involve the use of gas-liquid contactors in the form of columns. The columns may include plates or fillers in order to maximise the contact surface between the two phases. These solutions generally involve the downward supply of the liquid and the upward supply of the gas stream. The counter-current contact and the presence of elements such as plates or fills allows the transfer of matter from the gaseous phase to the liquid phase to be maximised.

[0008] The known technique described includes some important drawbacks.

[0009] In particular, conventional agitated vessels do not allow a high degree of mixing to be achieved, adversely affecting the quality of the final product.

[0010] The column contactors ensure effective absorption of the gas into the liquid but are economically expensive due to the internal elements and the pumps and/or compressors required to circulate the fluids.

[0011] The liquid phase generally consists of water and, therefore, lime deposits, metal precipitates and bacterial charges may also form inside the equipment and in the mixed phase.

[0012] In this situation, the technical task underlying the present invention is to devise a device for mixing liquids capable of substantially obviating at least part of the aforementioned drawbacks.

[0013] In the context of said technical task, it is an important aim of the invention to obtain a device which prevents the formation of scale, incrustations, metal precipitates and possibly bacterial charges in civil and industrial hydraulic circuits.

[0014] In addition, the addition of certain gas mixtures (e.g. CO2) in irrigation water can lower the pH and facilitate plant growth by avoiding the use of chemical and non-chemical fertilisers; these cause environmental pollution and, in addition to having to be stored in special environments, require additional safety containment tanks.

[0015] Another important aim of the invention is to realise a device that is low cost and easy to install.

[0016] The specified technical task and purposes are achieved by a fluid mixing device as claimed in the appended claim 1.

[0017] Preferred technical solutions are highlighted in the dependent claims.

[0018] The features and advantages of the invention are hereinafter clarified by the detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention, with reference to the appended drawings, in which:
the Fig. 1 shows a simplified schematic of a fluid mixing device according to the invention.

[0019] In the present document, the measurements, values, shapes and geometric references (such as perpendicularity and parallelism), when associated with words like "about" or other similar terms such as "approximately" or "substantially", are to be considered as except for measurement errors or inaccuracies due to production and/or manufacturing errors, and, above all, except for a slight divergence from the value, measurements, shape, or geometric reference with which it is associated. For instance, these terms, if associated with a value, preferably indicate a divergence of not more than 10% of the value.

[0020] Moreover, when used, terms such as "first", "second", "higher", "lower", "main" and "secondary" do not necessarily identify an order, a priority of relationship or a relative position, but can simply be used to clearly distinguish between their different components.

[0021] Unless otherwise specified, as results in the following discussions, terms such as "treatment", "computing", "determination", "calculation", or similar, refer to the action and/or processes of a computer or similar electronic calculation device that manipulates and/or transforms data represented as physical, such as electronic quantities of registers of a computer system and/or memories in, other data similarly represented as physical quantities within computer systems, registers or other storage, transmission or information displaying devices.

[0022] The measurements and data reported in this text are to be considered, unless otherwise indicated, as performed in the International Standard Atmosphere ICAO (ISO 2533:1975).

[0023] With reference to the Figures, the device for mixing fluids according to the invention is globally referred to as number 1.

[0024] The device 1 is capable of mixing together an aqueous liquid and a gaseous fluid under pressure. Said device 1 makes it possible to obtain a fluid mixture with the desired chemical and physical characteristics.

[0025] The device 1 comprises, in brief, a tank 2 and a processor 4.

[0026] The tank 2 preferably comprises a pressurised chamber 20. The chamber 20 is suitable for allowing the formation of a fluid mixture by interaction between an aqueous liquid and a gaseous fluid under pressure.

[0027] The tank 2 comprises a first inlet duct 20a. Said first duct 20a is suitable for continuously conveying the aqueous liquid into said chamber 20 from the external of said chamber 20. Further, the tank 2 comprises a second inlet duct 20b. It is suitable for continuously conveying the gaseous fluid into the chamber 20 from outside said chamber 20. In particular, the gaseous fluid may be contained in a cylinder 100. The cylinder 100 generally comprises a pressure reducer 100a. Said reducer 100a is suitable for bringing the gaseous fluid to a desired working pressure.

[0028] The second duct 20b advantageously comprises a valve 5. Said valve 5 is preferably a solenoid valve. Thus, it is apt to allow or block, on command, the flow of the gaseous fluid.

[0029] The tank 2 further comprises an outlet duct 20c. It is suitable for continuously conveying the fluid mixture to the external of the chamber 20.

[0030] The tank 2 is preferably made of metallic material, more preferably it is made of stainless steel. It is also preferably hermetically sealed. Such a tank 2 preferably has a cylindrical shape and thus defines an axis 2a. It generally has a height much greater than its diameter. The diameter of said tank 2 is preferably any size, preferably depending on its application.

[0031] The ducts 20a, 20b, 20c are also preferably made of steel. More preferably, they are made of suitably alloyed steels depending on the chemical nature of the fluids to be processed.

[0032] Preferably, the device 1 also comprises non-return valves 7. Such valves are positioned at the first inlet duct 20a and the second inlet duct 20b. They allow flow only in one direction and prevent, for example in a flooded condition of the chamber 20, fluids from flowing through the ducts 20a, 20b in a direction opposite to the predetermined direction.

[0033] The device 1 further comprises a level probe 3. It preferably has a tubular shape and is preferably positioned, parallel to the axis 2a, in the upper part of the chamber 20. In general, said level probe 3 is capable of generating a level signal when it detects that the fluid mixture has reached a predetermined level within the chamber 20.

[0034] The device 1 therefore also comprises a processor 4. This processor 4 may be, for example, a circuit board, processor, CPU or other. It is operatively connected to the level probe 3 and the valve 5. The processor 4 is, advantageously, at least configured to close the second inlet duct 20b via the valve 5 for a period of time at least equal to the duration of the level signal so as to prevent oversaturation of the fluid mixture. The device 1 may additionally comprise sensor means 6. Such sensor means 6 are configured to detect at least one characteristic parameter of said processed fluids. Furthermore, the sensor means 6 are preferably connected to the processor 4.

[0035] The sensor means 6 may, for example, comprise pressure gauges 60. The pressure gauges 60 are positioned, if present, at the first inlet duct 20a and the second inlet duct 20b. They are suitable for detecting the pressure of the aqueous liquid and gaseous fluid entering the chamber 20.

[0036] In addition, the sensor means 6 may also comprise a volumetric sensor 61. Such a volumetric sensor 61 is positioned, if present, at the outlet duct 20c. It is preferably suitable for detecting the volumetric flow rate of the fluid mixture exiting the chamber 20.

[0037] The sensor means 6 are preferably connected to the processor 4. The processor 4 is suitable for recording and processing the data acquired by the sensor means 6. Such data includes, for example, the pressure of the aqueous liquid and the gaseous fluid, the volumetric flow rate of the fluid mixture, and others. The data processor 6 is preferably capable of sending such data to external electronic devices 10. The electronic devices 10 may include, for example, pc, smartphone, tablet or even more. An end user can, therefore, view the operating parameters of the device 1 and the volumes of fluid mixture dispensed, preferably with full remote management (smart type) and remote visualisation of any fluid spillage (anti-flooding) with an audible and visual alarm on site and from several remotely connected systems (thus avoiding unwanted flooding at times when people are not present in the places of use.

[0038] The device 1 is suitable for installation, preferably in any structure, whether domestic, commercial or industrial.

[0039] The operation of device 1 described above in structural terms is as follows.

[0040] The aqueous liquid and the gaseous fluid are sent to tank 2 via inlet pipes 20a and 20b. The continuous supply of the two fluids allows them to be mixed inside the pressurised chamber 20. The mixed fluid exits chamber 20 via duct 20c. In particular, when the fluid mixture reaches a predetermined level within the chamber 20, the level probe 3 generates a level signal. The valve 5 closes the second inlet duct 20b, following a command received from the signal processor 4, for a period of time at least equal to the duration of the level signal so as to prevent oversaturation of the fluid mixture. At the end of the level signal generated by the probe 3, the valve 5 is opened by the signal processor 4 again allowing the gaseous fluid to enter the chamber 20.

[0041] The invention comprises a novel process for making a fluid mixture. In particular, the process is advantageously carried out by the device 1 as previously described.

[0042] The process, therefore, comprises at least one step of closing the valve 5, controlled by the signal processor 4, for a period of time at least equal to the duration of the level signal generated by the level probe 3. In particular, the signal processor 4 generates the closing of the valve 5 being simultaneously operatively connected to said valve 5 and the level probe 3.

[0043] The device 1 according to the invention achieves important advantages.

[0044] Indeed, the device 1 makes it possible to reach a level of complete saturation between the aqueous liquid and the gaseous fluid.

[0045] This saturation is achieved without the need to regulate flow rates, to use mixing devices, to regulate the pressures of the aqueous liquid and the gaseous fluid, and in a manner independent of the chemical-physical qualities of the water and the chemical composition of the gaseous fluid.

[0046] In addition, device 1 makes it possible to achieve the inhibition of metal precipitates, the prevention of limescale formation, the elimination of any bacterial charges, the elimination of biofilm present in pipes and tanks, and the removal of encrustations in pipes and tanks.

[0047] The device 1 can, therefore, be used with commercial and food-grade gas mixtures readily available on the market which can modify the chemical and physical characteristics of the incoming aqueous fluid.

[0048] The invention is susceptible to variations within the scope of the inventive concept as defined by the claims.

[0049] For example, the tank 2 could also comprise a display portion, e.g. extending parallel to the axis 2a on the outer surface of the chamber 20. Such a display portion 20 could also be a transparent strip enabling the level of the fluid mixture in the chamber 20 to be viewed from outside the chamber.

[0050] In this respect, all details are replaceable by equivalent elements and the materials, shapes and dimensions may be any.

Claims

1. Device (1) for mixing fluids comprising:

- a tank (2) comprising:

- a pressurised chamber (20) capable of allowing the formation of a fluid mixture by interaction between an aqueous liquid and a gaseous fluid under pressure,

- a first inlet duct (20a) for continuously conveying said aqueous liquid into said chamber (20) from the external of said chamber (20)

- a second inlet duct (20b) capable of continuously conveying said gaseous fluid into said chamber (20) from external of said chamber (20), and comprising a valve (5),

- an outlet duct (20c) capable of continuously conveying said fluid mixture to the outside of said chamber (20),

- a level probe (3) capable of generating a level signal when it detects that said fluid mixture has reached a predetermined level within said chamber (20),

- a signal processor (4) operatively connected to said level probe (3) and said valve (5), and characterised by:

- said processor (4) is configured to close said second inlet duct (20b) by means of said valve (5) for a period of time at least equal to the duration of said level signal so as to prevent oversaturation of said fluid mixture.

2. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said valve (5) is a solenoid valve.

3. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said device (1) comprises sensor means (6) configured to detect at least one parameter characteristic of said fluids.

4. Device (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein said sensor means (6) comprise pressure gauges (60) positioned at said first inlet duct (20a) and said second inlet duct (20b).

5. Device (1) according to claim 3, wherein said sensor means (6) comprise a volumetric sensor (61) positioned at said outlet duct (20c).

6. Device (1) according to claim 3, wherein said sensor means (6) are connected to said processor (4).

7. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said processor (4) is capable of recording and processing data acquired by said sensor means (6).

8. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said processor (4) is capable of sending said data to external electronic devices (10).

9. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said device comprises non-return valves (7) positioned at said first inlet duct (20a) and said second inlet duct (20b).

10. Process for making a continuous fluid mixture carried out by a device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising closing said second inlet duct (20b) by means of said valve (5) for a period of time at least equal to the duration of said level signal so as to prevent oversaturation of said fluid mixture.

Drawing