VORTEX RING MIXER WITH MODERATED BEHAVIOR OF THE VORTEX RINGS

摘要

A method and apparatus is disclosed for controlled mixing or agitation of fluids and slurries using the generation and propagation of vortex rings. The vortex rings are generated from a generator plate. The novelties are a central drive shaft which moderates the behavior of the vortex rings, the driving of the generator plate through a drive spider from the drive shaft which can also moderate the behavior of the vortex rings, the addition of flexible generator plates to enhance the scope of mixing and material selection, the addition of contoured generator plates, and the addition of plate disruptors which permits the controlled dissemination vortex rings. Furthermore the use of a hollow drive shaft with selected orifices or nozzles permits the controlled introduction and extraction of material from the fluid being mixed while the apparatus is in motion. This also permits an agitation system which is basically self contained.