EP0907405B1 - High efficiency ultracolloidal emulsifying module for basically immiscible fluids and related methods - Google Patents

Abstract

PCT No. PCT/FR97/00888 Sec. 371 Date Nov. 18, 1998 Sec. 102(e) Date Nov. 18, 1998 PCT Filed May 21, 1997 PCT Pub. No. WO97/44122 PCT Pub. Date Nov. 27, 1997The invention features an emulsifying module comprising a cylindrical body (1) with a direct input block (5) or mixing block (4), at one of its ends, and an adjustable output block (3) at its other end. The body (1) contains one or more hollow cylindrical cartridges (8) allowing the mixture to pass through the cartridge from one end to the other. The cartridges (8), linked with one another and with the end blocks of the tubular body (1) via resilient spring linking mechanisms (14 to 18), each contain a plurality of vibrating discs (24) slidingly mounted on a hollow central axle (25). The hollow central axle (25) has a plurality of oscillating discs which cover and uncover lateral outlets provided in the axle to facilitate mixing. This invention is useful for emulsifying numerous liquid or gas products, in particular greasy liquid products, fuels, motor fuels, oils in various applications, heating, energy, compound products, and engines.

Description

The present invention relates to a module emulsifier for the production of a mixture or a ultracolloidal emulsion from at least two immiscible fluids including a primary fluid and in particular a fatty liquid fluid mixed with water and / or various liquid or gaseous additives.

We feel the need for an intimate mixture or of an ultrafine and stable emulsion in different fields notably in cosmetology, but also in food industries, and especially in fuels and fuels.

We know many emulsifiers or foam concentrates producing an oil type emulsion in water. This emulsion has a certain finesse and just enough stability for the intended use.

Many emulsifiers are just improved homogenizers which can only produce one coarse emulsion of poor quality and stability.

There are, however, emulsifiers producing an emulsion of properties and quality satisfactory for a certain use.

We already know about disc emulsifiers mobile for liquids immiscible by FR patents No. 2,461,515 filed on July 27, 1979 in the name of Monsieur Robert GUERIN and FR n ° 2 731 504 on behalf of the MEROBEL company.

For the first invention, on behalf of Mr. Robert GUERIN, the emulsifier is formed by a stack of fitted annular parts fitted in a tube closed at each of its ends by a fitting. These annular parts are slidably mounted along of a median longitudinal axis and kept apart from each other by a central lateral extension tubular achieving a nesting effect. Each annular part has peripheral notches of two kinds and their arrangement is such that they form forced baffles in one piece annular to each other. The stack forms a block maintained in a position of elastic equilibrium at a distance ends of the tube by helical springs which at the same time ensure the cohesion of the whole. The fluid arrives through the ends hollow of the median longitudinal axis on which are mounted the annular parts. The fluid mixture crosses lengthwise the annular volume occupied by the annular parts and emulsified tube spring. The block is thus subjected to an oscillatory movement from the pulsating effects of cavitation.

The fluid passing through this stack only through the notches, this emulsifier thus presents a significant pressure drop and an emulsifying effect limited to that caused by passing through baffles.

In addition, the adjusted character of the assembly and the interlocking effect leads to more or more blocking slower annular parts.

Furthermore, one cannot envisage produce an ultrafine emulsion due to the absence high fluid shear phenomenon frequency.

The second invention derives from the first in its general characteristics. The stack is constituted by the succession of perforated plates cylindrical and through-pass spacers in biconical restrictions separated from each other by a empty space, the whole forming a block adjusted in a tubular body. The through passages of the plates and successive dividers are offset laterally so as to form baffles.

Here also, one cannot obtain by this structure in chicane an ultrafine emulsion. This baffle structure formed in a compact stack does not allow plates and inserts to vibrate or vibrate enough to reach sufficient amplitudes to make these even higher frequencies. These vibrations at high frequency participate with the phenomena of shear in the production of an ultrafine emulsion.

We also know the Russian invention n ° SU 1 678 426 filed on October 10, 1989 relating to a cavitation mixer for liquids.

This mixer consists of moving masses on a median longitudinal axis separated from each other by a spring. These masses are full and thick. They can only move in oscillating movements a low speed does not allow to consider a self-resonant of sufficient frequency to create a emulsion and a fortiori an ultrafine emulsion such as to which the present invention relates.

The object of the invention is to produce a ultrafine emulsion from two non-liquid miscible and this with the least possible energy.

Thanks to the invention, it is possible to produce ultra intimate blends and push the limit of stability and fineness up to a quality ultracolloid without physical modification substantial for several weeks or even for several months and this for a consumption quite made reduced energy.

Applications vary depending on starting materials. It can be fatty substances from food type and the invention can lead to low-fat cooking food emulsions like margarine or cooking fats. It could be also fatty emulsions used in the composition beauty products or skincare creams.

In the area of fuels, we can imagine the operation of a diesel car with as fuel a diesel and water emulsion. The water used in variable proportion in a wide range would keep much the same performances. But above all the quality of the combustion and the reduction of emissions and fatty discharges of current engines would greatly contribute to the fight anti pollution.

It is the same for hydrocarbons used as fuels known as fuel oil, light or heavy fuel oil or any other.

An ultracolloidal emulsion provides cleaner combustion, self-cleaning for the fireplace and allows an appreciable saving of energy.

To this end, the invention relates to a high performance emulsifier module achieving the preparation of a product with physical properties according to claim 1.

The high efficiency emulsifier module for fluids known to be immiscible with a view to making them mixtures and / or emulsions of high stability according to the invention can be used alone or in groups with one or more other modules connected in series, in parallel or otherwise.

It presents a tubular body having at its first end a inlet block into which fluids arrive pressure and at its second end an outlet block, in that the internal volume of the tubular body is occupied by a plurality of hollow cartridges, one of which of the front faces is through for the fluid and connected to each other and to the end blocks at each times by a longitudinal elastic connection, cartridges mounted in series separated from each other by a spring ensuring the elastic connection between them and with tube end blocks, cartridges being open on their opposite front face and adjusted to the section of the tubular body in the manner a piston, the cartridges each containing a plurality of vibrating discs slidably mounted on a coaxial hollow axis having along its length a plurality of outlet orifices making part of fluid supply, discs discovered and alternately covered by movement oscillating movement of the vibrating discs, the cartridges being oscillating determined by their physical characteristics and those of the elastic longitudinal connections.

The input block is a mixer formed by a central channel with conical inlet and divergent outlet towards the inside of the central tubular body by a tube reported diverging whose projecting end serves as seat at the longitudinal elastic end link connecting the input block to the adjacent cartridge and there has two side entrances through two conduits transverse opening offset in the channel central and communicating with secondary conduits longitudinal opening into the tubular body.

• grande précision de réglage des proportions entre les deux fluides principaux,
• faible consommation énergétique,
• coût peu important devant les résultats,
• domaines d'application particulièrement nombreux dont l'agro-alimentaire, la cosmétologie, la chimie et la pétrochimie, les turbines à gaz, les brûleurs de chaudières, les moteurs à combustion interne et de nombreux autres,
• possibilité d'effectuer des émulsions ternaires, et bien d'autres domaines d'application dans lesquels une émulsion fine ou une homogénéisation poussée est recherchée.

In addition to the production of an ultracolloidal emulsion of very good quality with regard to stability and finesse, the invention has many advantages, some of the main ones of which will be limited below:

• great precision in adjusting the proportions between the two main fluids,
• low energy consumption,
• low cost compared to the results,
• particularly numerous fields of application including the food industry, cosmetology, chemistry and petrochemistry, gas turbines, boiler burners, internal combustion engines and many others,
• possibility of making ternary emulsions, and many other fields of application in which a fine emulsion or advanced homogenization is sought.

• la figure 1 est une vue en coupe longitudinale du module émulsionneur de base selon l'invention montrant les deux variantes du bloc d'entrée ;
• la figure 2 est une vue en coupe longitudinale d'une variante utilisable en tant que pré-émulsionneur ;
• la figure 3 est une vue en perspective d'une cartouche oscillante ;
• la figure 4 est une vue en perspective en éclaté de la cartouche oscillante et de son contenu ;
• les figures 5 et 6 sont deux vues en perspective montrant chacune une face d'un disque non perforé ;
• les figures 7 et 8 sont deux vues en perspective montrant chacune une face d'un disque perforé ;
• les figures 9 et 10 sont des vues en perspective des variantes de disques à entailles en biais ;
• les figures 11 et 12 sont des demi-coupes longitudinales schématiques sur la longueur d'une cartouche illustrative du fonctionnement, respectivement au repos et au travail ;
• la figure 13 est une vue schématique illustrant le mouvement de la partie centrale d'un disque devant un orifice de l'axe creux.

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear in the following description, given by way of example and accompanied by the drawings in which:

• Figure 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of the basic emulsifier module according to the invention showing the two variants of the input block;
• Figure 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of a variant usable as a pre-emulsifier;
• Figure 3 is a perspective view of an oscillating cartridge;
• Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the oscillating cartridge and its contents;
• Figures 5 and 6 are two perspective views each showing one side of an unperforated disc;
• Figures 7 and 8 are two perspective views each showing a face of a perforated disc;
• Figures 9 and 10 are perspective views of alternative notched disc disks;
• Figures 11 and 12 are schematic longitudinal half-sections along the length of a cartridge illustrating the operation, respectively at rest and at work;
• FIG. 13 is a schematic view illustrating the movement of the central part of a disc in front of an orifice of the hollow axis.

The present invention is based on the principles of turbulence, cavitation, shear and rolling applied to fluids deemed not miscible at low and medium pressure and the means obtain an excellent mixture or emulsion quality in both finesse and stability.

For reasons of convenience, we will designate below by emulsifier module all modules and groups of modules targeted by the invention, namely mixer modules, homogenizers, pre-emulsifiers, emulsifiers and homogenizers.

It is indicated that the module or the grouping of modules according to the invention can serve as a homogenizer liquids or fluids including unstable or of them.

As we can see on the first figures, there are several variants of modules homogenizers or emulsifiers or homogenizers / emulsifiers all referred to below as emulsifiers allowing to realize by grouping an emulsifier multi-storey complex with interposition possible pump.

It is first of all a basic module which can serve either as a pre-emulsifier or as an emulsifier.

It is formed by a cylindrical tubular body 1 closed at each of its ends by a block either inlet 2 or outlet 3 through for the fluid (s) or mixture of fluids. The input block 2 is, as the case may be, an input block 3-way mixer 4, for a single input block single channel 5. The supply circuits of the different tracks include a pump (not shown) intended for supply the module with the fluid or mixture of fluids under pressure.

Regarding mixer block 4, two ways are provided for the fluids to be emulsified, by example but not limited to, water and a fluid vector, for example a petroleum fatty liquid, vegetable, animal or other, the third way being provided for an additional liquid fluid for example of the reactive or waste or dye or other type. To the inputs arrive a pressurized fluid.

Each end block 2 or 3 is mounted on the cylindrical body 1 for example by screwing with interposition of a seal respectively 6 and 7.

The cylindrical tubular body 1 contains the minus an oscillating cartridge such as 8 or more oscillating cartridges, for example four, such as 9, 10, 11, 12 (Figure 1), the number of which may vary in the framework of the basic module. Oscillating cartridges are weakly mounted cylindrical hollow bodies 13 adjusted in this cylindrical body in the manner of a piston to allow their easy sliding. The oscillating cartridges 8 are interconnected and to the inlet and outlet end blocks by elastic bonds, for example in the form of end springs 14 and 15 and intermediate 16, 17, 18 so-called feedback, realizing real axial longitudinal multiple suspension in which cartridges are masses that come in oscillation by the passage of the fluid or mixture of pressurized fluids.

The body of each cartridge leads to one of its transverse ends by a front face rear open 19, the body of each cartridge being closed at its other transverse end by a front wall 20 through for the fluid by full example but perforated by holes such as 21 of which the surface of the rear opposite face represents the bottom of the cartridge. Drill holes 21 of passage of the fluid provided in this front wall 20 are for example regularly distributed radially and circularly. The front wall 20 has a cylindrical bulge 22 possibly profiled for hydrodynamic reasons protruding into central position to serve as a seat for one of the springs forming the elastic connection. The bulge cylindrical 22 has a threaded bore 23.

The internal volume of each cartridge is occupied by a series of vibrating discs such as 24 sliding mounted with minimal play to each other following the others on a hollow interior median axis and coaxial 25 having a first blind end at transverse terminal shoulder 26 forming a stop and a second open and threaded end 27 in diameter lower delimiting a shoulder-stop 28. The threaded end 27 is screwed into the bore tapped 23 made in the center of the cylindrical bulge 22 projecting from the full front wall 20 of the cartridge. The vibrating discs 24 occupy each times the entire cross section of the cartridge and have only a slight clearance with the wall inner cylinder of the cartridge so that that they can slide freely in the cartridge without requiring significant effort to defeat the friction and without blocking. The discs occupy almost the entire length of the central hollow axis coaxial 25 so there is only a little play important between them allowing small displacements mutual axial transverses.

The hollow axis 25 has holes cross calibrated such as 29, for example from semi-circular or triangular section. These orifices are present for example only on the half-part anterior of its length. During their movements axial representing the displacements of oscillation, they are alternately discovered and then covered by the central opening of each vibrating disc by which they are mounted on the hollow axis. These orifices are divided into groups 30, 31, 32 arranged on a same circular line of cross section. We can indicate that the presence of four distributed orifices angularly at 90 ° is sufficient for each line of section. The orifices 29 of the first group 30 are located in the immediate vicinity of the shoulder-stop 28 of the threaded end 27 of the hollow axis 25. The following are distant for example from the thickness of a disc then two discs. This provision does not constitutes of course that an example of execution not limiting.

At rest, i.e. without flow and without pressure in the cartridge, the discs 24 are plated against each other under the effect of the spring rear opposite to the one who leans on the wall full front 20. This rear spring presses on the central part of the last disc which serves as seat. The force of this spring pushes all of the discs 24 against the bottom of the cartridge which is the rear face of the front wall 20.

There is a bottom end disc 33, i.e. the closed end disc. This one is kept in contact with the back side of the front wall 20 by the spring pushing effect adjacent. There is also an end disc rear 34, i.e. open end disc which serves as a bearing surface for the adjacent spring by its central part having a cylindrical projection 35.

We will now examine the constitution and the characteristics of the vibrating discs 24. They are currently made of non-corrodible metal but could just as easily be achieved in matters plastic or composite alloy features mechanical and of sufficient strength especially in this which concerns the wear and the coefficient of friction. The same applies to the body of the cartridges.

There are several kinds of discs. he first of all the end discs: bottom disc 33 in contact with the rear wall and rear disc 34 and then intermediate discs such as 36 and 37 of two types.

As can be seen in the figures, intermediate discs differ in presence or not perforations in their central part. It's about solid 36 and perforated 37 intermediate discs. They have the following general conformation.

Each intermediate disc has a central opening such as 38 of diameter close to the outer diameter of the hollow axis 25 so that slide freely on the guide, for example loose fit. Each central opening 38 is delimited on each side by a solid border 39 and 40. The discs also have on each of their face in the central part a circular projection 41 and 42 concentric with a solid border and crenellated by axial notches such as 43. The notches 43 of these crenellated projections 41.42 are offset angularly between them on a regular basis and by example angularly offset from a projection to the protrusion from the opposite side.

On the same disc we can find a crenellated projection 41 or 42 on one side and a projection full smooth (not shown) corresponding on the opposite side.

Each crenellated projection 41 or 42 delimits with each corresponding solid border 39 or 40 of the central opening 38 a full annular range 44 or perforated 45 whose perforations 46 occur in regular and crown arrangement and serve axial passages. The presence or not of these perforations marks the main difference between intermediate discs 36 and 37. We will therefore use for distinguish them terms of intermediate discs solid 36 and perforated intermediate discs 37. Both solid and perforated discs have on their periphery a plurality of notches peripherals such as 47 more or less numerous delimited by notches such as 48 plus or shallower and more or less wide. The notches full intermediate disks 36 are more many as the notches of the intermediate discs perforated 37.

According to a variant represented on the Figures 12 and 13, the notches delimiting the notches peripheral and axial notches 43 of projections crenellated 41,42 are at an angle to the line of general longitudinal axis.

The two end discs 33 and 34 are full. The closed end disc or bottom disc 33 is analogous to a full intermediate disc. The open end disc or rear disc 34 has the same general conformation as that of full intermediate discs but in which the peripheral notches are more numerous and the crenellated projection is replaced on the facing side to the spring, by the cylindrical projection 35 serving to sits at said spring.

The solid intermediate discs 36 and perforated 37 are alternated. The constraint of presence of two solid discs at the end imposes a number odd discs.

By way of example, five have been represented. discs in Figures 1 to 4 and 11.12. This number constitutes an acceptable compromise for an application with a medium fluid fatty liquid.

The internal volume of the tubular body is occupied by a succession of springs and cartridges, the minimum being a cartridge and two springs like shown in figure 2.

Each end volume delimited by a end block 2 or 3 and the adjacent cartridge represents a passage and turbulence chamber of the fluid or mixture of fluids. We thus distinguish, after the single entry block 5 or with mixture 4, a first turbulence chamber 49 and the other end of the tubular body a final chamber of turbulence 50. The volumes located between the cartridges containing the connecting springs constitute intermediate turbulence chambers such as 51.52.53.

We will now describe in detail the blocks input and output block.

Depending on the application, the input block is single 5 or mixer type 4.

The simple input block 5 is located under the form of a closure piece 54 screwed into the threaded end of the body 1 with the interposition of a O-ring 6. The closure piece 54 has a central passage 55 with conical end opening 56, passage lined with a divergent tube 57 inwards of the tubular body 1 projecting outside of the closure piece on the turbulence chamber side 49 by a double shoulder stop part, including a stop depression 58 on the obturation part, followed by an end stop 59 forming a seat for the end of the spring. The stops can be in one technical form 60 (part circled in Figure 1).

The elaborate end block forming a mixer 4 is a different part 61 and presents approximately the same central channel 55 at entrance conical 56 lined with a divergent tube 62 similar to previous and the tapered end 56 of an entry into line. Two transverse annex entrances 63 and 64 open perpendicularly into the central channel 55 near the tapered end 56 but slightly longitudinally offset to avoid interaction and output disturbances. These additional entries transverse 63 and 64 are interior passages cylindrical 65,66 narrowing at the end by a conical transition 67,68. A secondary duct longitudinal 69.70 crosses the work axially obturation between each conical transition 67,68 and the adjacent turbulence chamber 49 in which opens the central channel 55. The mixing takes place partly by venturi effect in the central channel 55 and partly in the adjacent turbulence chamber 49 by the longitudinal secondary conduits 69.70.

Through the central channel 55 passes the fluid main under pressure, i.e. the one with larger pressure flow from a supply circuit comprising a pump (not shown). Through the canals adjacent, are preferably injected under pressure by pumps (not shown) the fluids to mix or emulsifier liquid for example from water, liquid and other waste in quantity variable depending on the application typically targeted between 10 and 20% or exceptionally more or much more. In the case of a particular assembly or position in stages, the central channel 55 can receive the fluid already emulsified.

The single input block emulsifier module the inlet channel of which has a divergent nozzle or a tubing with a divergent inner conduit 57 extended by an abutment projection 58.59 serving as a seat for the spring contains several vibrating cartridges, the last one is connected to the output block 3 by the last elastic longitudinal link 15.

The output block 3 in the form of a part shutter 71 performs several functions. First the evacuation function via a head output central 72 forming a manifold with several output channels including a central channel 73 and two oblique channels 74.75 opening into a chamber collector 76 with discharge through an outlet 77 shifted at an angle. For adjustment reasons, the head outlet 72 is axially movable along a guide longitudinal 78 under the effect of a needle screw 79. By elsewhere, the outlet head 72 serves as a seat by a recessed edge 80 at the last spring 15 against reaction. By its movement, it fulfills the function more or less significant static compression of the last spring and by reaction of all the springs of the tubular body.

The output block also fills two other functions.

The first relates to the detection of vibrations in the form of a vibration sensor 81 providing information about the level and vibrational state inside the body tubular for proper position adjustment of the outlet head to adapt the different vibrational regimes.

The second concerns a stop function adjustable safety in the form of a rod 82 sliding and lockable at a specific position or any other way. The end of this rod is intended to maintain the end disc 34 of the last cartridge remote from the end of the probe 81.

The emulsifier module and its variants according to the invention may be used separately or by grouping, in series, in parallel or otherwise grouped or separated by a pump thus forming one or more floor (s).

We will now explain how the module according to the invention more particularly in reference to figures 11 to 13.

The bottom disc 33 in contact with the bottom of the cartridge is placed so that its opening central completely clears the holes 29 of the first group 30 of the hollow axis 25 when the bottom disc 33 is in contact with the bottom wall of the cartridge so as to keep these orifices of the first group open regardless of the disk movements of background 33.

At rest, all the vibrating discs 24 are in contact with each other under the effect of elastic return force of the connecting springs. The positions of the orifices 29 of the following groups 31.32 of the hollow axis 25 and the thickness of the discs 24 at the level central openings are such that at least two discs move over the holes.

At rest, the discs arranged above the holes 29 of the hollow axis 25 cover them entirely except the bottom disc as we can see in figure 11. During operation, the orifices are discovered and covered alternately (Figure 13) according to an oscillatory movement of higher frequency than movement oscillatory cartridges.

Several passageways are available to fluid passing through the cartridge. It takes two paths main. On the one hand it passes through the wall front 20 of each cartridge and through the holes 21 and on the other hand from inside the hollow axis 25. Arrived in the cartridge, the flow having passed through the front wall 20 by the holes 21 applies a pressure on the bottom disc 33 which is full but presents peripheral notches 47 through notches 48 from which part of the flow can pass. This pressure generates a displacement force at against the return force of the counter-reaction spring. This force causes a slight displacement of the background disc and then all discs, as shown by the arrows in Figure 11.

This displacement causes the release in opening of the other openings 29 of the hollow axis 25 (figure 12). These additional passageways from fluid represented by arrows create a drop pressure at the cartridge inlet and a force less displacement which, when it becomes less than the spring return force will cause the reverse displacement of the discs, i.e. the back to the bottom. During this movement, the discs intermediaries 36.37 will return to cover the orifices 29 thereby causing a new pressure increase then a driving force greater than the restoring force of the connecting spring to end up in the previous situation. These movements are repeated periodically. This is the alternative movement oscillating discs vibrating along the axis hollow 25.

The fluid outlet from the axis holes hollow center as well as the reciprocating movement of central disc openings above the holes generate vibrations that propagate to discs and a shear-rolling phenomenon which improves greatly the fineness of the emulsion. This phenomenon exists from low pressure values located at a few bars level and increases with pressure up to values between 10 and 100 bars. he there is an operating regime which generates composite vibrations of which one of the components corresponds to the frequency of vibration of the discs. This diet depends not only on the characteristics disc mechanics, but also characteristics fluid including viscosity, pressure and debit. It seems obvious that this diet is research because it provides maximum performance.

This vibration of the discs corresponds to a third operating frequency, the first being that of the oscillatory movement of the cartridges and the second that of the alternative movements of discs along the hollow axis 25.

The composition of these three phenomena vibratory, the fluid flow vibration the along the cartridges and tubular body and the shear-rolling allow to obtain the performance and high efficiency of the emulsifier as well as the high quality of the emulsion.

The cartridges 8 slide freely in the tubular body like a piston in a cylinder. The elastic longitudinal connections to feedback spring stressed in compression generate oscillating movements of each cartridge around a rest position under the effect of incident pressure.

Each cartridge is animated by a movement ensemble AC at another lower frequency than that of discs mainly determined by various factors including flow, pressure and viscosity of the fluid, as well as the mass of each cartridge and stiffness characteristics of springs.

The cartridge (s) are pushed by the pressure of the incident flow generating a force greater than the return force of the connecting spring downstream causing the cartridge to move after compression of this spring. In response, the spring develops a restoring force which will generate a opposite movement as soon as the pressure on the cartridge will decrease due to the larger opening of the internal path for the fluid.

The holes 29 of the hollow axis 25 are open and then closed alternately by movement on the hollow axis of the wall delimited by the opening central 38 of the adjacent discs (Figure 13).

These movements discover then recover alternately the orifices from which the fluid exits under pressure creating a shearing-rolling effect pressurized fluid.

This high shear-rolling effect frequency greatly improves the smoothness and emulsion stability.

The above basic principles apply to each module. There is a pre-emulsifier module formed of a mixer input block multi-channel 4, a turbulence chamber 49, one or more of several cartridges linked by the links longitudinal elastic and outlet block 3 with stop 82 and vibration probe 81.

It indicates that it is necessary to reach a speed between 5 and 10 m / s of fluid passage at the notches of the discs and the orifices of the hollow axis 25 to produce an ultrafine emulsion.

Regarding performance, operation in emulsified fuel supply of a large rated heating installation of 10,000 kw shows that it requires only one installed power of 2 kw for the emulsifier, i.e. 0.2% power ratio. .

Tests have shown that consumption of fuel is reduced by 10 to 20% for a emulsion titrated between 15 and 20% in quantity of water. Of tests have also shown that combustion remains possible up to 50% water.

Fuel economy for engines must also be of this order.

The invention also relates to the method homogenization and emulsion using the means previously described according to claim 11.

The process involves mixing a fluid vector under pressure with one or more fluid (s) secondary (s) in a multi-channel input block and preferably with central channel and venturi effect, homogenize this mixture in a first turbulence located at a first end of a body tubular homogenization-emulsion closed on its first end by the input block.

The method then consists in carrying out a oil-in-water type emulsion through the passage of fluids through one or more cartridges each containing vibrating discs, cartridges interconnected and at both ends of the body tubular by elastic connections, the assembly being as described above.

The process ultimately consists in making unblock the fluid in a final chamber turbulence blocked by the outlet block, to adjust the position of the outlet head carrying the end of the last elastic connection spring to place in the resonance zone of the vibrating elements or oscillating elements contained in the tubular body, the adjustment being done from information or state a measurement probe or a vibration sensor providing information on the vibrational phenomena to inside the tubular body.

The method also relates to the use of several modules grouped in series, in parallel or otherwise, possibly with the interposition of a pump between two successive modules or between two module groups.

Claims (13)

1. High-efficiency emulsifying module for basically immiscible fluids with a view to producing mixtures and/or fine emulsions of high stability, which module is formed by a tubular body (1) which is closed at its first end by an inlet unit (2) in which at least one pressurised fluid arrives and at its second end by an outlet unit (3) by way of which the emulsified fluid leaves, the tubular body (1) having, at its inside, movable elements that are slidably mounted on a shaft, characterised by:

   at least one central hollow shaft having, on at least one portion of its length, a plurality of lateral outlet openings (29) bringing about the entry of some of the fluid mixture into the cartridge, the hollow shaft being closed at its downstream end,

   at least one hollow cartridge (8) traversed by the mixture of fluids corresponding to each hollow shaft which it contains, which shaft is mounted in an immovable manner relative to the body of the cartridge whose upstream end face comprises localised passages for the fluid and whose downstream end is completely open, the cartridge being connected resiliently at each of its ends to the neighbouring body, which is either the end of the tube or an adjacent cartridge, by way of a resilient link (14-18), in that the cartridge(s) contain(s) the hollow shaft immobilised on the body of the cartridge and a plurality of vibrating discs mounted to slide freely on the coaxial central hollow shaft belonging to the cartridge and along the lateral wall of each cartridge, the cylindrical body of each cartridge being adapted to be displaced in translation along the inner lateral surface of the tubular body (1) of the emulsifying module

   vibrating discs which are contained in each cartridge and which are mounted to slide freely along each hollow shaft having lateral openings and which are movable alternately between a position in which they uncover, by way of their base, one or more lateral openings in the hollow shaft on which they are mounted and a position in which their base closes the corresponding lateral openings, the discs allowing the fluid to pass through

      and in that the resilient link connecting the open downstream face of the cartridge bears on the vibrating discs in such a manner as to constrain them resiliently in the downstream direction,
      and in that the fluid arrives in the cartridge by two routes, one via its front face which allows the fluid to pass through and the other via the hollow shaft which distributes it inside the cartridge by way of its lateral openings which are uncovered and recovered alternately by the oscillating movement of the vibrating discs (24) along the hollow shaft under the effect of the passage of the fluid, the cartridges (8) being driven by another oscillating movement determined by the physical characteristics of the cartridges and those of the longitudinal resilient links (14-18).
2. Emulsifying module according to claim 1, characterised in that the inlet unit (2) is a mixer (4) formed by a central duct (55) having a conical inlet (56) receiving the principal pressurised fluid and having an outlet diverging towards the inside of the tubular central body (1) by way of a diverging attached tube (62), the projecting end of which acts as a seat for the end longitudinal resilient link connecting the inlet unit to the adjacent cartridge and in that the inlet unit having a mixer (4) comprises two lateral inlets (63, 64) by way of two transverse ducts receiving the other pressurised fluids and leading in an offset manner into the central duct (55) and communicating with longitudinal secondary ducts (69, 70) leading into the tubular body (1) .
3. Emulsifying module according to claim 1, characterised in that the inlet unit (2) is a single unit (5) having a central duct (55) receiving the principal pressurised fluid and comprising attached tubing (57) diverging towards the inside of the tubular body (1), the tubing having an end projecting into the inside of the tubular body and acting as a seat for the end longitudinal resilient link (14) connecting the inlet unit (2) to the adjacent cartridge through a turbulence chamber (49).
4. Emulsifying module according to claim 1, characterised in that the outlet unit (3) is a closing member (71) screwed onto the rear end of the module and having, at the central portion, an outlet head (72) which is movable axially along a central guide (78) under the action of an attachment screw (79), the outlet head (72) forming a collector having a central duct (73) and having at least two oblique outlet ducts (74, 75) leading into a collecting chamber (76), the outlet head having an outer border (80) acting as a seat for the last linking spring (15), and in that the closing member (71) comprises a probe (81) for measuring the vibrating movements with a view to control and a safety stop (82) which maintains the last disc at a distance from the end of the probe.
5. Emulsifying module according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that each cartridge has a perforated front wall (20) with a central projection (22) which is tapped right through, an open rear end and a free inner volume occupied by the vibrating discs (24) carried in sliding manner on the hollow shaft (25) mounted coaxially by way of its threaded end (27), the hollow shaft (25) being terminated by a stop shoulder (28) and its entire length being occupied by vibrating discs (24).
6. Emulsifying module according to claims 1 and 4, characterised in that the vibrating discs (24) have a central opening (38) delimited by a central border (35) by way of which they are mounted in a sliding manner on the hollow shaft (25), and peripheral notches (47) delimited by recesses (48), the vibrating discs (24) comprising on each of their faces between the central border (35) and the peripheral notches (47) an indented cylindrical projection (41, 42).
7. Emulsifying module according to claims 5 and 6, characterised in that, on some discs (37), the area between the central border (35) and each indented projection (41, 42) has a succession of perforations (46).
8. Emulsifying module according to claims 5 and 6, characterised in that the rear disc (34) arranged at the rear end is not perforated and has, on its central portion facing the outside, a projection (35) acting as a seat for the spring for linking to the adjacent cartridge or the end of the tubular body (1).
9. Emulsifying module according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it is composed of a plurality of modules arranged in stages or grouped in another manner.
10. Emulsifying module according to the preceding claim, characterised in that it is composed of a plurality of modules arranged in stages or grouped in another manner with the interposition of at least one pump.
11. Process for the homogenisation and emulsion of at least two fluids, using the means according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a vector fluid is mixed with one or more secondary fluid(s) in an inlet unit having several routes and preferably having a central duct and a venturi effect, mixing is continued in a first turbulence chamber arranged at a first end of the homogenisationemulsion tubular body closed at its first end by the inlet unit, in that homogenisation and emulsion are then carried out by passage through one or more cartridge(s) which each contain vibrating discs and which are connected to one another and to the two ends of the tubular body by resilient links, in that the fluid is caused to pass into a final turbulence chamber closed by the outlet unit, in that the position of the outlet head carrying the end of the last spring is adjusted so that it is placed in the resonance zone of the vibrating and oscillating elements of the tubular body, the adjustment being effected on the basis of the data or the state of a vibration sensor giving information on the vibrating phenomena inside the tubular body.
12. Process according to the preceding claim, characterised in that several modules grouped in series, in parallel or in another manner are used.
13. Process according to the preceding claim, characterised in that a pump is interposed between the modules or the groups of modules.

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