CN1105595C - Arrangement for combining dissimilar streams - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device and a method for combining two (or more) different material streams (G1, G2) with high efficiency, and the streams (G1, G2) can comprise two air streams with different kinds of temperature or humidity, two different gaseous materials or even two different kinds of liquid. The device for combining two (or more) different material streams (G1, G2) with high efficiency comprises a deflecting plate structure (12) arranged in a closed piece, and the first material stream (G1) passes through the closed piece. The second stream (G2) is subsequently injected into the closed piece at the downstream position of the deflecting plate (12). In the practice of the method for combining two (or more) different material streams (G1, G2) with high efficiency, the first material stream (G1) passes over the deflecting plate, and therefore, a low-pressure area (28) can be formed between the deflecting plate (12) and an input port (56) of the second stream (G2). The second stream (G2) subsequently has natural tendency for entering the low-pressure area, and therefore, the combining efficiency of the second stream (G2) with the first material stream (G1) can be enhanced. The deflecting plate (12) can comprise a conical geometric shape, and in order to combine a plurality of streams of materials, a plurality of deflecting plates and corresponding input ports can be adopted.

Description

Device for mixing different streams

Background of the invention

1. Field of invention

This invention relates to an apparatus and method for combining different streams, and more particularly to a baffle structure for use in conduits or similar closures in order to improve the flow of two (or more) strands of different materials The efficiency with which streams (for example, two streams of different temperatures) combine to form a homogeneous stream.

2. Description of prior art

In many industrial installations it is often necessary to combine several different gaseous (or liquid) materials. For example, it may be desirable to combust high temperature combustion gases from conventional (gas or oil) fired furnaces with cooler process gases (eg as encountered in air dryers). Alternatively, it may be desirable to mix the exhaust gas (high temperature) from the outlet of the gas turbine with process gas from eg an air dryer. The construction of these devices generally includes a first air stream running through a conduit (or similar enclosure), and a second stream introduced into the conduit through an inlet.

To effectuate this combination of different streams, prior art devices generally rely on "agitation" and turbulence downstream of the point of injection of the second gas stream to be employed. In general, such devices require a large amount of energy (thus reducing the flow rate of the combined streams) and the distance required to ultimately combine the two streams and form a stream of uniform characteristics. In another prior art arrangement, deflecting vanes are inserted downstream of the injected stream, thereby creating a reverse swirl in the pipe.

Therefore, in order to facilitate the combination of different streams, there is a need in the prior art for an improved device which is not only energy efficient but also uses the shortest length of additional piping.

Summary of the invention

The needs existing in the prior art are met by the present invention, which relates to an apparatus and method for combining different streams, and more particularly to a baffle for use in a conduit or similar closure structure to increase the efficiency with which two (or more) streams of different materials (eg, two streams of different temperatures) combine to form a uniform stream.

The present invention provides an apparatus for combining a first material stream running through an enclosure with a second material stream, said second material stream comprising different characteristics from said first stream, said apparatus comprising:

an inlet for introducing said second stream into said enclosure, wherein said inlet projects into said enclosure by a predetermined height h; and

a baffle disposed within said closure and positioned to traverse said first stream at a position upstream of said inlet, said baffle separated from said inlet by a predetermined distance d, wherein said first stream Beyond the above-mentioned baffle, a low-pressure area is formed between the above-mentioned baffle and the above-mentioned inlet port, which is sufficient to improve the combining efficiency of the above-mentioned first stream and the second stream.

The above-mentioned device, wherein, the baffle includes a conical structure, which is configured to include a wider bottom and a narrower top, and the configuration of the above-mentioned conical baffle is such that the wider bottom is located at a distance from The inlet port is nearest and the tapered baffle extends across the width of the closure.

The device as described above, wherein said baffle is tapered such that the narrower top of said baffle does not contact the closure.

The apparatus as described above, wherein the tapered baffle comprises a conical cross-sectional geometry.

The apparatus as described above, wherein said tapered baffles comprise a triangular cross-sectional geometry.

Apparatus as described above, wherein the wider base of the tapered baffle includes a slit region such that a portion of said wider base is displaced from the surface of the closure by a predetermined slit distance g.

A device as described above, wherein the inlet is arranged to protrude within the enclosure by a predetermined height h greater than the slit g associated with the conical baffle.

Apparatus as described above, wherein the first stream comprises air at a lower temperature and the second stream comprises air at a higher temperature, the slits of the conical baffles thereby allowing the cooler air to flow from Passing under the above-mentioned baffle, enter the low-pressure area and reduce the ambient temperature of the above-mentioned baffle.

The apparatus as described above, wherein the conical baffle includes one or more holes to provide additional cooling to the conical baffle.

The apparatus as described above, wherein said first stream comprises a first gaseous material and said second stream comprises a second gaseous material.

The device as described above, wherein the first gas is nitrogen and the second gas is oxygen.

The device as above, wherein the first material is a first liquid and the second material is a second liquid.

The apparatus as above, wherein the first liquid stream comprises a cleaning liquid and the second liquid stream comprises an emulsifier.

The apparatus as described above, wherein the first liquid stream comprises a cleaning liquid and the second liquid stream comprises a suspension.

The apparatus as described above, wherein the baffle comprises one or more holes.

A device as described above, wherein the baffle includes a slit region such that an edge of said baffle closest to the inlet is displaced from the surface of the closure by a predetermined slit distance g.

A device as described above, wherein the inlet is arranged to protrude within the enclosure by a predetermined height h greater than the slit g associated with the displacement of the edge of the baffle.

The apparatus as described above, wherein the first stream comprises a high velocity stream and the second stream comprises a low velocity stream.

The apparatus as described above, wherein the baffle comprises a non-tapered plate geometry.

The apparatus as described above, wherein the baffle comprises an integral part.

Apparatus as described above, wherein the baffle comprises multiple parts, such that individual sections may be added or removed as required.

The apparatus as described above, wherein the baffle comprises a lower panel section and an upper panel section detachably attached to said lower panel section.

The invention also provides a device for mixing a first stream of material running through an enclosure with a plurality of different streams of material, each of said plurality of different streams comprising different properties than said first stream , the above devices include:

a plurality of inlet ports arranged to protrude into the closure, each inlet port for introducing a single one of said plurality of different streams; and

A plurality of baffles, the plurality of baffles are in a one-to-one correspondence with the plurality of input ports, and each baffle is arranged upstream of its associated input port and separated from it by a predetermined distance d, wherein the first flow The flow of the strand across each baffle of said plurality of baffles creates a region of low pressure between each baffle and its associated inlet port sufficient to enhance the efficiency of combining said first stream with said plurality of different streams.

Apparatus as described above, wherein at least one baffle of the plurality of baffles comprises a conical configuration comprising a wider base and a narrower top, said at least one conical baffle The wider base is located closest to the associated at least one inlet and the at least one tapered baffle extends across the width of the closure.

Apparatus as described above, wherein at least one baffle is tapered so as to form a narrower top out of contact with the closure.

The device as described above, wherein the plurality of inlets are arranged along the length of the closure.

The device as described above, wherein a plurality of input ports are arranged in the width direction of the closed structure.

The present invention also provides an apparatus for mixing a first cooler air stream with a second warmer air stream traveling through a conduit, the apparatus comprising:

an inlet configured to project into the conduit for introducing a second stream into said conduit; and

a conical baffle disposed within said conduit and transverse to the flow of said first stream, wherein said conical baffle is located a predetermined distance d upstream of said inlet, said conical baffle comprising a wider base Surfaces and sidewalls that narrow along their length to form a tapered top region, said baffles are arranged so that the wide bottom surface adjoins the portion of said conduit through which said inlet protrudes, said tapered baffles The plate then extends across the width of the duct.

The present invention provides a method of combining a first material stream with a second material stream, said second material stream comprising different properties from said first stream, said method comprising the steps of:

a) introducing the first stream into a closure such that said first stream runs along the length of the closure;

b) blocking the flow of said first stream by means of a baffle arranged in the closure; and

c) introduction of a second stream into said closure, said second stream being introduced at a position downstream of said baffle, the interruption of flow of said first stream over said baffle, between said baffle and A low-pressure area is formed between the introduction points of the second stream, which is sufficient to improve the combining efficiency of the first stream and the second stream.

The method as above, wherein the first stream comprises air at a lower temperature and the second stream comprises air at a higher temperature.

The method as above, wherein the first stream comprises a first gaseous material and the second stream comprises a second gaseous material.

The method as above, wherein the first gas is helium and the second gas is oxygen.

The method as above, wherein the first material is a first liquid and the second material is a second liquid.

The method as above, wherein the first stream comprises a high speed stream and the second stream comprises a low speed stream.

The present invention also provides a method for combining multiple streams of different materials, the method comprising the steps of:

a) introducing the first stream into an enclosure so that said first stream runs along the length of the enclosure;

b) blocking the flow of the above-mentioned first stream by means of a baffle arranged in the closure;

c) introduction of a second stream into said closure, said second stream being introduced at a position downstream of said baffle, the interruption of flow of said first stream over said baffle, between said baffle and A low-pressure zone is formed between the introduction points of the above-mentioned second stream enough to improve the combining efficiency of the above-mentioned first stream and the second stream; and

d) Repeat steps b) and c) for each of the remaining streams in a number of different streams until all streams are combined.

The present invention also provides a method for drying the woven material by subjecting the above-mentioned woven material to a substantially constant temperature during the manufacture of the textile material, comprising the steps of:

a) inserting the woven material into a suitable drying device; and

b) providing to the surface of said woven material an air flow of substantially constant temperature, the substantially constant temperature air flow being formed as follows:

c) introducing a first air flow at a first temperature into an enclosure so that the above-mentioned first stream runs along the length of the enclosure;

d) blocking the flow of said first stream by means of a baffle arranged in the closure; and

e) introducing into said enclosure a second gas stream at a second temperature different from said first temperature, said second stream being introduced at a position downstream of said baffle, said first stream passing over said baffle The blocking of the flow of the above-mentioned baffle plate and the introduction point of the above-mentioned second stream forms a low-pressure zone sufficient to improve the combining efficiency of the above-mentioned first stream and the second stream, and provides an output air flow with a substantially constant temperature, For drying the above mentioned woven materials.

The method as above, wherein the first air stream comprises cooler air and the second air stream comprises higher temperature air.

The method as above, wherein the first temperature is 250°F and the second temperature is 2440°F.

The present invention also provides a method for drying the knitted material by passing the above-mentioned knitted material through air at a substantially constant temperature in the manufacture of the knitted material, which includes the following steps:

a) Insert the knitted material into a suitable drying device; and

b) providing an air flow of substantially constant temperature to the surface of said knitted material, the substantially constant temperature air flow being formed as follows:

c) introducing a first gas flow at a first temperature into an enclosure so that the first stream runs along the length of the enclosure;

d) blocking the flow of said first stream by means of a baffle arranged in the closure; and

e) introducing into said enclosure a second gas stream having a temperature of a second temperature different from said first temperature, said second stream being introduced at a position downstream of said baffle, said first stream passing over said baffle The blocking of the flow of the plate forms a low-pressure zone between the above-mentioned baffle plate and the introduction point of the above-mentioned second stream, which is sufficient to improve the combining efficiency of the above-mentioned first stream and the second stream, and provides a substantially constant temperature output air flow , for drying the above knitted material.

The method as above, wherein the first air stream comprises cooler air and the second air stream comprises higher temperature air.

The method as above, wherein the first temperature is 250°F and the second temperature is 2440°F.

The present invention also provides a method of drying a nonwoven material in the manufacture of the nonwoven material by subjecting said nonwoven material to air at a substantially constant temperature, comprising the steps of:

a) nonwoven material having a basis weight of less than 5 grams per square meter or greater than 200 grams per square meter is inserted into a suitable drying apparatus; and

b) providing an air flow of substantially constant temperature to the surface of the above-mentioned nonwoven material, the substantially constant temperature air flow being formed as follows:

c) introducing a first gas flow at a first temperature into an enclosure so that the first stream runs along the length of the enclosure;

d) blocking the flow of the above-mentioned first stream by means of a baffle arranged in the closed structure; and

e) introducing into said enclosure a second gas stream having a temperature of a second temperature different from said first temperature, said second stream being introduced at a position downstream of said baffle, said first stream passing over said baffle The blocking of the flow of the above-mentioned baffle plate and the introduction point of the above-mentioned second stream forms a low-pressure zone sufficient to improve the combining efficiency of the above-mentioned first stream and the second stream, and provides an output air flow with a substantially constant temperature, For drying the above nonwoven materials.

A method as described above, wherein the first air stream comprises cooler air and the second air stream comprises higher temperature air.

The method as above, wherein the first temperature is 250°F and the second temperature is 2440°F.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a conical baffle is positioned within the duct upstream of the input source of the second air flow which will combine with the first air flow flowing through the duct. The structure of the conduit includes parallel and spaced apart walls forming the top and bottom of the conduit. The inlet of the second stream is inserted through the bottom of the conduit, and the baffle is tapered in such a way that the widest part of the baffle is closest to the inlet, and as it approaches the top of the conduit, it extends across the width of the conduit. narrowed. A first gas stream (eg, low temperature) is run through the conduit, while a second gas stream (eg, high temperature) is introduced through the inlet. The flow of the first stream across the baffle creates a low pressure zone along the surface of the baffle closest to the inlet. The second stream introduced by the inlet thus naturally flows into the low pressure zone formed by the baffle structure of the present invention, thereby efficiently mixing with the first stream.

In another embodiment of the invention, the baffle may be configured to include a slit region across the bottom edge of the baffle near the bottom of the conduit. This embodiment is particularly suitable for installations where a low temperature gas flow is to be combined with a high temperature gas flow. Specifically, the slots allow cold air to pass under the baffle and be drawn into a low pressure area in front of the baffle, thereby providing additional cooling to the baffle structure.

The apparatus and method of the present invention can be used to combine any two different materials, such as vapor and air, low humidity air and high humidity air, nitrogen and oxygen, or even two liquids (such as a clean liquid and an emulsion) or suspension). In particular, this ability to combine two streams of different materials (eg, low temperature gas and high temperature gas) is very useful in the paper and textile industries. For example, in the production of woven or knitted fabrics, and certain nonwoven materials, it is desirable to "air dry" the material with a uniform air flow (commonly referred to in the art as "through air drying"). According to the teaching of the present invention, this uniform air flow is created by combining cold air and high temperature air by means of baffles interposed between the two air streams.

In yet another embodiment of the invention, a non-tapered baffle may be used to provide a combination of two or more material streams. In particular, non-tapered baffles may be used where a high velocity first stream is to be combined with a low velocity second stream. In the prior art, if the low-velocity stream is injected into the passage of the high-velocity stream, the inlet of the low-velocity stream may be strained, thereby causing the low-velocity material flow to flow along the bottom of the conduit and reduce the mixing efficiency. According to the teaching of the present invention, the baffles of non-tapered plate configuration serve to shield the inlet in the high velocity stream channel. This allows low velocity material to spread across the width of the conduit, allowing more efficient mixing downstream.

In yet a further embodiment of the invention, by utilizing a plurality of individual baffles, each positioned upstream of one of the plurality of inlets, a plurality of different streams can be combined to form a uniform stream. The plurality of inlets may be located at any desired location relative to the closure. For example, the inlet may be located along the length of the enclosure, or alternatively may be located along the width of the enclosure. Additionally, the baffle may be formed from a solid piece of material, or may also include one or more apertures.

These and other embodiments of the invention will be more apparent in the following discussion and by reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief description of the drawings

Referring now to the drawings, like reference numerals designate like parts throughout the several views:

Figure 1 provides a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a mixing device of the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a sectional view taken along line 2-2 of the device of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is another sectional view taken along line 3-3 of the device of Fig. 1;

Figure 4 shows another embodiment of the invention comprising a baffle with a slit;

Fig. 5 is a sectional view taken along line 5-5 of the device of Fig. 4;

Fig. 6 is another sectional view taken along line 6-6 of the device of Fig. 4;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the device of FIG. 5 taken along line 7-7, particularly showing the slit region included in an exemplary baffle structure;

Figure 8 shows in perspective view another embodiment of the invention employing multiple baffles and associated inlets;

Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the device of Figure 8 taken along line 9-9; and

Figure 10 is a graph showing the results obtained using the apparatus of the present invention compared to the prior art, particularly the improvement in temperature "mixing" when combining low temperature gas with high temperature gas.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment

Figure 1 shows an exemplary mixing device 10 of the present invention. As shown, the device includes a tapered baffle 12 disposed within a conduit 14 with its widest edge 16 abutting a bottom wall 18 of the conduit 14 . The baffle 12 then tapers to a point 20 adjoining the top wall 22 of the conduit 14 . It will be appreciated that although the conduit 14 shown in this embodiment comprises a rectangular cross-section, suitable closures having any predetermined geometry may be used. In addition, the geometry of the baffles 12 can also vary according to specific situations. For the arrangement of Figure 1, the baffles 12 shown comprise a conical cross-section. Other tapered or non-tapered configurations may be used and are within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

The inlet 24 protrudes through the bottom wall 18 of the conduit 14, and is located downstream of the baffle 12 (relative to the flow direction of the stream passing through the conduit 14) at a distance d from the center of the inlet 24 to the baffle 12 (such as Figure 2) is a matter of design, as a function of the distance d , providing higher or lower air pressure in the region in between.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first gas flow G ₁ runs along the length 1 of the conduit 14 . Gas stream _G1 may comprise oxygen, nitrogen, gas stream, air, or any other gaseous stream. The second gas stream G ₂ flows through conduit 26 and is introduced into conduit 14 through input port 24 . According to the teachings of the present invention, the flow of the first gas flow _G1 across the conical baffle 12 forms a low pressure cavity on the downstream side 28 of the baffle 12 . As shown in FIG. 1 , the passage of the second gas flow _G2 thus enters this low-pressure region. Therefore, the natural tendency of the jet of injected gas to expand as the distance from the injection point increases continuously causes the flow of the second airflow _G2 to enter the outside of the low-pressure chamber and is involved in the flow of the first airflow _G1 , so as to be evenly distributed on the surface (width) of the first airflow _G1 . The turbulence created by the conical baffle structure thus helps to spread this mixing ahead of the flow of the first gas stream G.

It will be appreciated that the mixing achieved by the present invention through the use of conical baffles may be further enhanced by any of the following characteristics: (1) changing the cross-sectional area of conduit 12 to control the velocity of gas flow _G (for example, reducing the velocity of conduit 14 The cross-section in the area of the baffle 12 and the inlet port 24 will increase the velocity of the airflow _G1 ); (2) change the aspect ratio of the duct 14 (thereby controlling the width and width of the front of the flow of the airflow _G1 ); or ( 3) Vary the speed at which the second gas flow G ₂ exits the inlet port 24 .

FIG. 2 shows a side view of the above-mentioned device in FIG. 1 . As shown in this figure, the input port 24 projects through the bottom surface 18 of the conduit 24 by a predetermined height h . The center of the inlet opening 24 is shown at a predetermined distance d downstream from the rear edge 30 of the baffle 12 . Both height h and distance d can be controlled to provide the most efficient mixing of the two streams, where these parameters will be a function of various conditions associated with the two streams (eg, temperature, composition, humidity, flow rate, etc.). As clearly seen in this figure, the baffle 12 is dimensioned such that the apex 20 does not contact the top surface 22 of the conduit 14 . The flow of the gas flow G ₁ around the baffle 12 thus creates a low-pressure cavity region 32 . As a result, gas flow _G2 naturally tends to enter plenum 32 as it exits inlet port 24 and increases the mixing efficiency of gas flows _G1 and _G2 .

As mentioned above, another parameter affecting the efficiency of the device of the invention is the geometry of the baffles. Figure 3 gives a top view of the mixing device shown in Figure 1 in a perspective view. As shown, the configuration of the sidewall 34 of the baffle 12 comprises an arc of radius r , wherein this angular displacement has been found to control the overall size of the low pressure chamber 32, as well as the actual pressure in the region of the chamber.

As noted above, one particular environment in which the method of the present invention is utilized is the "through-air" drying process associated with woven and nonwoven fiber manufacture, where a combination of low temperature and high temperature air streams is often required. Figure 4 shows a specific embodiment of the invention which is particularly suitable for this environment. This environment is suitable for handling lightweight soft paper products, including those with a basis weight below 5 grams per square meter and greater than 200 grams per square meter. Specifically, the mixing device 50 includes a baffle 52 disposed within a conduit (or similar closure) 54, wherein the baffle 52 is upstream (relative to the flow direction of the stream through the conduit 54) from the input port 56. A predetermined distance d (shown in Figure 5). As shown, the first low temperature greenhouse air flow A travels along the _length of the conduit 54 and impinges on the baffle 52 to form a low pressure cavity 56 in the inner region of the baffle 52 . The second high temperature air flow A _high flows along the duct 58 and enters the conduit 54 through the input port 56 . For this particular low temperature/high temperature embodiment of the invention, the baffle 52 includes a lower bottom surface 58 formed by moving the bottom surface 58 of the baffle 52 from the lower surface 60 of the conduit 54 by a predetermined slot distance g . Slit area (shown in Figure 5). As shown in FIG. 4, the baffle 52 includes a plurality of holes 53 which act to "cool" the baffle 52 by passing a relatively large volume of cryogenic air therethrough. It will be appreciated that the number and size of the holes should be limited so as not to interfere with the low pressure zone formed by the baffle structure. Another characteristic of this particular embodiment is that the height h of the inlet 56 projecting into the conduit 54 is greater than the slit distance g (see FIG. 5 ). A particular advantage associated with this arrangement is that the injection point of stream A _high will remain above the flow channel of A _low . Thus, the passage of Stream A _High will not hinder Stream A _High , which will pass unimpeded into the low pressure area.

FIG. 6 gives a top view of the device 50 . As shown in this particular embodiment, tapered baffle 52 includes a triangular geometry and includes a pair of sidewalls 62 and 64 disposed at a predetermined angle Θ. The cold air flow A travels _low through the baffle 52 to form a low pressure zone 66 between the inlet 56 and the baffle 52 . Therefore, the high temperature air flow A _high will naturally enter this low pressure chamber and mix with the stream A _low efficiently to form the output air flow A _mix .

Figure 7 contains a view of the device shown in Figure 5 taken along line 7-7. In this view, the slit region 55 between the baffle and the lower surface 60 of the conduit 54 is evident. As shown, only the smaller legs 57, 59 of the baffle 52 are in contact with the surface 60 (for stabilization purposes), allowing a low A stable stream to pass through the slit region 55 and provide baffle 52 Provide cooling.

As mentioned above, the use of the baffle arrangement according to the invention is particularly advantageous where it is necessary to inject a low velocity stream into the channel of a high velocity stream. Figure 8 shows such a device of the invention which is particularly suitable for this purpose. Additionally, Figure 8 shows an arrangement comprising a pair of baffles and their associated inlets, as previously discussed, because the techniques of the present invention can be extended to provide any number of combinations of different materials. In practice, although only two exemplary baffles and associated inlets are shown in the drawings, it will be appreciated that any desired number of such baffles and associated inlets may be used and included in this within the spirit and scope of the invention. Additionally, multiple baffle/inlet arrangements may be arranged within the enclosure in any desired manner in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. For example, they may be arranged along the length of the closure, or along the width of the closure, or any suitable combination. In general, their position within the enclosure (as long as the baffles are located upstream of their associated inlets) is irrelevant to the teaching of the present invention.

Referring specifically to FIG. 8 , the device 70 includes a first baffle 72 and a second baffle 74 , each of which is arranged to extend along the width of the closure 76 . A first high velocity flow of material V _H (eg, a cleaning liquid of some kind) travels through the enclosure 76 , first impinging on and over the first baffle 76 and then impinging on and over the second baffle 74 . A second flow of low velocity material V _L1 (eg, an emulsifier of some kind) is introduced into closure 76 through first inlet 78 . Likewise, a third low velocity material stream V _L2 (eg, an emulsifier of a different composition and/or velocity) is introduced into closure 76 through second input port 80 . In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, each input port is located a predetermined distance downstream from its associated baffle. As with other embodiments discussed above, device 70 is capable of creating a low pressure zone in the area between each baffle and its associated inlet. Thus, in this particular embodiment, this low pressure region enables the low velocity streams V _L1 and V _L2 to be injected into enclosure 76 in sufficient quantities, resulting in efficient mixing. In addition, as shown in FIG. 8, the baffle structure of the present invention can be composed of multiple unit structures, and has the ability to produce different effects by adding or removing separate units. For example, a second baffle section 82 could be attached to the top of the first baffle 72, and the second section 82 would allow the baffle structure to accommodate higher velocity materials. It will therefore be appreciated that the size and shape of the baffles can be adjusted over time to accommodate materials at different velocities, and that this adjustment is preferably accomplished by utilizing a multiple unit baffle structure.

FIG. 9 contains a side cross-sectional view of the device 70 shown in FIG. 8 taken along line 9-9. As previously discussed, the use of baffles is particularly advantageous where a low velocity stream is injected into a high velocity stream. In a conventional arrangement without the baffle structure of the present invention, the force of the high velocity stream V _H would bend the first inlet port 78 as shown shaded in FIG. 9 . The injection channel of the low-velocity material V _L1 is thus disturbed, further reducing the mixing efficiency of the streams V _H and V _L1 . Thus, the use of baffles 72 in accordance with the teachings of the present invention acts to provide a physical barrier between the high velocity stream and the inlet, allowing low velocity material to be injected in the desired direction.

A numerical graph of the effect of the present invention is shown in FIG. 10 . In particular, FIG. 10 is a graph showing temperature as a function of distance along a chamber, such as conduit 14 or duct 54, when using the apparatus of the present invention in conjunction with gas streams of different temperatures. For the results shown in Figure 9, a first airflow having an ambient temperature of 250°F combined with a second airflow having an ambient temperature of 2440°F, the efficiency of the combination of the respective airflows is assessed by evaluating the point at which the two airflows begin to combine to measure the temperature change at any point downstream of the The graph in Figure 10 includes measurements of this temperature change at three separate locations: a first point B at a distance of 575 inches beyond the location of the inlet of the high temperature gas flow; a second point B at a distance of 799 inches beyond the inlet of the inlet. point C; and a third point D at a distance of 983 inches past the inlet. The temperature variations associated with conventional prior art structures are represented by circles in FIG. 9 . The increase in mixing efficiency brought about by the use of the baffle arrangement of the present invention is evident from the temperature change, also measured at three positions B, C and D, represented by a triangle. At B in particular, the temperature changes from 500°F to 60°F. At C, this changes from 320°F to 24°F; and finally, at D, it changes from 180°F to only 16°F. It will be appreciated that these data points represent temperature changes (as a function of position along the width of the closure at the point of interest) and not the actual ambient temperature of the mixed gas stream.

Claims (45)

1. An apparatus for combining a first flow of material running through an enclosure with a second flow of material, said second flow of material comprising different characteristics from said first stream, said apparatus comprising: an inlet for introducing said second stream into said enclosure, wherein said inlet projects into said enclosure by a predetermined height (h); and a baffle disposed within said closure and positioned to traverse said first stream at a position upstream of said inlet, said baffle separated from said inlet by a predetermined distance (d), wherein said first A stream passes over the above-mentioned baffle to form a low-pressure area between the above-mentioned baffle and the above-mentioned inlet, which is sufficient to improve the combining efficiency of the above-mentioned first stream and the second stream. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the baffle comprises a conical structure formed to include a wider base and a narrower top, said conical baffle being arranged such that said wider The bottom of the baffle is located closest to the inlet, and the conical baffle extends across the width of the closure. 3. The device of claim 2, wherein said baffle is tapered such that a narrower top of said baffle does not contact the enclosure. 4. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the tapered baffle comprises a conical cross-sectional geometry. 5. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said tapered baffle comprises a triangular cross-sectional geometry. 6. The device of claim 2, wherein the wider base of the tapered baffle includes a slit region such that a portion of the wider base is displaced from the surface of the closure by a predetermined slit distance ( g). 7. A device as claimed in claim 6, wherein the inlet is arranged to protrude within the enclosure by a predetermined height (h) greater than the slit (g) associated with the conical baffle. 8. Apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein the first stream comprises air at a lower temperature and the second stream comprises air at a higher temperature, the slits of the conical baffles thereby making the temperature relatively high. Low air can pass under the baffles, entering the low pressure zone and reducing the ambient temperature of the baffles. 9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the conical baffle includes one or more holes to provide additional cooling to the conical baffle. 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said first stream comprises a first gaseous material and said second stream comprises a second gaseous material. 11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the first gas is nitrogen and the second gas is oxygen. 12. The device of claim 1, wherein the first material is a first liquid and the second material is a second liquid. 13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the first liquid stream comprises a cleaning liquid and the second liquid stream comprises an emulsifier. 14. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the first liquid stream comprises a cleaning liquid and the second liquid stream comprises a suspension. 15. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the baffle includes one or more holes. 16. The device of claim 1, wherein the baffle includes a slit region such that an edge of the baffle closest to the inlet is displaced from the surface of the closure by a predetermined slit distance ( g). 17. A device as claimed in claim 16, wherein the inlet is arranged to protrude within the enclosure by a predetermined height (h) greater than the slit (g) associated with the displacement of the edge of the baffle. 18. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first stream comprises a high velocity stream and the second stream comprises a low velocity stream. 19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the baffle comprises a non-tapered plate geometry. 20. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the baffle comprises a non-tapered plate geometry. 21. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the baffle comprises an integral part. 22. The device of claim 1, wherein the baffle comprises multiple parts such that individual sections can be added or removed as desired. 23. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the baffle includes a lower panel section and an upper panel section removably attached to said lower panel section. 24. An apparatus for mixing a first stream of material running through an enclosure with a plurality of different streams of material, each of said plurality of different streams comprising different properties from said first stream, said Devices include: a plurality of inlet ports arranged to protrude into the closure, each inlet port for introducing a single one of said plurality of different streams; and a plurality of baffles, the plurality of baffles are in a one-to-one correspondence with the plurality of input ports, each baffle is arranged upstream of its associated input port, and is separated from it by a predetermined distance (d), wherein the above The flow of the first stream across each baffle of said plurality of baffles creates a low pressure between each baffle and its associated inlet opening sufficient to enhance the efficiency of combining said first stream with said plurality of different streams district. 25. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein at least one baffle of the plurality of baffles comprises a tapered configuration comprising a wider base and a narrower top, said at least one The tapered baffles are positioned such that said wider base is closest to the associated at least one inlet opening, and said at least one tapered baffle extends across the width of the closure. 26. The device of claim 25, wherein at least one baffle is tapered so as to form a narrower top out of contact with the closure. 27. The device of claim 24, wherein a plurality of inlets are provided along the length of the enclosure. 28. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein a plurality of input ports are disposed across the width of the enclosure. 29. An apparatus for mixing a first cooler air stream with a second warmer air stream traveling through a conduit, the apparatus comprising: an inlet configured to project into the conduit for introducing a second stream into said conduit; and a conical baffle disposed within said conduit and transverse to the flow of said first stream, wherein said conical baffle is located a predetermined distance (d) upstream of said inlet, said conical baffle comprising a wider The bottom surface of the bottom surface and the side walls narrowing along its length to form a tapered top region, the baffle is arranged so that the wide bottom surface adjoins the portion of the conduit through which the inlet port protrudes, and the tapered The baffles then extend across the width of the duct. 30. A method of combining a first material stream with a second material stream, said second material stream comprising different properties than said first stream, said method comprising the steps of: a) introducing the first stream into a closure such that said first stream runs along the length of the closure; b) blocking the flow of said first stream by means of a baffle arranged in the closure; and c) introduction of a second stream into said closure, said second stream being introduced at a position downstream of said baffle, the interruption of flow of said first stream over said baffle, between said baffle and A low-pressure area is formed between the introduction points of the second stream, which is sufficient to improve the combining efficiency of the first stream and the second stream. 31. The method of claim 30, wherein the first stream comprises cooler air and the second stream comprises higher temperature air. 32. The method of claim 30, wherein the first stream includes a first gaseous material and the second stream includes a second gaseous material. 33. The method of claim 32, wherein the first gas is helium and the second gas is oxygen. 34. The method of claim 30, wherein the first material is a first liquid and the second material is a second liquid. 35. The method of claim 30, wherein the first stream comprises a high velocity stream and the second stream comprises a low velocity stream. 36. A method of combining a plurality of streams of different materials, said method comprising the steps of: a) introducing the first stream into an enclosure so that said first stream runs along the length of the enclosure; b) blocking the flow of the above-mentioned first stream by means of a baffle arranged in the closure; c) introduction of a second stream into said closure, said second stream being introduced at a position downstream of said baffle, the interruption of flow of said first stream over said baffle, between said baffle and A low-pressure zone is formed between the introduction points of the above-mentioned second stream enough to improve the combining efficiency of the above-mentioned first stream and the second stream; and d) Repeat steps b) and c) for each of the remaining multiple different streams until all streams are combined. 37. A method of drying said woven material in the manufacture of textile material by subjecting said woven material to a substantially constant temperature atmosphere, comprising the steps of: a) inserting the woven material into a suitable drying device; and b) providing to the surface of said woven material an air flow of substantially constant temperature, the substantially constant temperature air flow being formed as follows: c) introducing a first air flow at a first temperature into an enclosure so that the above-mentioned first stream runs along the length of the enclosure; d) blocking the flow of said first stream by means of a baffle arranged in the closure; and e) introducing into said enclosure a second gas stream at a second temperature different from said first temperature, said second stream being introduced at a position downstream of said baffle, said first stream passing over said baffle The blocking of the flow of the above-mentioned baffle plate and the introduction point of the above-mentioned second stream forms a low-pressure zone sufficient to improve the combining efficiency of the above-mentioned first stream and the second stream, and provides an output air flow with a substantially constant temperature, For drying the above mentioned woven materials. 38. The method of claim 37, wherein the first air stream comprises cooler air and the second air stream comprises higher temperature air. 39. The method of claim 38, wherein the first temperature is 250°F and the second temperature is 2440°F. 40. A method for drying the knitted material in the manufacture of the knitted material by passing the above-mentioned knitted material through air at a substantially constant temperature, comprising the steps of: a) Insert the knitted material into a suitable drying device; and b) providing an air flow of substantially constant temperature to the surface of said knitted material, the substantially constant temperature air flow being formed as follows: c) introducing a first gas stream at a first temperature into an enclosure so that the first stream runs along the length of the enclosure; d) blocking the flow of said first stream by means of a baffle arranged in the closure; and e) introducing into said enclosure a second gas stream having a temperature of a second temperature different from said first temperature, said second stream being introduced at a position downstream of said baffle, said first stream passing over said baffle The blocking of the flow of the plate forms a low-pressure zone between the above-mentioned baffle plate and the introduction point of the above-mentioned second stream, which is sufficient to improve the combining efficiency of the above-mentioned first stream and the second stream, and provides a substantially constant temperature output air flow , for drying the above knitted material. 41. The method of claim 40, wherein the first air stream includes cooler air and the second air stream includes higher temperature air. 42. The method of claim 41, wherein the first temperature is 250°F and the second temperature is 2440°F. 43. A method of drying a nonwoven material in the manufacture of a nonwoven material by subjecting said nonwoven material to air at a substantially constant temperature, comprising the steps of: a) nonwoven material having a basis weight of less than 5 grams per square meter or greater than 200 grams per square meter is inserted into a suitable drying device; and b) providing an air flow of substantially constant temperature to the surface of the above-mentioned nonwoven material, the substantially constant temperature air flow being formed as follows: c) introducing a first gas stream at a first temperature into an enclosure so that the first stream runs along the length of the enclosure; d) blocking the flow of said first stream by means of a baffle arranged in the closed structure; and e) introducing into said enclosure a second gas stream having a temperature of a second temperature different from said first temperature, said second stream being introduced at a position downstream of said baffle, said first stream passing over said baffle The blocking of the flow of the above-mentioned baffle plate and the introduction point of the above-mentioned second stream forms a low-pressure zone sufficient to improve the combining efficiency of the above-mentioned first stream and the second stream, and provides an output air flow with a substantially constant temperature, For drying the above nonwoven materials. 44. The method of claim 43, wherein the first airflow comprises cooler air and the second airflow comprises warmer air. 45. The method of claim 44, wherein the first temperature is 250°F and the second temperature is 2440°F.

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