FR3124955A1 - Device for creating a liquid mixture from at least two streams of liquid fluids - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for creating a liquid mixture from at least two liquid fluids, comprising: - a mixing tank (10) comprising a bottom wall (11) and at least two side walls (14a, 15a) extending from said bottom wall (11) between said bottom wall (11) and an upper edge (13), the section of the side walls (14a, 15a) being lobe-shaped so that said tank has at least one first lobe (14) and a second lobe (15), - at least one inlet (14.1, 14.2) of a first liquid fluid in the first lobe (14) of the mixing tank (10), - at less an entry (15.1, 15.2) of a second liquid fluid into the second lobe (15) of the mixing tank (10), the arrangement of the lobes and the introduction of the liquid fluids being carried out so as to generate a multi -vortex creating said liquid mixture, said device further comprising outlets (14.5, 15.5) of the liquid mixture created, provided in the bottom (11) of the mixing tank (10) at the level of each of the at least first and second lobes (14, 15) of the mixing tank (10). Figure to be published with the abstract: Fig. 3

Description

Device for creating a liquid mixture from at least two streams of liquid fluids

Technical area.

The invention relates to a device for creating a liquid mixture from at least two streams of liquid fluids. It also relates to a system for extracting, mixing and circulating liquid fluids comprising the device according to the invention. It also covers a water treatment installation, of the filter type planted with plants, in particular reeds.

The invention relates to the field of devices for mixing liquid fluids, in particular of the static mixer type. It finds particular application in the field of water treatment, in particular waste water.

State of the art.

In many industrial sectors, such as, for example, the chemical industry, the petrochemical industry, the cosmetics industry, the alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverage industry, the water treatment and recycling industry, etc., it is is often necessary to mix two or more streams of liquid fluids in order to create a uniform liquid mixture from the point of view of its physical and/or chemical properties such as homogeneity, temperature, chemical composition, concentration, etc. . As non-limiting examples of situations where there is a need to mix liquid fluids, we can cite:
- The mixture of a current of alcohol (for example 96% ethanol), a current of water containing distilled hydrogen peroxide, a current of glycerol to create a homogeneous current of a hydroalcoholic gel.
- The mixing of a stream of red wine from a first vinification tank with another stream of red wine from a second vinification tank to create a homogeneous stream of intimately mixed red wine which can be stored in a storage room. a third vinification vat.
- The mixing of two or more streams of the same liquid fluid (for example a body of water resting in a water treatment installation) in order to create a homogeneous final liquid mixture (for example a stirred and aerated water).
- The mixing of an aqueous solution containing an acidic or basic compound with, respectively, an aqueous solution of potassium hydroxide or sulfuric acid to achieve a pH correction.

There are many devices for creating a homogeneous liquid mixture from two or more liquid fluids. Known mixing devices can be divided into two main categories: dynamic or mechanical mixers and static mixers. Dynamic or mechanical mixers use motors and other moving parts to ensure the desired mixing of liquid fluids. They have, however, the major drawbacks of being high energy consumers, noisy and subject to wear and/or breakdowns. Static mixers generally have no moving parts. In general, static mixers consist of at least one tubular body, the interior of which is in fluid communication with inlets of liquid fluids to be mixed, and of a plurality of baffles positioned inside the tubular body and shaped so as to effect deflections on the liquid fluids flowing inside the tubular body in order to allow their mixing. However, static mixers are relatively expensive to manufacture due in particular to their complex geometry.

Thus, in view of the foregoing, the present invention aims to provide a mixing device which is of simple construction, whose use is easy and which is however effective in creating a homogeneous mixture from two or more fluids. liquids introduced into it.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a device for mixing at least two liquids to produce a homogeneous mixture and without requiring the use of moving components to perform the mixing.

The need to have such a mixing device is expressed in particular, but not exclusively, for uses in water treatment installations, in particular waste water.

Presentation of the invention.

The solution proposed by the invention is a device for creating a liquid mixture from at least two liquid fluids, comprising:
- a mixing tank comprising a bottom wall and at least two side walls extending from said bottom wall between said bottom wall and an upper edge, the section of the side walls being lobe-shaped so that said vessel has at least a first lobe and a second lobe,
- at least one inlet of a first liquid fluid in the first lobe of the mixing tank,
- at least one inlet of a second liquid fluid in the second lobe of the mixing tank,
the arrangement of the lobes and the introduction of the liquid fluids being carried out so as to generate a multi-vortex creating said liquid mixture,
said device further comprising outlets for the liquid mixture created, provided in the bottom of the mixing tank at the level of each of the at least first and second lobes of the mixing tank.

The mixing tank is constructed in a multi-lobed form (at least two lobes). Each of its lobes is configured in such a way as to allow the initiation, in the mixing tank, of a vortex or turbulent movement to the liquid fluid which is introduced therein. The various vortices or turbulent movements of liquid fluids thus generated in the mixing tank combine together to form the desired liquid mixture, which leaves the mixing tank through the outlets provided in the bottom of the latter at the level of each of the multi -lobes.

The device according to the invention has many advantages, in particular that of being of simple construction and inexpensive to produce and of being versatile and effective in allowing several streams of liquid fluids to combine into a single homogeneous stream of liquid fluids. . In addition, the mixing device or tank according to the invention does not use any moving parts to perform the mixing of liquid fluids.

Other advantageous features of the invention are listed below. Each of these characteristics can be considered alone or in combination with the remarkable characteristics defined above, and be the subject, where applicable, of one or more divisional patent applications.

Preferably, the at least one inlet of a first liquid fluid and the at least one inlet of a second liquid fluid are mounted tangentially on the corresponding lobes of the mixing tank.

The at least one inlet for a first liquid fluid and the at least one inlet for a second liquid fluid can be located in the lower part of the mixing tank in the vicinity of the bottom of the latter.

The section of the side walls of the mixing tank can be substantially semi-circular or semi-elliptical.

In particular, the number of lobes of the mixing vessel is two.

Preferably, the at least one inlet of a first liquid fluid and the at least one inlet of a second liquid fluid are oriented in the mixing vessel such that the respective vortices generated in the mixing vessel are in opposite directions.

The mixing device according to the invention may further comprise a rigid protective skirt surrounding the mixing tank of said device and resting on a wider support wall comprising the bottom wall of the mixing tank, said protective skirt having at least one side wall extending upwardly from the support wall and being spaced from the outer side walls of the mixing vessel so as to define an annular space for receiving reinforcement packing, the side wall of said protective skirt having at least one orifice through which the at least one inlet of the first lobe of the mixing vessel is engaged and at least one orifice through which the at least one inlet of the second is engaged lobe of the mixing bowl.

In particular, the reinforcement packing consisting of a granular mineral material selected from the group formed by: sand, gravel, pumice stone, pozzolan, expanded glass, perlite, vermiculite, crushed stone and their mixtures.

Advantageously, the mixing device further comprises means for joining the outlets of the mixing tank to a common discharge line to discharge the liquid mixture created in the mixing tank.

Preferably, the means for joining the outlets of the mixing tank to the common discharge pipe comprise a collection tank responsible for recovering the liquid mixture created exiting from the mixing tank through the outlets and having a discharge opening into which the common exhaust pipe opens.

In particular, the collection tank has an upper wall into which the outlets of the mixing tank open, a lower wall into which the common evacuation outlet opens and at least one side wall extending between said upper and lower walls.

Advantageously, the collection tank is arranged under the mixing tank.

Preferably, the mixing device further comprises means intended to ensure the circulation of the liquid mixture created in the mixing tank, which means of circulation comprising a pump connected on the suction side to the common discharge pipe for the liquid mixture created through a suction line and discharge side to a discharge line.

In particular, the liquid fluids to be mixed in the mixing tank are identical and consist of water stored in a tank, in particular, in a water treatment installation, of the type comprising a filter bed planted with plants.

According to another aspect, the present invention also relates to a system for extracting, mixing and circulating the water contained in a reservoir, in particular, in a water treatment installation, of the type comprising a planted filter bed of plants. This extraction, mixing and circulation system is remarkable in that it includes:
-- a mixing device according to the invention, the mixing tank of said mixing device being intended to receive water contained in said tank via the at least one inlet of the first lobe and an inlet of the second lobe of the mixing tank mixing, and to ensure the mixing of the water which is received there,
-- means arranged to bring together the outlets of the mixing tank on a common discharge pipe for the water received and mixed in the mixing tank,
-- means intended to ensure the circulation of the brewed water in the mixing tank, which circulation means comprise a pump connected on the suction side to the common discharge pipe for the brewed water via the intermediary from a suction line and discharge side to a discharge line.

In a preferred variant of the system according to the invention, the means for joining the outlets of the mixing tank to the common discharge pipe comprise a collection tank responsible for recovering the liquid mixture created exiting from the mixing tank through the outlets and having a discharge opening into which the common discharge pipe opens.

In practice, the collection tank has an upper wall into which the outlets of the mixing tank open, a lower wall into which the common evacuation outlet opens and at least one side wall extending between said upper and lower walls. Preferably, the collection tray is arranged under the mixing tank.

According to yet another aspect, the present invention relates to a water treatment plant of the planted filter bed type with vertical flow, comprising:
- a water treatment basin comprising a granular filter bed on which plants are planted and a draining layer intended for the recovery of treated water having percolated through the granular filter bed, the draining layer being placed near the bottom of the treatment and the granular filter bed being located above the drainage layer;
- a device for supplying water to the granular filter bed, arranged in the upper part of the treatment basin;
This water treatment installation is remarkable in that it also comprises at least one system according to the invention for extracting and stirring the treated water recovered in the draining layer and for directing the treated and stirred water to a discharge station.

In a preferred embodiment of the water treatment installation according to the invention, the part of the extraction, mixing and circulation system including the mixing tank, the means for joining the outlets of the mixing on the common discharge line and the suction line is arranged partially buried in the water treatment basin, so that the at least one inlet of the first lobe and one inlet of the second lobe of the mixing tank are arranged within the drainage layer of the treatment basin, and so that the top of the mixing tank emerges from the surface of the treatment basin.

It will be noted that the draining layer is advantageously made up of pebbles and/or pebbles with a grain size ranging from 50 mm to 700 mm.

The water treatment installation according to the invention may comprise a plurality of extraction, mixing and circulation systems connected in parallel on a common suction pipe.

Brief description of figures.

Other advantages and characteristics of the invention will appear more clearly on reading the description of the preferred embodiment which will follow, with reference to the appended drawings, produced by way of indicative and non-limiting examples and in which:
is a perspective view from above of a mixing device according to a first embodiment of the invention, the tank of the device having one liquid fluid inlet per lobe,
is a perspective view from below of the mixing device of the ,
is a top view of the mixing device of Figures 1 and 2,
is a top perspective view of a mixing device according to a variant of the first embodiment of the invention, the tank of the device having two liquid fluid inlets per lobe,
is a top view of the mixing device of the ,
is a schematic sectional view along line AA of the or line A'-A' of the ,
is a top perspective view of a mixing device according to a second embodiment of the invention, the tank of the device having one liquid fluid inlet per lobe and being surrounded by a protective skirt,
is a top view of the mixing device of the ,
is a top perspective view of a mixing device according to a variant of the second embodiment of the invention, the tank of the device having two liquid fluid inlets per lobe,
is a top view of the mixing device of the ,
is a schematic sectional view along line BB of the or line B'-B' of the ,
is a schematic cross-sectional view of the mixing device of FIGS. 1 to 6, the latter further comprising a collection container arranged under the mixing tank.
is a schematic cross-sectional view of the mixing device of FIGS. 7 to 11, the latter further comprising a collection container arranged under the mixing tank.
is a schematic sectional view of the mixing device of the , the latter further comprising means for circulating the liquid mixture created in the tank of the mixing device.
is a schematic sectional view of the mixing device of the 3, the latter further comprising means for circulating the liquid mixture created in the tank of the mixing device.
is a schematic view illustrating a water treatment installation, of the vertical flow planted filter type, according to the prior art,
is a schematic view illustrating an embodiment of a water treatment installation incorporating a mixing device according to the invention.

Description of embodiments.

This description is given on a non-limiting basis, each characteristic exposed only in one embodiment being able to be generalized to the other embodiments. Likewise, one or more features disclosed only in one embodiment may be combined with one or more other features disclosed only in another embodiment. It should now be noted that FIGS. 1 to 17 are very simplified, the elements which are represented therein are therefore not necessarily to scale with respect to each other or from one figure to another. Each reference retains the same meaning from one figure to another.

As used herein, unless otherwise specified, the use of the ordinal adjectives " first ", " second ", etc., to describe an object merely indicates that different occurrences of similar objects are mentioned and does not imply that the objects so described must be in a given sequence, whether in time, space, ranking or otherwise.

The device that is the subject of the invention is intended to be used to create a liquid mixture from at least two liquid fluids.

Within the meaning of the present invention, the term "liquid fluid" means any liquid substance or any mixture of liquid substances that can be introduced into the mixing tank of the device according to the invention and be combined with another liquid substance or other mixture of substances. introduced into said mixing vessel for the purpose of creating a liquid mixture. By way of non-limiting example of liquid fluids, mention may be made of: water; organic solvents; the oils ; liquid chemicals; liquid solutions of chemical substances; liquid solutions or suspensions of biological materials such as, for example, proteins, nucleotide sequences, plant or animal cells; food products such as wine, milk, fruit juices; or other liquid substances or mixture of liquid substances. It should be noted that the liquid fluids to be mixed in the mixing tank 10 can be identical or different.

The device according to the invention comprises a mixing tank 10 designed in a multi-lobed form. The number of lobes of the mixing vessel 10 can be two, three, four or more.

For the sake of clarity and conciseness, the rest of the description only refers to a bilobed mixing tank without this being considered as a limitation of the protection sought.

According to a first embodiment visible in Figures 1, 2, 3 and 6, the device according to the present invention comprises a mixing tank comprising a bottom 11 and two side walls 14a, 15a extending from said bottom 11 between said bottom 11 and an upper edge 13. Each of these side walls 14a, 15a has a lobe-shaped section so that the mixing tank 10 has a first lobe 14 and a second lobe 15.

The first and second lobes 14, 15 each have a concave inner surface 14a, 15a which can be of substantially semi-circular or semi-elliptical section. They are interconnected along two vertical joining lines 16 so that the mixing tank 10 has in section the general shape of a figure eight not completely closed.

The mixing tank 10 can be made of stainless steel (or stainless steel), plastic material (eg polyvinyl chloride "PVC", high density polyethylene "HDPE"), glass, ceramic or any other rigid material, corrosion resistant and suitable for those skilled in the art. Its dimensions can vary widely depending on the use for which it is intended: mixing liquid fluids on a small scale (a few milliliters or even a few microliters) or on a large scale (several liters). In particular, the dimensional ratio between its height and its large diameter is at least equal to 1.5.

The mixing tank 10 can be obtained by molding or machining. It can also be obtained by assembly from two lobes 14 and 15 (or three lobes for a three-lobed tank or four lobes for a four-lobed tank or multi-lobes for a multi-lobed tank) and a common bottom wall 11 The lobes of the mixing tank 10 can be assembled, for example by gluing or welding, along their respective longitudinal edges by forming said lines of junction 16. The connection between the bottom wall 11 and the lobes of the mixing tank 10 can be carried out for example by gluing or welding.

Each of the lobes 14, 15 of the mixing tank 10 can, for example, be obtained directly by molding, or from a flat sheet, for example PVC, HDPE or stainless steel, by bending, folding or snapping, or from a tubular body, for example in PVC, HDPE or stainless steel, from which a cylinder arc is removed by cutting along two lines corresponding to the lines of junction 16 of the lobes 14, 15 of the blend.

The bottom wall 11 of the mixing tank 10 can, for example, be obtained by molding or machining. It may be of the same material as the lobes 14, 15 of the mixing tank 10, or of another material likely to have the same corrosion resistance and rigidity properties. It may, moreover, be wider than the dimensions of the bottom 11 itself.

The top of the mixing tank 10 can be opened in order to serve as an atmospheric air inlet inside the mixing tank 10, in particular when it is desired to carry out the mixing (or the stirring) of liquid fluids. (for example water contained in a reservoir of the water treatment basin type) in the presence of air or oxygen.

The top of the mixing tank 10 can, according to an embodiment not shown, be surmounted by a lid or protective cover, for example in the form of a dome, to protect the mixing tank from external agents such as dust, rain , dirt of animal origin such as insects or bird droppings, preventing in particular such external agents from penetrating inside the mixing tank 10. This cover or protective cover or the upper part of the tank mixing tank 10 may comprise one or more inlets (not shown) allowing the introduction of air, in particular atmospheric air, into the mixing tank 10 when the mixing of liquid fluids can be carried out in the presence of air or oxygen; or making it possible to introduce an inert gas, for example nitrogen or argon, into the mixing tank 10 when it is necessary to perform the mixing of liquid fluids under an inert atmosphere, because the liquid fluids to be mixed would be sensitive to oxidation.

Again with reference to Figures 1, 2, 3 and 6, it can be seen that the mixing device according to the invention further comprises:
- an inlet 14.1 of a first liquid fluid in the first lobe 14 of the mixing tank 10,
- an inlet 15.1 of a second liquid fluid in the second lobe 15 of the mixing tank 10, and
- outlets 14.5, 15.5 of the liquid mixture created, which outlets 14.5, 15.5 are provided in the bottom 11 of the mixing tank 10 at the level of each of the first and second lobes 14, 15 of the mixing tank 10.

The inputs 14.1, 15.1 can be in the form of ducts or tubes opening into the corresponding lobes 14, 15. These ducts or tubes can be made of stainless steel, plastic (e.g. PVC, HDPE) or any other rigid material, resistant to corrosion and suitable for those skilled in the art.

The inlets (or inlet ducts) 14.1 and 15.1 are preferably mounted tangentially on the corresponding lobes 14, 15 respectively. The introduction, tangentially, of each of the first and second liquid fluids into the mixing vessel 10 through the inlets 14.1 and 15.1 (and, where appropriate, inlets 14.2, 15.2 (see below)) initiates vortices (or vortices) in the mixing tank 10. The vortices or vortices of liquid fluids thus generated in the mixing tank 10 combine together to form the desired liquid mixture. It should be noted that with the bilobed mixing vessel according to the present description a double vortex is obtained. In the case of a mixing tank 10 constructed in a multi-lobed form (for example tri- or quadri-lobed ), a multi-vortex is obtained (for example here tri- or quatrivortex , respectively).

Figures 4 and 5 (and 6) illustrate a variant of the first embodiment of the mixing device according to the invention. In this variant, the mixing device advantageously comprises:
- two inlets 14.1 and 14.2 for introducing the first liquid fluid into the first lobe 14 of the mixing tank 10,
- two inlets 15.1 and 15.2 for introducing the second liquid fluid into the second lobe 15 of the mixing tank 10.

The construction of the device according to this variant, makes it possible to accentuate the swirling effect of the liquid fluids in the mixing tank 10, of bringing the liquid fluids into contact with each other and of homogenizing the liquid mixture created.

Preferably, the inlets 14.1, 15.1 (and, where appropriate, the inlets 14.2, 15.2), are mounted close to the bottom 11 of the mixing tank 10.

The different inlets 14.1, 15.1, and, where applicable, 14.2, 15.2, can be arranged at similar or different heights relative to the bottom 11 of the mixing tank 10.

It should be noted that the liquid fluids to be mixed can be introduced by gravity into the mixing tank 10 or can be injected under high pressure inside the mixing tank, for example by means of pumps and/or valves (not shown) arranged, respectively, on the injection lines of the liquid fluids to be mixed in the mixing tank 10.

The liquid mixture created leaves the mixing tank 10 through the outlets 14.5, 15.5 provided in the bottom of the latter at the level of each of the first and second lobes 14, 15. Thus, there is formation of two streams of the mixture created at the outlet of the bilobed mixing tank 10. It should be noted that in the case of a three-lobed or four-lobed mixing tank 10, there is formation of, respectively, three or four streams of the mixture created at the outlet of the mixing tank 10. However, in practice it is possible to provide only two outlets 14.5, 15.5 for the liquid mixture created by the three-lobed or four-lobed mixing tank. It should also be noted that it is possible to provide at the level of the outlets 14.5, 15.5 of the mixing tank 10, a suction facilitating and accelerating the evacuation of the liquid mixture created.

Figures 7, 8 and 11 illustrate a second embodiment of the device of the invention. In this embodiment, the mixing tank 10 is surrounded by a rigid vertical protective skirt 60 intended to protect the mixing tank 10 against external stresses, in particular of the impact, crushing or deformation type.

The protective skirt 60 rests on a wider support wall 61 including the bottom wall 11 of the mixing tank 10. It has at least one side wall 62 which extends upwards from the support wall 61 Note that this support wall 61 also acts as a wall for the collection container 20 which will be described later in relation to Figures 13 and 15.

The protective skirt 60 and the support wall 61 can be made of stainless steel (or stainless steel), plastic material (eg PVC or HDPE) or any other rigid material, resistant to corrosion and suitable for man. of career. The protective skirt 60 can have a parallelepipedal, cylindrical or frustoconical shape or have an oval or polygonal section. Its dimensions may vary depending on the destination of the device according to the invention. Preferably, the dimensional ratio between the height of the protective skirt 60 and the height of the mixing tank 10 is at least equal to 1. The protective skirt 60 can be fixed on the support wall 61 for example by gluing, welding or any other means suitable for those skilled in the art.

As illustrated in Figures 7, 8 and 11, the side wall 62 of the protective skirt 60 is provided with two orifices 66.1, 67.1, through which are engaged, respectively, the inlets 14.1, 15.1 of the mixing tank 10.

As can be seen on the , 8 and 11, the protective skirt 60 is spaced from the side walls of the mixing tank 10 so as to define an annular space 64. This is intended to receive a reinforcement packing 65 adapted to reinforce, increase or maintain the integrity or rigidity of the mixing tank 10. This reinforcing lining 65 can be made of any material suitable for this purpose, for example sand; gravel; pumice stone; pozzolan; expanded glass; pearlite; vermiculite; wood chips; cork shavings, polymer foam, for example polyurethane or polyester; natural or artificial textile fibers such as cotton, wool, and polymer fibers, for example polyester, rubber fragments; and their combinations. In particular, the reinforcing lining 65 is porous in nature and is preferably made of a granular mineral material which may in particular be selected from sand, gravel, pumice stone, pozzolan, expanded glass, perlite, vermiculite, and mixtures thereof. Preferably, the granular mineral material has a particle size of less than 30 mm, preferably less than 20 mm, for example between 0.5 mm and 20 mm.

Figures 9 and 10 (and 11) show a variant of the second embodiment of the device of the invention. In this variant, the side wall 62 of the protective skirt 60 is further provided with four orifices 66.1, 66.2, 67.1, 67.2 through which are engaged, respectively, the inlets 14.1, 14.2, 15.1, 15.2 of the mixing tank 10 which was presented above (see Figures 4 and 5).

Preferably, the mixing device according to the invention further comprises means for joining the outlets 14.5, 15.5 of the mixing tank 10 to a common discharge pipe 21. This makes it possible to bring together the two (or three or four) flow of the created liquid mixture exiting the mixing vessel 10. This represents an additional opportunity to homogenize the liquid mixture created according to the present invention.

The means for joining the outlets 14.5, 15.5 of the mixing tank 10 to the common discharge pipe 21, may, for example, comprise a collection tank 20 responsible for recovering the liquid mixture created exiting from the mixing tank 10 to through the outlets 14.5, 15.5 and having a discharge opening into which the common discharge pipe 21 emerges. Advantageously, this collection tank 20 is arranged directly under the mixing tank 10 as shown in Figures 12 to 15. In this way, the mixing tank 10 and the collection tank 20 form a compact assembly which is easy to use and to integrate, in particular, in an online process for mixing liquid fluids. However, it is entirely conceivable to resort alternatively to other means for joining the outlets 14.5, 15.5 of the mixing tank 10 to the common discharge pipe 21, for example: a pipe or a set of pipes instead or in addition to the collection bin 20

Such a collection tank 20 has an upper wall 22 into which the outlets 14.5, 15.5 of the mixing tank 10 open, a lower wall 23 into which the outlet or common evacuation pipe 21 of the collected liquid mixture opens and at least one side wall 24 extending between top wall 22 and bottom wall 23.

The collection tank 10 and its evacuation pipe 21 can be made of stainless steel (or stainless steel), plastic material (eg PVC or HDPE), glass, ceramic or any other rigid material, resistant to corrosion and suitable for those skilled in the art. It can have a parallelepiped or cylindrical shape or a bilobed shape like the mixing tank 10. Its dimensions can vary depending on the destination of the device according to the invention. Preferably, the dimensional ratio between the height of the mixing tank 10 and the height of the collection tank 20 is greater than or equal to 1.

The lower wall 23 of the collection tank 10 can be curved, inclined, frustoconical or truncated-pyramidal in shape so as to facilitate the evacuation of the liquid mixture recovered from the collection tank 10.

It should be noted that, as visible from Figures 12 and 14, the upper wall 22 of the collection tank 20 also acts as a bottom wall 11 for the mixing tank 10, the side walls (or lobes 14, 15 ) of the mixing tank 10 rising from the upper wall 22 of the collection container 20. Alternatively as shown in Figures 13 and 15, the upper wall 22 of the collection container 20 also acts as a wall of wider support 61 encompassing the bottom wall 11 of the mixing tank 10.

The upper wall 22 of the collection container 20 as well as the part of the latter comprising the at least one side wall 24 and the lower wall 23 can be secured to each other by any technique suitable for those skilled in the art. , for example by gluing, welding, soldering or screwing.

In FIGS. 12 and 13, the mixing device according to the present invention advantageously comprises means for circulating the liquid mixture created from the collection tank 20 to a discharge, storage and/or use station, of the liquid mixture created. In practice, these circulating means comprise at least one pump 30, one suction pipe 31, and one discharge pipe 32, the pump 30 being connected on the suction side to the discharge outlet 21 of the collection tank 20 via the suction line 31 and the discharge side to the discharge line 32. Typically, the pump 30 is an electric water pump, which may be of any known type suitable for this purpose.

The means for circulating the liquid mixture created may further comprise an electrical control panel comprising all the elements necessary for its proper functioning and in particular an on and off switch for the pump 30, and any means for adjusting the flow rate of that -this. The electrical panel can be connected to a source of electrical energy. This may be a connection of the electrical panel to an electrical network outlet. The electrical panel can also have its own electrical source which will be autonomous and independent of the electrical network, such as, for example, a battery and/or solar panels.

The present invention finds particular application in the extraction, mixing and circulation of water stored in water treatment installations, of the type comprising a filter bed planted with plants. The invention can however be used for other applications, for example, but not limited to:
- the mixing of at least two streams of different fruit juices (for example an orange juice and an apple juice) to create a homogeneous stream of a new fruit juice (for example here an apple juice and 'orange),
- the mixing of at least two currents of different paints (for example a paint of white color and a paint of blue color) to create a homogeneous current of a new paint (for example here a paint of blue-sky color),
- mixing an aqueous solution of an acid compound (for example hydrochloric acid) with water to achieve a dilution of the aqueous solution of the acid compound,
- mixing a monomer, for example acrylic acid, with water to form an aqueous solution of said monomer before introduction into a polymerization reactor,
- the pre-mixing of a flow of a monomer, for example styrene, with a flow of a polymerization initiator, for example benzoyl peroxide, to create a homogeneous flow containing said monomer and said initiator with a view to the synthesis of a polymer based on said monomer, for example polystyrene.
- mixing a stream of red wine from a first vinification tank with another stream of red wine from a second vinification tank to create a new, intimately mixed stream of red wine which can be stored in a third vinification tank.

Also, the present invention also relates to a system for extracting, mixing and circulating the water contained (stored or recovered) in a water treatment installation, of the type comprising a filter bed planted with plants. This system includes at least:
- the mixing tank 10 as described above, which tank 10 receives water contained in said tank through the inlets 14.1, 15.1, and, if necessary the inlets 14.2, 15.2, of the mixing tank 10;
-- Arranged under the mixing tank 10, the collection tank 20 as described above, which tank 20 collects brewed water leaving through the outlets 14.5, 15.5 of the mixing tank 10;
-- the circulation means are as described above, which circulation means pump, by means of the pump 30, the water extracted and stirred from the collection tank 20 and direct it to a station discharge, storage and/or use of extracted and brewed water.

In particular, this extraction, mixing and circulation system according to the invention is intended to be integrated into a water treatment installation, of the type comprising a filter bed planted with plants, in particular reeds.

To illustrate the application of the invention for extracting, mixing and circulating the water stored in water treatment installations, a general description will firstly be made of a water treatment installation 100 of the planted flow filter type. vertical, which installation is known in the prior art, for example according to patents FR3031516A1 (J. VOISIN), FR2973796A1 (J. VOISIN), FR3077071A1 (OPURE), FR2900921A1 (Ph. MICHEL).

There schematizes in a very simplified way, in section, the principle of such a known installation. This facility includes:
- a water treatment basin 110 comprising a granular filter bed 111 on which plants 120 are planted, in particular reeds, and a draining layer 112 arranged at the base of the treatment basin 110 and on which the granular filter bed 111 rests ,
- a device 130 for supplying water to the filter bed 111, arranged in the upper part of the treatment basin 110,
- perforated tubes 140 housed in the draining layer 112 and connected to an outlet pipe 141 for the treated water,
- a collection manhole 150 provided to collect the treated water, which collection manhole 150 is provided with an evacuation elbow 151 which is connected to the treated water outlet pipe 141.

The granular filter bed 111 serves both as a support for the plants, as a filtration medium and as a place for the development of microorganisms. It is intended to be at least partly saturated with water. It typically comprises two or more superimposed filtering layers: at least a first layer formed of a material, in particular gravel, and a second layer located above the first layer and being formed of a material, in particular gravel and/ or sand and/or pozzolan.

The draining layer 112, intended to be saturated with water, recovers the treated water having percolated through the granular filter bed 111. It generally consists of pebbles and/or pebbles with a particle size greater than 40 mm.

The raw water is discharged at the surface of the filter bed 111 and percolates by gravity through the filter bed 111. It undergoes physical filtration of suspended solids (MES) on the surface of the filter bed 111 as well as biological degradation of organic matter. and nitrogen by the microorganisms growing in the filter bed 111 and around the root system of the plants.

Typically, such a known installation is also provided with an aeration system making it possible to aerate the filter bed 111 in order to promote the phenomena of aerobic degradation. This aeration system can take the form of chimneys or aeration vents 145 connected to the perforated tubes or drains 140 for recovering the treated water which are arranged in the bottom of the treatment basin 110 (or in the draining layer 112).

The water to be treated can come, for example, from a bathing or swimming pool; a waste water tank from an isolated site such as, for example, an individual or collective dwelling, or an establishment such as a campsite or open-air hotel; a rainwater basin; or an aquaculture pond or lake; or a natural pond.

This prior art installation is recognized for its efficiency in removing suspended solids (MES) by filtration and organic matter and nitrogen thanks to the micro-organisms attached to the filter medium.

There schematizes an example of application of the system according to the present invention for extracting, stirring and circulating treated and stored water in water treatment installations of the type described above.

The water treatment plant 200 shown on the includes at least:
- a water treatment basin 210 comprising a granular filter bed 211 on which plants 220 are planted, and a draining layer 212 arranged at the base of the treatment basin 210 and on which the granular filter bed 211 rests,
- a device 230 for supplying raw water to the filter bed 211, located in the upper part of the treatment basin 210.

The plants 220 planted in the filter bed 211 can be reeds, for example of the species Phragmites australis . Other species of reeds or other wetland plants are possible, such as other species of the genus Phragmites or species of the genera Scirpus or Typha. The choice of species, or mixture of species used, depends in particular on the development conditions of the plants chosen, the climate and the abundance of water to be treated.

As is known from the prior art (see above), the granular filter bed 211 of the installation 200 serves both as a support for the plants, as a filtration medium and as a place for the development of microorganisms. In practice, the granular filter bed 211 comprises two or more superimposed filter layers, for example:
- a first layer formed of a material comprising gravel and/or pozzolan, and having a particle size between 20 mm and 50 mm,
- a second layer located above the first layer and being formed of a material comprising gravel and/or pozzolan and having a particle size between 5 mm and 20 mm,
- a third layer located above the second layer and being formed of sand with a particle size of less than 5 mm, in particular a particle size between 0.05 mm and 2.5 mm.

In this exemplary embodiment, the first and second layers may have a height of approximately 40 cm and the third layer may have a height of approximately 10 cm. The dimensions and the number of layers of the filter bed can of course be adapted by those skilled in the art depending on the nature and the volume and/or the flow rate of the water to be treated.

The draining layer 212 of the installation 200 is intended to recover the treated water having percolated through the granular filter bed 111. It preferably consists of pebbles and/or pebbles having a particle size between 50 mm and 700 mm. It can have a height ranging from 30 cm to 60 cm, more particularly, a height ranging from about 40 cm.

In the example shown in the , the part of the system according to the invention including the mixing tank 10, the collection tank 20 and the suction pipe 31 is arranged partially buried in the basin 210 of the water treatment installation (200), so that the inlets 14.1, 15.1 (and, if applicable, the inlets 14.2, 15.2) of the mixing tank 10 are arranged within the draining layer 212 of the treatment basin 210.

Furthermore, as seen in the , the top of the mixing tank 10 emerges from the surface of the basin 210 of the water treatment plant 200. Thus, the top of the mixing tank 10 can act as an atmospheric air inlet opening in the mixing tank 10. Furthermore, the pump 30, the discharge pipe 32 and the other part of the suction pipe 31 are in practice arranged outside the treatment basin 210.

In operation, the water having percolated through the filter bed 211 is recovered in the draining layer 212 of the treatment basin 210, then enters, by gravity, into the mixing tank 10 through the inlets 14.1, 15.1 (and, if if necessary, entries 14.2, 15.2). They generate, in the mixing tank 10, the phenomenon of whirlpools or vortices described above, which allows their mixing. In addition, they come into contact with air, in particular atmospheric air, present in the mixing tank 10 which allows their aeration. It should be noted that atmospheric air can enter the mixing tank 10 through the top of the latter, which can be opened or closed by a cover or hood. In the latter case, this lid or hood and/or the upper part of the mixing tank 10 can be provided with at least one opening for the air inlet.

Furthermore, the pump 13 of the system according to the invention sucks, via the suction pipe 31, the brewed and aerated water recovered in the collection tank 20 and propels it towards a discharge, storage and/or disposal station. use (not shown) through the discharge line 32.

The water treatment installation according to the invention may comprise two or more extraction, mixing and circulation systems connected in parallel on a common suction line (embodiment not shown).

The discharge station for the treated, brewed and aerated water may, by way of non-limiting example, be a bathing or swimming pool or a fish-breeding pool.

According to a feature of the invention, the water to be treated comes from a bathing or swimming pool and is recycled to this bathing or swimming pool itself which in this case serves as a discharge station. The bathing or swimming pool can be an above-ground swimming pool or a (semi-buried) swimming pool in the ground. The bathing or swimming pool can be a swimming pool for non-collective use or for collective use such as, for example, a camping or hotel swimming pool.

According to a non-illustrated embodiment, the mixing tank 10 of the extraction, mixing and circulation system integrated in the installation 200 according to the invention can advantageously be surrounded by a protective skirt in order to protect the mixing tank 10 from any risk of deformation, for example under the weight of the filter bed. Further, the annular space formed between such a protective skirt and the mixing vessel 10 may be filled with a reinforcing packing, which protective skirt, annular space and reinforcing packing are as described above.

The system according to the present invention offers many advantages. In general, it makes it possible to extract, mix, aerate and circulate stagnant water stored in a tank such as, for example, a water treatment installation based on a planted filter with vertical flow, or a filter planted with horizontal flow or both or any other reservoir or enclosed space filled with a body of water to be stirred, aerated and circulated. In particular, in relation to the embodiment shown in , the system according to the invention makes it possible to simplify water treatment installations based on a planted filter with vertical flow, or a planted filter with horizontal flow or both, since it is no longer necessary to provide these installations with drains or perforated tubes or collection manholes. Another advantage is to allow a reduction in the ground surface occupied by such installations (or planted filters) and a reduction in the quantity of materials used for the filter bed and for the draining layer.

The integration of the system or device according to the invention in a water treatment installation has been described in relation to a planted filter with vertical flow as illustrated in the , but those skilled in the art will easily adapt the principle thus illustrated to a planted filter with horizontal flow.

Furthermore, according to an embodiment not illustrated, the installation 200 can also be provided with a suitable aeration device making it possible to introduce oxygenated gas or air into the treatment basin 210 in order to promote the biological degradation of organic matter and nitrogen by microorganisms developing in the filter bed 211 and around the root system of the plants 220. This aeration device can for example be connected to the draining layer 212 of the treatment basin 210. It can take the form of perforated tubes arranged in the draining layer 212 while being connected to the atmosphere via at least one ventilation chimney.

On the other hand, it is quite possible to use the system according to the invention to extract, mix and circulate the treated water and stored in the collection manhole of a water treatment installation of the type illustrated on the . In this case, the part of the system according to the invention including the mixing tank 10, the collection tank 20 and the suction pipe 31 can, instead of being placed in the treatment basin of the treatment installation water as described above, be arranged partially submerged in the collection manhole, so that the inlets 14.1, 15.1 (and, if applicable, the inlets 14.2, 15.2) of the mixing tank 10 are arranged under the water level of the collection manhole.

The arrangement of the various elements and/or means and/or steps of the invention, in the embodiments described above, should not be understood as requiring such an arrangement in all implementations. In any event, it will be understood that various modifications can be made to these elements and/or means and/or steps, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Especially :
-- The device or the system according to the invention can be mounted, in a fixed or removable manner, on a tripod or a frame, optionally mobile. This tripod or frame can be made of any material suitable for those skilled in the art, for example plastic (eg PVC or HDPE) or metal (eg stainless steel).
-- The electrical control panel of the means for circulating or pumping the liquid mixture created in the mixing tank 10 can be mounted on the aforementioned frame or tripod.
-- A heat exchanger can be provided in the annular space 64 defined between the protective skirt 60 and the mixing tank 10 of the device or system according to the invention, to, if necessary, heat or cool the interior of the mixing tank 10 and, where applicable, the liquid fluids introduced into the mixing tank 10 and/or the liquid mixture created in the latter.
-- The device or system according to the invention can also be provided with a buoy type flotation means allowing it to float in a body of water to be extracted, stirred, aerated and circulated in accordance with the present invention .
-- It has long been said that crystals, stones including gemstones and certain metals, emit energy that is said to be beneficial for well-being and inner peace. By way of non-limiting example of such crystals, stones and metals, mention may be made of: basalt, granite, gold, aquamarine, black moonstone, apatite, amethyst, 'Aventurine, Carnelian and Citrine. Also, in the context of the present invention, it may be envisaged to place crystals, stones and/or metals of the type described above, in the collection tank 20 in order to allow the water brewed in the tank mixture 10 to come into contact with these crystals, stones and/or metals and soak up their energetic and revitalizing power. In addition to or instead of crystals, stones and/or metals, it is possible to use beads or hollow ceramic tubes of the EM ^® brand ( Effective microorganisms or , in French, effective microorganisms ) registered by the Japanese organization EMRO (EM Research Organization). Typically, hollow ceramic beads or tubes, in particular clay, include microorganisms or associations of microorganisms such as lactic acid bacteria and yeasts which are potentially capable of purifying water by positively influencing the degradation of organic matter.
-- The side walls 14a, 15a of the tank 10 of the mixing device or of the extraction, stirring and circulation system according to the invention may comprise perforations capable of placing the inside of the tank in fluid communication 10 with the annular space 64 formed between the shroud 60 and the mixing vessel 10. In this embodiment, the reinforcing liner 65 is preferably porous in nature and may be formed of a granular mineral material preferably selected from sand, gravel, pumice, pozzolan, expanded glass, perlite, vermiculite and mixtures thereof. The reinforcing material may further comprise crystals, stones and/or metals of the type described above, and/or ceramic beads or hollow tubes of effective EM ^® microorganisms of the type described above.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments described. Furthermore, in the claims, any reference sign in parentheses cannot be interpreted as a limitation of the claim. Moreover, the use of the verb "to include", "to understand" or "to include" and of its conjugated forms does not exclude the presence of other elements or other steps than those set out in a claim. Of course, one or more features disclosed only in one embodiment may be combined with one or more other features disclosed only in another embodiment. Likewise, one or more features disclosed only in one embodiment can be generalized to other embodiments.

Claims (21)

Device for creating a liquid mixture from at least two liquid fluids, comprising:
- a mixing tank (10) comprising a bottom wall (11) and at least two side walls (14a, 15a) extending from said bottom wall (11) between said bottom wall (11) and a upper edge (13), the section of the side walls (14a, 15a) being lobe-shaped so that said tank has at least a first lobe (14) and a second lobe (15),
- at least one inlet (14.1, 14.2) of a first liquid fluid in the first lobe (14) of the mixing tank (10),
- at least one inlet (15.1, 15.2) of a second liquid fluid in the second lobe (15) of the mixing tank (10),
the arrangement of the lobes and the introduction of the liquid fluids being carried out so as to generate a multi-vortex creating said liquid mixture,
said device further comprising outlets (14.5, 15.5) for the liquid mixture created, provided in the bottom (11) of the mixing tank (10) at the level of each of the at least first and second lobes (14, 15) of the mixing tank (10). Device according to Claim 1, in which the at least one inlet (14.1, 14.2) for a first liquid fluid and the at least one inlet (15.1, 15.2) for a second liquid fluid are mounted tangentially on the lobes ( 14, 15) of the corresponding mixing tank (10). Device according to one of Claims 1 or 2, in which the at least one inlet (14.1, 14.2) for a first liquid fluid and the at least one inlet (15.1, 15.2) for a second liquid fluid are located in the lower part of the mixing tank (10) near the bottom (11). Device according to one of Claims 1 to 3, in which the section of the side walls (14a, 15a) of the mixing tank (10) is substantially semi-circular or semi-elliptical. Device according to one of Claims 1 to 4, in which the number of lobes (14, 15) of the mixing tank (10) is two. Device according to Claim 5, in which the at least one inlet (14.1, 14.2) of a first liquid medium and the at least one inlet (15.1, 15.2) of a second liquid medium are directed into the mixing vessel (10) so that the respective vortices generated in the mixing vessel (10) are in opposite directions. Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a rigid protective skirt (60) surrounding the mixing tank (10) of said device and resting on a wider support wall (61) comprising the bottom wall ( 11) of the mixing vessel (10), said protective skirt (60) having at least one side wall (62) extending upward from the support wall (61) and being spaced from the outer side walls of the mixing tank (10) so as to define an annular space (64) intended to receive a reinforcing lining (65), the side wall (62) of said protective skirt (60) being provided with at least one orifice (66.1, 66.2) through which is engaged the at least one inlet (14.1, 14.2) of the first lobe (14) of the mixing vessel (10) and at least one orifice (67.1, 67.2) through which engages the at least one inlet (15.1, 15.2) of the second lobe (15) of the mixing vessel (10). Device according to Claim 7, in which the reinforcing packing (70) consists of a granular mineral material selected from the group formed by: sand, gravel, pumice stone, pozzolan, expanded glass, perlite, vermiculite, crushed stone and mixtures thereof. Device according to one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising means for joining the outlets (14.5, 15.5) of the mixing tank (10) to a common discharge line (21) to discharge the liquid mixture created. Device according to Claim 9, in which the means for joining the outlets (14.5, 15.5) of the mixing tank (10) to the common discharge pipe (21) comprise a collection tank (20) responsible for recovering the mixture created liquid exiting the mixing vessel (10) through the outlets (14.5, 15.5) and having a discharge opening into which the common discharge line (21) emerges. Device according to Claim 10, in which the collection tank (20) has an upper wall (22) into which the outlets (14.5, 15.5) of the mixing tank (10) open, a lower wall (23) into which the common exhaust outlet (21) and at least one side wall (24) extending between said upper and lower walls (22, 23). Device according to Claim 10 or 11, in which the collection container (20) is arranged under the mixing tank (10). Device according to one of Claims 1 to 12, further comprising means intended to ensure the circulation of the liquid mixture created in the mixing tank (10), which means of circulation comprising a pump (30) connected on the suction to the common discharge line (21) of the created liquid mixture, via a suction line (30), and on the discharge side to a discharge line (32). System for extracting, mixing and circulating the water contained in a reservoir, in particular in a water treatment installation, of the type comprising a filter bed planted with plants, comprising:
-- a device according to one of claims 1 to 12, the mixing tank (10) of said mixing device being intended to receive water contained in said tank via the at least one inlet (14.1, 14.2) of the first lobe (14) and an inlet (15.1, 15.2) of the second lobe (15) of the mixing tank (10), and to ensure the mixing of the water which is received therein,
-- means arranged to join the outlets (14.5, 15.5) of the mixing tank (10) to a common discharge pipe (21) for the water received and brewed in the mixing tank (10),
-- means intended to ensure the circulation of the brewed water in the mixing tank (10), which circulation means comprise a pump (30) connected on the suction side to the common discharge pipe (21) brewed water via a suction line (31) and on the discharge side to a discharge line (32). System according to Claim 14, in which the means for joining the outlets (14.5, 15.5) of the mixing tank (10) to the common discharge pipe (21) comprise a collection tank (20) responsible for recovering the mixture created liquid exiting the mixing vessel (10) through the outlets (14.5, 15.5) and having a discharge opening into which the common discharge line (21) emerges. System according to Claim 14, in which the collection tank (20) has an upper wall (22) into which the outlets (14.5, 15.5) of the mixing tank (10) open, a lower wall (23) into which the common exhaust outlet (21) and at least one side wall (24) extending between said upper and lower walls (22, 23). System according to claim 15 or 16, in which the collection tray (20) is arranged under the mixing tank (10). Water treatment installation (200) of the planted filter bed type with vertical flow, comprising:
- a water treatment basin (210) comprising a granular filter bed (211) on which plants (220) are planted and a draining layer (212) intended for the recovery of treated water having percolated through the granular filter bed ( 211), the draining layer (212) being placed near the bottom of the treatment tank (110) and the granular filter bed (211) being located above the draining layer (212);
- a device (220) for supplying water to the granular filter bed (211), arranged in the upper part of the treatment basin (210);
the treatment installation (200) being characterized in that it further comprises at least one system according to any one of claims 10 to 17, for extracting and mixing the treated water recovered in the draining layer (212) and to direct the treated and stirred water to a discharge station. Water treatment plant (200) according to Claim 18, in which the part of the extraction, mixing and circulation system including the mixing tank (10), the means for joining the outlets (14.5, 15.5) of the mixing tank (10) on the common discharge line (21) and the suction line (31) is arranged partially buried in the water treatment basin (210), so that the at least one inlet (14.1, 14.2) of the first lobe (14) and an inlet (15.1, 15.2) of the second lobe (15) of the mixing tank (10) are arranged within the draining layer (212) of the treatment basin (210 ), and so that the top of the mixing tank (10) emerges from the surface of the treatment basin (210). Water treatment installation (200) according to Claim 18 or 19, in which the draining layer (212) consists of pebbles and/or pebbles with a grain size ranging from 50 mm to 700 mm. Water treatment plant (200) according to one of Claims 18 to 20, comprising a plurality of extraction, mixing and circulation systems connected in parallel to a common suction pipe.