Method and apparatus for mixing two or more components such as

Abstract

Method and apparatus is disclosed for mixing two or more materials normally considered difficult to evenly and homogeneously intermix such as, for example, viscous fluids. The apparatus is also effectively usable to entrain a gas in a liquid and for ceramic particle formation. The mixing portion of the apparatus includes a mixing chamber in the form of a narrow gap between two walls movable relative to one another. The mixing chamber has individual inlets thereto at one end thereof for individually introducing the different elements to be mixed therein and an outlet at the opposite end for discharge therefrom of the mixed elements. The mixing chamber is preferably an annular chamber in the form of a truncated cone and defined by spaced apart walls, one of which is movable relative to the other by rotation. The distance between the walls defining the mixing chamber is preferably selectively adjustable. The process is continuous with inflow of the materials to be mixed into one end of the mixing chamber and outflow of the mixed materials from the other. The apparatus may also include a centrifugal separator, in which case it circumscribes and is axially coextensive with the mixing chamber. The materials to be mixed may be forced through by pump means and/or force of gravity and/or appropriately shaped formations on one or the other or both of the walls of the mixing chamber.