Apparatus for self-resonant vibrational mixing.

摘要

New and improved, mechanically self-resonant apparatus and method for the non-invasive mixing of materials are disclosed, and comprise vibrator means (4) including container means (6) for the materials to be mixed, and drive means (38) to drivingly vibrate the vibrator means. Sensor means (9) are operatively associated with the vibrator means and the drive means, and are operable to sense the frequency of vibration of the vibrator means and maintain that frequency at or near the resonant frequency of the vibrator means. This promotes thorough mixing of the materials, and minimizes the energy input required for vibrational mixing of the materials. Control means are provided to control the amplitude of vibration of the vibrator means at or near the resonant frequency to avoid damage to the materials attendant mixing. The container means may take the form of a conduit through which the materials to be mixed are flowing attendant vibrational mixing.