Multi-Disk Spinning Disk Assembly For Atomization and Encapsulation

Abstract

A multi-disk spinning disk assembly for atomization and encapsulation applications. A number of disks 17 a and spacers ( 33, 40 ) are stacked to form a disk stack 17 having a feed well 31 in the center core of the stack. The fluid to be atomized or encapsulated is delivered to the feed well 31 . The fluid then flows into spacer channels ( 37, 41 ) within or on the surface of the spacers. The channels ( 37, 41 ) communicate the fluid toward the outer edges of the disks 17 a . The disk surface past the spacers ( 33, 40 ) can have various configurations, such as teeth, weirs, or a bigger or smaller diameter, as desired for particular atomization or encapsulation characteristics.

1 . A multi-disk spinning disk assembly for atomizing or encapsulating feed stock fluids during rotation of the assembly, comprising:
 a disk stack, comprising a number of annular disks arranged one atop the other, each disk having a center opening;   an annular spacer associated with each disk, each spacer having a center opening and having a radius the same as or smaller than that of each disk;   wherein the spacers are arranged between disks such that their center openings and the center openings of the disks form an inner well within the disk stack; and   wherein each spacer has each plurality of channels, each channel operable to provide fluid communication in an uninterrupted path, the path extending from the inner well to the outer periphery of the spacer, and the path being parallel to the plane of the disks or sloped in a single direction.   
     
     
         2 . The assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the disks have teeth around their perimeters. 
     
     
         3 . The assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the channels of each spacer have a spoke configuration. 
     
     
         4 . The assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the channels each have the same dimensions along their length. 
     
     
         5 . (canceled) 
     
     
         6 . The assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the channels are slanted upward. 
     
     
         7 . The assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the channels deliver fluid directly onto the underside or topside of a disk. 
     
     
         8 . 
     
     
         9 . 
     
     
         10 . (canceled) 
     
     
         11 . 
     
     
         12 . 
     
     
         13 . The assembly of  claim 1 , further comprising an inner cone extending upwardly from the center of the feed well, and having a cone shaped upper surface for distributing fluid entering the feed well. 
     
     
         14 . The assembly of  claim 1 , wherein each channel has a varying height along its length. 
     
     
         15 . The assembly of  claim 1 , wherein all disks are uniform in size and shape. 
     
     
         16 . The assembly of  claim 1 , wherein each spacer is an integral portion of a disk. 
     
     
         17 . The assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the spacers are separate pieces installed between disks. 
     
     
         18 . The assembly of  claim 1 , further comprising a weir around the periphery of each disk.