Horizontal mixer with center-angled blades

Abstract

A horizontal mixer (50) is disclosed. Multiple blades (92) are affixed to and rotate with a tumbler (80) of the mixer (50). These blades (92) extend within an interior mixing chamber (90) and are center-angled so as to promote a desirable mixing action within this chamber (90) (e.g. so as to fold a slurry within the chamber (90) onto itself). One characterization is that the blades (92) are oriented so as to direct a flow toward a common outlet region (78) within the tumbler (80) throughout at least a certain rotational angle. The mixer (50) is particularly suited for realizing a desirable homogeneity of particles within a slurry from which radioisotopes may be produced.

Claims

1. A horizontal mixer, comprising: a container comprising a rotational axis that is at least substantially horizontally disposed, a first container end and a second container end that are spaced along said rotational axis, an inner sidewall disposed about said rotational axis and extending between said first container end and said second container ends, and a mixing chamber defined at least in part by said first container end, said second container end, and said inner sidewall; a plurality of first blades and a plurality of second blades that each extend from said inner sidewall toward an interior of said mixing chamber and that each comprise a first blade end and a second blade end, wherein each said first blade extends from its corresponding said first blade end toward its corresponding said second blade end at least generally in a direction of said second container end, wherein each said second blade extends from its corresponding said first blade end toward its corresponding said second blade end at least generally in a direction of said first container end, and wherein said first blade end of each said plurality of first blades and said plurality of second blades leads its corresponding said second blade end in a first rotational direction for said container; and an outlet port from said mixing chamber of said container, wherein said plurality of first blades correspond with a first longitudinal segment of said horizontal mixer, wherein said plurality of second blades correspond with a second longitudinal segment of said horizontal mixer, wherein a third longitudinal segment of said horizontal mixer is located between said first longitudinal segment and said second longitudinal segment, wherein said first longitudinal segment, said second longitudinal segment, and said third longitudinal segment are non-overlapping in a direction extending along said rotational axis, wherein a longitudinal dimension coincides with said rotational axis, and wherein said outlet port is located within said third longitudinal segment at a lower elevation than said rotational axis, wherein said first longitudinal segment, said third longitudinal segment, and said second longitudinal segment are disposed in end-to-end relation.

2. The horizontal mixer of claim 1, wherein each said blade extends along said inner sidewall in an orientation relative to said rotational axis to direct container contents toward said outlet port during rotation of said container in said first rotational direction about said rotational axis.

3. The horizontal mixer of claim 1, wherein said first blade end of each of said plurality of first blades and said plurality of second blades is disposed on one longitudinal reference axis that is parallel to said rotational axis, and wherein its corresponding said second blade end is disposed on another longitudinal reference axis that is also parallel to said rotational axis.

4. The horizontal mixer of claim 1, wherein said first blade end of each said first blade is located at said first container end, and wherein said first blade end of each said second blade is located at said second container end.

5. The horizontal mixer of claim 1, wherein said horizontal mixer further comprises a plurality of blade pairs, wherein each said blade pair includes one said first blade and one said second blade.

6. The horizontal mixer of claim 5, wherein said first blade and said second blade of each said blade pair are orientated as a mirror image of each other.

7. The horizontal mixer of claim 5, wherein each said blade pair defines an at least generally V-shaped configuration.

8. The horizontal mixer of claim 5, wherein each said blade pair collectively defines a concave profile relative to said first rotational direction.

9. The horizontal mixer of claim 5, wherein a space between said second blade ends of said plurality of first blades and said plurality of second blades for each said blade pair is a trailing-most portion of said blade pair in said first rotational direction.

10. The horizontal mixer of claim 1, wherein said second blade end of each of said plurality of first blades and said plurality of second blades is spaced back from a midpoint between said first container end and said second container end in a direction of its corresponding said first blade end.

11. The horizontal mixer of claim 1, wherein only said plurality of first blades and said plurality of second blades extend from said inner sidewall.

12. The horizontal mixer of claim 1, further comprising an outlet conduit, wherein said outlet conduit comprises a first section and a second section, wherein said first section extends through said first container end and into said mixing chamber, wherein said second section extends downwardly from said first section and toward said inner sidewall within said third longitudinal segment, and wherein said second section of said outlet conduit comprises said outlet port.

13. The horizontal mixer of claim 12, wherein said outlet port is disposed on an end of said second section of said outlet conduit.

14. The horizontal mixer of claim 13, wherein a spacing between said outlet port and said inner sidewall is within a range of about 0.125 inches to about 0.135 inches.

15. The horizontal mixer of claim 1, wherein a spacing between said outlet port and said inner sidewall is within a range of about 0.125 inches to about 0.135 inches.

16. The horizontal mixer of claim 1, wherein said outlet port is disposed within said mixing chamber at least substantially mid-way between said first container end and said second container end.

17. The horizontal mixer of claim 1, wherein a radially inward-most portion of said first blade end and a radially inward-most portion of its corresponding said second blade end are disposed at different elevations from a horizontal reference plane for each of said plurality of first blades and said plurality of second blades.

18. The horizontal mixer of claim 1, wherein a length dimension of each said blade is disposed in non-parallel relation to said rotational axis.

19. The horizontal mixer of claim 1, wherein each of said plurality of first blades and each of said plurality of second blades are disposed at an angle relative to a corresponding reference axis that is parallel to said rotational axis, wherein each said angle is within a range of about 3 to about 4.

20. The horizontal mixer of claim 1, wherein an elevation relative to a horizontal reference plane continually changes proceeding along a length dimension for each of said plurality of first blades and said plurality of second blades at an intersection with said inner sidewall.

21. A horizontal mixer, comprising: a container comprising a rotational axis that is at least substantially horizontally disposed, a first container end and a second container end that are spaced along said rotational axis, an inner sidewall disposed about said rotational axis and extending between said first container end and said second container end, and a mixing chamber defined at least in part by said first container end, said second container end, and said inner sidewall; a plurality of first blades and a plurality of second blades that each extend from said inner sidewall toward an interior of said mixing chamber and that each comprise a first blade end and a second blade end, wherein each said first blade extends from its corresponding said first blade end toward its corresponding said second blade end at least generally in a direction of said second container end, wherein each said second blade extends from its corresponding said first blade end toward its corresponding said second blade end at least generally in a direction of said first container end, and wherein said first blade end of each said plurality of first blades and said plurality of second blades leads its corresponding said second blade end in a first rotational direction for said container; and an outlet port from said mixing chamber of said container, wherein said plurality of first blades correspond with a first longitudinal segment of said horizontal mixer, wherein said plurality of second blades correspond with a second longitudinal segment of said horizontal mixer, wherein a third longitudinal segment of said horizontal mixer is located between said first longitudinal segment and said second longitudinal segment, wherein a longitudinal dimension coincides with said rotational axis, and wherein said outlet port is located within said third longitudinal segment at a lower elevation than said rotational axis; wherein said first container end comprises an aperture, wherein said horizontal mixer further comprises an outlet conduit that extends through said aperture and to a location in said longitudinal dimension that is between said second ends of said plurality of first blades and said second ends of said plurality of second blades, and wherein said outlet conduit comprises said outlet port.

22. The horizontal mixer of claim 21, wherein a diameter of said aperture is substantially larger than an outer diameter of said outlet conduit.

23. The horizontal mixer of claim 21, wherein each said blade extends along said inner sidewall in an orientation relative to said rotational axis to direct container contents toward said outlet port during rotation of said container in said first rotational direction about said rotational axis.

24. The horizontal mixer of claim 21, wherein said first blade end of each of said plurality of first blades and said plurality of second blades is disposed on one longitudinal reference axis that is parallel to said rotational axis, and wherein its corresponding said second blade end is disposed on another longitudinal reference axis that is also parallel to said rotational axis.

25. The horizontal mixer of claim 21, wherein said horizontal mixer further comprises a plurality of blade pairs, wherein each said blade pair includes one said first blade and one said second blade, wherein said first blade and said second blade of each said blade pair are orientated as a mirror image of each other and with each said blade pair defining an at least generally V-shaped configuration.

26. The horizontal mixer of claim 21, wherein said second blade end of each of said plurality of first blades and said plurality of second blades is spaced back from a midpoint between said first container end and said second container end in a direction of its corresponding said first blade end.

27. The horizontal mixer of claim 21, wherein said first longitudinal segment, said third longitudinal segment, and said second longitudinal segment are disposed in end-to-end relation.

28. The horizontal mixer of claim 21, wherein said outlet conduit comprises a first section and a second section, wherein said first section extends through said first container end and into said mixing chamber, wherein said second section extends downwardly from said first section and toward said inner sidewall within said third longitudinal segment, and wherein said second section of said outlet conduit comprises said outlet port.

29. The horizontal mixer of claim 28, wherein said outlet port is disposed on an end of said second section of said outlet conduit.

30. The horizontal mixer of claim 29, wherein a spacing between said outlet port and said inner sidewall is within a range of about 0.125 inches to about 0.135 inches.

31. The horizontal mixer of claim 21, wherein said outlet port is disposed within said mixing chamber at least substantially mid-way between said first container end and said second container end.

32. The horizontal mixer of claim 21, wherein a radially inward-most portion of said first blade end and a radially inward-most portion of its corresponding said second blade end are disposed at different elevations from a horizontal reference plane for each of said plurality of first blades and said plurality of second blades.

33. The horizontal mixer of claim 21, wherein a length dimension of each said blade is disposed in non-parallel relation to said rotational axis.

34. The horizontal mixer of claim 21, wherein each of said plurality of first blades and each of said plurality of second blades are disposed at an angle relative to a corresponding reference axis that is parallel to said rotational axis, wherein each said angle is within a range of about 3 to about 4.

35. The horizontal mixer of claim 21, wherein an elevation relative to a horizontal reference plane continually changes proceeding along a length dimension for each of said plurality of first blades and said plurality of second blades at an intersection with said inner sidewall.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

(1) FIG. 1 is a schematic of a fluid system that utilizes a horizontal mixer.

(2) FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a horizontal mixer that may be used by the fluid system of FIG. 1, with the tumbler being exploded away from the frame, and with its various blades being shown in their entirety for clarity.

(3) FIG. 3 is a side view of the horizontal mixer of FIG. 2, and with its various blades being shown in their entirety for clarity.

(4) FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the tumbler from the horizontal mixer of FIG. 2, and with its various blades being shown in their entirety for clarity.

(5) FIG. 5A is a perspective view of the interior of the tumbler of FIG. 4 and showing one of the blade pairs in about the 8 o'clock position.

(6) FIG. 5B is a perspective view of the interior of the tumbler of FIG. 4 and showing one of the blade pairs in about the 4 o'clock position.

(7) FIG. 6 is a plan view of part of the interior of the tumbler of FIG. 4, illustrating the orientation of one of its blade pairs.

(8) FIG. 7 is an end view of the tumbler of FIG. 4, illustrating the angular position and orientation of its plurality of first blades.

(9) FIG. 8 is a schematic of one embodiment for producing radioisotopes.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(10) FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of one embodiment of a fluid system 10 that may be used to provide a slurry to a desired slurry target. As such, the fluid system 10 could also be referred to as a slurry system 10. The fluid system 10 utilizes as least one feed source to direct slurry components into a horizontal mixer 20. In the illustrated embodiment, a first feed source 12 is fluidly connected with the horizontal mixer 20 and contains a first slurry component (e.g., particles or particulates). A second feed source 14 is also fluidly connected with the horizontal mixer 20 and contains a second slurry component (e.g., a fluid). A single feed source could be used to provide the slurry components to the horizontal mixer 20. Three or more feed sources could also be used to provide different slurry components to the horizontal mixer 20.

(11) One or more feed sources could have a direct fluid connection with the horizontal mixer 20, two or more feed sources could have their outputs merged or combined prior to entering the horizontal mixer 20, or any combination thereof. A separate input or inlet line 16 may extend between the horizontal mixer 20 and each of the first feed source 12 and the second feed source 14 (indicated by the solid lines in FIG. 1). The output from the first feed source 12 and second feed source 14 alternatively may be directed into a common input or inlet line 18 (where their respective outputs are merged or combined, and indicated by the dashed line in FIG. 1) that extends to the horizontal mixer 20. The common input line 18 may include a common header or intake manifold that receives a flow, output, or discharge from each of the first feed source 12 and second feed source 14, and directs or introduces the same into the horizontal mixer 20 in the form of a single input or stream.

(12) The mixer 20 used by the fluid system 10 is of the horizontal typea mixer that rotates about an at least substantially horizontally disposed rotational axis. The horizontal mixer 20 is rotatably driven by a drive source 22. The output from the drive source 22 rotates a drive shaft 24, which in turn is appropriately interconnected with the horizontal mixer 20 to rotate the same. The drive source 22 may be of any appropriate size, shape, configuration, and/or type. Multiple drive sources could also be used to rotate the horizontal mixer 20.

(13) Slurry from the horizontal mixer 20 may be withdrawn through an output or outline line 26. A pump 28 of any appropriate type (e.g., peristaltic) may be used to withdraw slurry from the horizontal mixer 20, to transfer the slurry to a desired slurry target, or both. In the illustrated embodiment, slurry from the horizontal mixer 20 is directed into a dispenser 30 via the output line 26. The dispenser 30 may be of any appropriate size, shape, configuration, and/or type. There are two available flowpaths out of the dispenser 30. The dispenser 30 may direct slurry into a container 36 (e.g., a column, vial, or the like) via an output or outlet line 32. The dispenser 30 may also direct slurry back to the horizontal mixer 20 via a recirculation line 34. The dispenser 30 may be configured to direct a certain quantity of slurry into the container 36, while the remainder of the slurry being directed into the dispenser 30 may be recirculated back to the horizontal mixer 20 by the recirculation line 34. It should be appreciated that one or more valves, controllers, or the like (not shown) may be utilized by the fluid system 10 to control one or more aspects of its operation.

(14) One embodiment of a horizontal mixer that may be used by the fluid system 10 of FIG. 1 is illustrated in FIGS. 2-7 and is identified by reference numeral 50. The horizontal mixer 50 may be used for any appropriate application, including medical applications that utilize a slurry (e.g., for the production of radioisotopes).

(15) The horizontal mixer 50 includes a frame 52 that supports a tumbler, container, or mixer body 80, which in turn may be rotated relative to the frame 52 by a drive source 62 about an at least substantially horizontally disposed rotational axis 110. The frame 52 includes a bed 54. Multiple supports 56a-c extend from the bed 54 and may be integrated with the bed 54 in any appropriate manner. The drive source 62 may be supported by and mounted to the support 56a in any appropriate manner. The tumbler 80 may be located between the supports 56b, 56c. Further in this regard, a drive roller 58 extends between the supports 56b, 56c. Moreover, one idler roller 60 is rotatably supported by the support 56b, and another axially aligned idler roller 60 is rotatably supported by the support 56c. The rollers 58, 60 engage and support an exterior surface 84b of the tumbler 80 (e.g., the rollers 58, 60 collectively define a cradle that supports the tumbler 80). The pair of idler rollers 60 could be replaced by a single idler roller that extends between the supports 56b, 56c (not shown). The single drive roller 58 could be replaced by a pair of drive rollers (not shown, but where one such drive roller is rotatably supported by the support 56b and where another such drive roller is rotatably supported by the support 56c, for instance in the manner of the idler rollers 60).

(16) In the illustrated embodiment, the drive roller 58 is rotated by the drive source 62. In this regard, a drive gear 64 is disposed between the supports 56a, 56b, and is rotatably driven by the output from the drive source 62. A driven gear 66 is also located between the supports 56a, 56b, and is interconnected with the drive gear 64 by a drive belt 68. Rotation of the drive gear 64 is thereby transmitted to the driven gear 66 by the drive belt 68. The driven gear 66 is appropriately interconnected with the drive roller 58. Rotation of the driven gear 66 thereby rotates the drive roller 58 (e.g., the driven gear 66 and the drive roller 58 rotate together and in the same direction).

(17) The driver roller 58 is engaged with an exterior surface 84b of the tumbler 80 (specifically, its sidewall 82 or an outer sidewall 84b). Rotation of the drive roller 58 rotates (e.g., drives) the tumbler 80 about its rotational axis 110. The idler rollers 60 also engage the exterior surface 84b of the tumbler 80 (specifically, its outer sidewall 82). In the illustrated embodiment, the idler rollers 60 are free spinning, such that rotation of the tumbler 80 causes the idler rollers 60 to rotate. Any appropriate way of rotating the tumbler 80 may be utilized. Any appropriate way of rotatably supporting the tumbler 80 may be utilized as well.

(18) The tumbler 80 of the horizontal mixer 50 includes a tumbler or mixer sidewall 82 and a pair of tumbler or mixer ends 86a, 86b that are spaced along the rotational axis 110 and that collectively define a mixing chamber 90. One of the tumbler ends 86a (associated with the support 56b of the frame 52) includes an aperture or opening 88 through which an input/inlet line 70 and output/outlet line 72 may extend, and that will be discussed in more detail below. The tumbler end 86a could be disposed in sealing engagement with the support 56b (e.g., a seal that would allow the tumbler 80 to rotate relative to the support 56, and yet have a fluid-tight seal exist therebetween), or could be spaced therefrom. The tumbler end 86b is closed in the illustrated embodiment. The sidewall 82 may be of an at least generally cylindrical shape.

(19) An interior surface 84b of the sidewall 82 (or an inner sidewall 84b) includes a plurality of blades or fins 92. Generally, these blades 92 are orientated relative to the rotational axis 110 of the tumbler 80 or promote a desired mixing action within the mixing chamber 90 (e.g., providing a desired level of homogeneity of particles within the slurry). This mixing action may be characterized as slurry within the tumbler 80 being folded onto itself during rotation of the tumbler 80 and by the action of the various blades 92. This mixing action may also be characterized as the blades 92 funneling or directing a flow to a common region 78 within the mixing chamber 90 through at least a certain rotational angle, where slurry may be removed from this common region 78 through the above-noted output line 72 that extends therein. The mixing action may also be characterized as the blades 92 both lifting a portion of the slurry and inducing a pressure gradient within the lifted slurry portion that directs the same toward the common region 78, again where slurry may be removed from this common region 78 through the output line 72 that extends in this common region 78. In one embodiment, the common region 78 is located at least generally mid-way between the ends 86a, 86b of the tumbler 80. Other locations may be appropriate.

(20) The tumbler 80 of the horizontal mixer 50 is shown in each of FIGS. 2, 3, and 4. At least certain details regarding the blades 92 of the tumbler 80 are further shown in FIGS. 5A, 5B. Initially, it should be noted that the blades 92 extend from and rotate with the sidewall 82 of the tumbler 80 (specifically the interior surface 84a thereof). Any way of incorporating the blades 92 with the sidewall 82 of the tumbler 80 may be utilized (e.g., an integral or one-piece construction; having the blades 92 be separately attached or joined to the sidewall 82 and/or the corresponding tumbler end 86a, 86b in any appropriate manner). Generally, the blades 92 extend from the interior surface 84a of the sidewall 82 into the mixing chamber 90. This may be referred to as the radial direction or dimension. Although the blades 92 may extend orthogonally or perpendicularly from the interior surface 84a of the sidewall 82 (as shown in the illustrated embodiment), the blades 92 may extend from the interior surface 84a in other orientations.

(21) The blades 92 of the tumbler 80 also extend along the interior surface 84 of the sidewall 82. This may be referred to as a longitudinal or length dimension. Each blade 92 includes a pair of primary surfaces 98 that are oppositely disposed. In the illustrated embodiment, these primary surfaces are flat or planar, although other contours/shapes may be appropriate.

(22) There are basically two groups of blades 92 for the tumbler 80a plurality of first blades 92a that extend at least generally from the first tumbler end 86a, and a plurality of second blades 92b that extend at least generally from the second tumbler end 86b. The outlet region 78 is located in the longitudinal dimension between the first blades 92a and the second blades 92b. As such, the plurality of first blades 92a may be characterized as being part of a first longitudinal segment of the tumbler 80, the outlet region 78 may be characterized as being part of a second longitudinal segment of the tumbler 80, and the plurality of second blades 92b may be characterized as being part of a third longitudinal segment of the tumbler 80. In the illustrated embodiment, these three longitudinal segments may be characterized as being disposed in non-overlapping relation. Another characterization may be that these three longitudinal segments are disposed in end-to-end relation and in the noted order, with the second longitudinal segment (including the outlet region 78) being located between the first longitudinal segment (including the first blades 92a) and the third longitudinal segment (including the second blades 92b) in the longitudinal dimension.

(23) The output line 72 extends into the above-noted outlet region 78, which may be characterized as an intermediate longitudinal segment of the tumbler 80. In the illustrated embodiment, the output line 72 includes a first section 74a that extends at least primarily in the longitudinal dimension (e.g., at least generally parallel with the rotational axis 110), and a second section 74b that extends at least primarily in a downward direction. An end of the second section 74b includes an output/outlet port 76. The output port 76 is spaced from the interior surface 84a of the sidewall 82 for the tumbler 80. In one embodiment, the spacing between the output port 76 and the interior surface 84a is within a range of about 0.125 inches to about 0.135 inches. Generally, the output port 76 should be spaced a sufficient distance from the interior surface 84a of the sidewall 82 of the tumbler 80 so that the output port 76 does not become clogged. Spacing the output port 76 too far away from the interior surface 84a of the sidewall 82 of the tumbler 80 is also undesirable in that it will leave a large quantity of slurry within the tumbler 80.

(24) Each blade 92 includes a first blade end 94 and a second blade end 96. The length of a given blade 92 corresponds with the spacing between its first blade end 94 and its second blade end 96. In the case of the first blades 92a, the first blade end 94 may be located on or adjacent to the first tumbler end 86a and the second blade end 96 may be spaced from the first tumbler end 86a (e.g., each first blade 92a may be characterized as extending from the first tumbler end 86a at least generally in the direction of the second tumbler end 86b, but terminating prior to reaching the second tumbler end 86b). Stated another way, the second blade end 96 of each first blade 92a may be located between the second tumbler end 86b and its corresponding first blade end 94 in the longitudinal dimension.

(25) In the case of the second blades 92b, the first blade end 94 may be located on or adjacent to the second tumbler end 86b and the second blade end 96 may be spaced from the second tumbler end 86b (e.g., each second blade 92b may be characterized as extending from the second tumbler end 86b at least generally in the direction of the first tumbler end 86a, but terminating prior to reaching the first tumbler end 86a). Stated another way, the second blade end 96 of each second blade 92b may be located between the first tumbler end 86a and its corresponding first blade end 94 in the longitudinal dimension.

(26) Each of the blades 92 may be characterized as being center angled. Center angling of the various blades 92 may promote a desired mixing action within the mixing chamber 90 of the horizontal mixer 50. A number of characterizations may be made in relation to the orientation of each blade 92 relative to the rotational axis 110 of the tumbler 80, which may apply individually or in any combination. Consider the case where a plurality of reference axes 112 are on the sidewall 82 of the tumbler 80 and are parallel to the rotational axis 110 of the tumbler 80. The first blade end 94 may be on one such reference axis 112 and its corresponding second blade end 96 may be on a different reference axis (e.g., FIG. 6) for each of the various blades 92, and which may be used to promote a desired mixing action in the mixing chamber 90 of the tumbler 80.

(27) Each blade 92 may be of the same height, where height is the distance that the blades 92 extend away from where the blades 92 intersect with the interior surface 84a of the tumbler 80. The height of each blade 92 may be constant along the entire length thereof. In one embodiment, the first blade end 94 of each blade 92 at its intersection with the interior surface 84a of the tumbler 80 is at a different elevation than its corresponding second blade end 94 at its intersection with the interior surface 84a, where the elevation is measured relative to a horizontal reference plane located below the tumbler 80. In one embodiment, the elevation continually changes at the intersection between each blade 92 and the interior surface 84a of the tumbler 80 proceeding from its first blade end 94 to its corresponding second blade end 96, again where the elevation is measured relative to a horizontal reference plane located below the tumbler 80.

(28) The first blade end 94 may leads its corresponding second blade end 96 in a first rotational direction in the case of each blade 92, and which may be used to promote a desired mixing action in the mixing chamber 90 of the tumbler 80. In the view shown in FIGS. 5A and 5, the first rotational direction is counterclockwise. The arrow about the rotational axis 110 indicates the first rotational direction in each of FIGS. 2, 5A, 5B, and 7 (again, counterclockwise). Stated another way, the second blade end 96 may lag its corresponding first blade end 94 in a first rotational direction in the case of each blade 92.

(29) FIG. 7 further illustrates the above-noted leading/lagging relationship, with the arrow about the rotational axis 110 being the first rotational direction. In FIG. 7, the first blade end 94 of each first blade 92a is shown in dashed lines, as is an edge corresponding with each corresponding second blade end 96. During rotation of the tumbler 80 in the first rotational direction, the first blade end 94 of each first blade 92a will reach and pass the 6 o'clock position (such a clock being measured about the rotational axis 110) before its corresponding second blade end 96 reaches and passes the 6 o'clock position.

(30) The various blades 92 for the mixer 50 are arranged so that there is a plurality of blade pairs 100 that are spaced about the rotational axis 110 (e.g., each blade pair being located at a different angular position relative to and measured about the rotational axis 110). Any number of blade pairs 100 may be utilized (6 blade pairs 100 in the illustrated embodiment). The blade pairs 100 are equally spaced about the rotational axis 100 in the illustrated embodiment, although other spacing arrangements could be utilized.

(31) Each blade pair 100 includes one first blade 92a and one second blade 92b. In the illustrated embodiment, the first blade 92a and its corresponding second blade 92b (one first blade 92a and its corresponding second blade 92b defining a blade pair 100) are disposed in a mirror image relationship to each other. Referring back to FIG. 6, there is an included angle 114a between each first blade 92a and a reference axis 112 that is tangent to its second blade end 96 (again, where each reference axis 112 is parallel to the rotational axis 110), and there is an included angle 114b between each second blade 92b and a reference axis 112 that is tangent to its second blade end 96. In the illustrated embodiment, the magnitude of each included angle 114a is the same for all first blades 92a, the magnitude of each included angle 114b is the same for all second blades 92b, and the magnitudes of the included angles 114a and 114b are the same. This allows for the above-noted mirror image relationship. In one embodiment, each included angle 114a, 114b is within a range of about 3 to about 4. The incline of the various blades 92a, 92b allows the output line 72, more specifically its output port 76, to be disposed in a deeper reservoir of slurry within the tumbler 80.

(32) The various blade pairs 100 have an at least generally V-shaped profile. The second blade ends 96 of each blade pair 100 are separated by a gap 102 that coincides with the region 78 into which the output line 72 extends for withdrawing slurry from the mixer 50. The V of each blade pair 100 is oriented such that the noted gap 102 is the trailing portion of each blade pair 100 in the above-noted first rotational direction that is used for promoting a desired mixing action within the mixing chamber 90 during rotation of the tumbler 80 about its rotational axis 110 in the first rotational direction. Stated another way, the blade pairs 100 are orientated so each blade pair 100 is in the form of a concave structure in the first rotational direction (e.g., each blade pair 100 collectively defines an at least generally concave profile relative to the first rotational direction).

(33) There are other alternatives in relation to the arrangement of the various first blades 92a and the various second blades 92b. The magnitude of the included angle 114a of each first blade 92a may be the same, the magnitude of the included angle 114b of each second blade 92b may be the same, but the magnitudes of the included angles 114a and included angles 114b may be different. It may be such that one or more different magnitudes are utilized for the included angle 114a of the various first blades 92a (e.g., one or more first blades 92a may be disposed at one common included angle 114a, while one or more other first blades 92a may be disposed at another common included angle 114a), that one or more different magnitudes are utilized for the included angle 114b of the various second blades 92b (e.g., one or more second blades 92b may be disposed at one common included angle 114b, while one or more other second blades 92b may be disposed at another common included angle 114b), or both.

(34) Other arrangement of the first blades 92a relative to the second blades 92b may be utilized. For instance, the first blades 92a may be disposed about the rotational axis 110 in one pattern, and the second blades 92b may be disposed about the rotational axis 110 in a different pattern. The first blades 92a and second blades 92b may be disposed in staggered relation about the rotational axis 110. For instance, when the first blade end 94 of the first blades 92a are at the 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 o'clock positions in a first static position for the tumbler 80, the first blade end 94 of the second blades 92b may be at the 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11 o'clock positions.

(35) The horizontal mixer 50 may be used in the fluid system 10 (in place of the horizontal mixer 20) to provide a slurry from which radioisotopes are produced. FIG. 8 illustrates one embodiment of such a production method 120. The radioisotope production method 120 includes mixing a slurry from which radioisotopes may be produced (step 122). The horizontal mixer 50 may be used to mix such a slurry, including when incorporated into the fluid system 10. In one embodiment, the slurry includes particles of alumina. Other particles that may be used by such a slurry include without limitation other chromatographic media for bonding or stripping. Other liquids that may be used for such a slurry include without limitation distilled water or media preparation solvents.

(36) The slurry may be dispensed into an appropriate container (e.g. a glass column) pursuant to step 124 of the production method 120. This may entail using an appropriate dispensing apparatus, or it may be done by hand. Once the slurry is added to the column, the column may be loaded with a chemical or compound that adsorbs to the adsorbent materials that were part of the slurry (Step 126). In one embodiment, the column is utilized in a technetium generator wherein molybdenum-99 is added to the column, adsorbing onto the alumina column packing material. Over time, the molybdenum-99 decays to technetium-99m, a daughter radioisotope that is used in many nuclear medicine procedures (Step 128). While molybdenum-99 remains adsorbed to alumina, technetium-99m washes off of the alumina when water is passed through the column. Chromatographic separation of technetium-99m from molybdenum-99 may therefore occur by passing a water eluant through the column (Step 130). The technetium-99m is then isolated and utilized in medical applications such as medical diagnosis, medical treatment, and medical research.

(37) The foregoing description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. Furthermore, the description is not intended to limit the invention to the form disclosed herein. Consequently, variations and modifications commensurate with the above teachings, and skill and knowledge of the relevant art, are within the scope of the present invention. The embodiments described hereinabove are further intended to explain best modes known of practicing the invention and to enable others skilled in the art to utilize the invention in such, or other embodiments and with various modifications required by the particular application(s) or use(s) of the present invention. It is intended that the appended claims be construed to include alternative embodiments to the extent permitted by the prior art.