US 12,392,455 B2
System for transporting non-Newtonian materials using acoustic softening over long distances
Robert H. Dietze, Jr., Brighton, MI (US); Christopher Brady, Madison Heights, MI (US); Dmitriy Bruder, Clinton Township, MI (US); Megan E. McGovern, Detroit, MI (US); Robin James, Rochester Hills, MI (US); and Ryan Gergely, Fraser, MI (US)
Assigned to GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC, Detroit, MI (US)
Filed by GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC, Detroit, MI (US)
Filed on Apr. 14, 2023, as Appl. No. 18/134,664.
Prior Publication US 2024/0344668 A1, Oct. 17, 2024
Int. Cl. F17D 1/14 (2006.01)
CPC F17D 1/14 (2013.01) 15 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A system for transporting a non-Newtonian material, the system comprising:
a storage container configured to store the non-Newtonian material;
a dispensing system configured to dispense the non-Newtonian material;
a conduit connecting the storage container to the dispensing system, the conduit configured to transport the non-Newtonian material from the storage container to the dispensing system;
a pump configured to pump the non-Newtonian material out of the storage container and through the conduit to the dispensing system;
a hanger configured to support the conduit from a support structure; and
an acoustic wave generator along the conduit configured to impart acoustical shear agitation to the non-Newtonian material to reduce viscosity of the non-Newtonian material;
wherein:
the acoustic wave generator includes a plurality of acoustic transducers arranged around the conduit; and
the plurality of acoustic transducers are on an interior of the conduit.