Compact static mixer
The static mixing unit with a premixing unit and perpendicular flow direction addresses the bulkiness of conventional mixers, achieving efficient mixing in a compact form with reduced material use.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- HIRSCHBERG ENG AG
- Filing Date
- 2025-12-17
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-25
AI Technical Summary
Conventional static mixers are bulky and require significant space, leading to increased material consumption and handling difficulties, especially in manual applications and process engineering.
A static mixing unit comprising a premixing unit with alternating inlets for fluids and a downstream main mixing unit with a perpendicular flow direction, reducing the length of the main mixing unit by up to 90% while maintaining mixing quality.
The compact design improves handling and reduces material consumption, allowing for efficient mixing in minimal space with flexible adaptation to different requirements.
Smart Images
Figure EP2025087508_25062026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] Compact static mixer
[0002] Technical field
[0003] The invention relates to a static mixing unit for mixing at least two fluids, in particular liquids, gases, and / or pasty masses, comprising a static mixer with several flow-influencing elements arranged in a hollow body. The invention further relates to a set of components comprising a static mixing unit and at least two, in particular exactly two, containers, each with an outlet, wherein the containers each contain one of at least two, in particular exactly two, different fluids. The invention also relates to a method for mixing at least two fluids, in particular liquids, gases, and / or pasty masses, with a static mixing unit, as well as the use of a static mixing unit for mixing two fluids.
[0004] State of the art
[0005] Static mixers are devices for mixing fluids in which the mixing process is achieved solely through the flow motion and which do not have any moving parts. They consist of a series of specially shaped flow-modifying elements arranged in a pipe or housing. The fluids to be mixed are guided through these elements, causing them to be divided, deflected, and recombined. This generates shear forces, turbulence, or extensional flows, which result in a homogeneous distribution of the fluids being mixed. Conventional static mixers operate exclusively through the kinetic energy of the flowing media and do not require an external energy input for the mixing process.
[0006] Static mixers are widely used in construction, industrial manufacturing, and industrial process engineering, among other fields, and have established themselves in numerous applications as a reliable and efficient solution for mixing liquids, gases, and viscous media.
[0007] 512489-WO1 - HS / HS Keller Schneider
[0008] December 17, 2025 Patent and Trademark Attorneys Among the common types of static mixers used today are designs with screw-like, spiral-shaped flow-modifying elements, such as those used in the Sulzer SMV mixer, as well as mixers with X-shaped elements, typically used in the Sulzer X mixer. Mixers with specially shaped segments, such as quad mixers or mixers with prismatic inserts, have also proven effective in meeting specific mixing requirements.
[0009] Such mixers are described, for example, in patent specifications US 4,062,524 (Bayer AG), US 2012 / 0106290 A1 (Meijer et al.), US 3,664,638 (Kenics Corp.), EP 0 815 929 B1 (Sulzer Chemtech AG) and EP 2 181 827 B1 (Sulzer Mixpac AG).
[0010] Despite their performance, conventional static mixers have disadvantages in certain applications. Depending on the application and the required mixing quality, static mixers are relatively long and bulky. When used manually, for example as a mixing nozzle on adhesive cartridges, this negatively impacts handling, and in process engineering, additional space is required for the installation of these bulky static mixers. Furthermore, long static mixers increase material consumption, which not only raises manufacturing costs but also increases environmental impact.
[0011] Therefore, there remains a need for new static mixers that exhibit fewer or no of the aforementioned disadvantages.
[0012] Description of the invention
[0013] The object of the invention is therefore to provide an improved static mixing unit. In particular, the static mixing unit should combine efficient mixing action with a compact and resource-saving design.
[0014] The solution to the problem is defined by the features of claim 1. The core of the invention is a static mixing unit for mixing at least two fluids, in particular liquids, gases and / or pasty masses, comprising a premixing unit with a downstream main mixing unit, wherein:
[0015] 512489-WO1 - HS / HS Keller Schneider
[0016] December 17, 2025 Patent and Trademark Attorneys a) The premixing unit comprises a premixing chamber which has several first inlets for supplying a first fluid and several second inlets for supplying a second fluid into a cavity of the premixing chamber, as well as a central outlet for discharged the fluids from the cavity of the premixing chamber; b) wherein the several first inlets and the several second inlets are arranged in a peripheral region of the premixing chamber around the outlet, with one or more first inlets and one or more second inlets opening alternately into the cavity; c) wherein the premixing chamber is designed such that the fluids, in particular in premixed form, can be directed to the outlet from several different directions lying in a common premixing plane, at least in a region of the premixing chamber adjacent to the outlet;d) the outlet of the premixing chamber opens into an inlet of the main mixing unit, so that fluids discharged from the cavity of the premixing chamber through the outlet can be supplied to the main mixing unit; e) the main mixing unit has at least one static mixer with several flow-influencing elements arranged in a hollow body, wherein the static mixer is designed such that a main flow direction of the fluids in the static mixer from the inlet of the main mixing unit to an outlet of the main mixing unit is substantially perpendicular to the premixing plane of the premixing unit.
[0017] It has been shown that the combination of a premixing unit in which the fluids to be mixed are premixed at least partially in a premixing plane and a downstream main mixing unit with a main flow direction of the fluids perpendicular to the premixing plane enables extremely efficient mixing of the fluids in the smallest space.
[0018] 512489-WO1 - HS / HS Keller Schneider
[0019] December 17, 2025 Patent and Trademark Attorneys Compared to a conventional static mixer, the length of the main mixing unit in the static mixer unit according to the invention can be reduced by up to 90% while maintaining the same mixing quality. This allows the static mixer unit according to the invention to be built more compactly, which further reduces material consumption.
[0020] In other words, the static mixing unit according to the invention achieves an efficient mixing effect while maintaining a compact and resource-saving / sustainable design. Its compact size also improves handling in manual applications and reduces the space required in industrial applications.
[0021] Furthermore, the premixing unit according to the invention can be combined with a variety of different main mixing units, which allows for flexible adaptation to different requirements.
[0022] The term "premixing" in this context specifically encompasses a pre-distribution, in particular a regular spatial pre-distribution, of the at least two fluids and / or a partial mixing of the at least two fluids. Specifically, the mixing quality of the at least two fluids before the pre-mixing unit is lower than after the pre-mixing unit, and / or at the outlet of the pre-mixing unit, the mixing quality is lower than after the at least two fluids have passed through the main mixing unit.
[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the premixing chamber and the static mixer of the main mixing unit are rigidly connected to each other and / or manufactured in one piece.
[0024] Preferably, the inlet of the static mixer corresponds in size and / or shape to the outlet of the premixing chamber. This allows the entire inlet opening of the static mixer to be utilized.
[0025] Preferably, at least two fluids are distributed in the premixing chamber over the entire outlet area of the premixing chamber and / or the entire inlet area or the entire inlet opening, preferably in a regular distribution. This also allows for...
[0026] 512489-WO1 - HS / HS Keller Schneider
[0027] December 17, 2025 Patent and trademark attorneys of a local mixture in the downstream main mixing unit achieve a high mixing quality, which benefits the compactness.
[0028] In an advantageous embodiment, the premixing chamber, in addition to the multiple first inlets for supplying the first fluid and the multiple second inlets for supplying the second fluid, has no further inlets for fluids. In this case, the premixing chamber is designed for mixing exactly two fluids.
[0029] In another embodiment of the invention, the premixing unit may have several third inlets for supplying a third fluid into the cavity of the premixing chamber. In this case, the premixing chamber is designed for mixing exactly three fluids.
[0030] For special applications, additional inlets for extra fluids are also conceivable.
[0031] According to point b), one or more first inlets and one or more second inlets open alternately into the cavity. This means that between any two first inlets, one or more of the second inlets open into the premixing chamber, and / or between any two second inlets, one or more of the first inlets open into the premixing chamber.
[0032] Particularly preferred are the multiple first inlets and the multiple second inlets arranged such that a first inlet and a second inlet alternately open into the cavity. In this case, exactly one of the second inlets opens into the premixing chamber between any two of the first inlets, and exactly one of the first inlets opens into the premixing chamber between any two of the second inlets.
[0033] This allows for particularly good premixing of at least two fluids in the premixing chamber. However, other inlet configurations can be implemented for specific applications.
[0034] Preferably, the multiple first inlets and the multiple second inlets are arranged at regular intervals. This further improves the premixing effect.
[0035] 512489-WO1 - HS / HS Keller Schneider
[0036] December 17, 2025 Patent and Trademark Attorneys Furthermore, it is advantageous if the multiple first inlets are arranged on a first circular path and / or the multiple second inlets are arranged on a second circular path. The center of the circular path(s) is advantageously located on a geometric axis that passes through the center of the central outlet of the premixing chamber and / or is coaxial with a longitudinal axis that runs along the main flow direction in the main mixing unit. In this case, the homogeneity of the premix can be further increased.
[0037] In particular, the multiple first inlets and the multiple second inlets are arranged such that the first fluid and the second fluid enter the cavity of the premixing chamber along a common circular path. In this case, too, the center of the circular path is advantageously located on a geometric axis that passes through the center of the central outlet of the premixing chamber and / or is coaxial with a longitudinal axis that runs along the main flow direction in the main mixing unit. This ensures optimal and uniform mixing.
[0038] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the multiple first inlets and the multiple second inlets are designed such that the first fluid and the second fluid are introduced into the cavity from different directions. This applies in particular to all first and all second inlets. This allows, in particular, a more compact design.
[0039] In particular, with regard to the main flow direction of the fluids in the static mixer of the main mixing unit, the multiple first inlets and the multiple second inlets are designed such that the first fluid and the second fluid are introduced into the cavity from opposite directions. Preferably, the first fluid can be introduced into the cavity in a direction parallel to the main flow direction of the fluids in the static mixer, and the second fluid can be introduced into the cavity from a direction antiparallel to the main flow direction of the fluids in the static mixer. This allows for a particularly compact design.
[0040] 512489-WO1 - HS / HS Keller Schneider
[0041] December 17, 2025 Patent and Trademark Attorneys Furthermore, it may be advantageous if the multiple first inlets and the multiple second inlets are designed in such a way that the first fluid and the second fluid can be introduced into the cavity of the premixing chamber from directions perpendicular to each other.
[0042] For example, the multiple first inlets and the multiple second inlets can be designed such that the first fluid is introduced into the cavity of the premixing chamber from directions parallel to the premixing plane, and the second fluid can be introduced into the cavity from a direction parallel or antiparallel to the main flow direction of the fluids in the static mixer. This represents another possibility for a particularly compact design.
[0043] With regard to the cross-sectional area and / or shape of the inlet opening, preferably all first inlets are identical in design and / or all second inlets are identical in design. In particular, all first and second inlets are identical in design.
[0044] In particular, the number of multiple first inlets is equal to the number of multiple second inlets.
[0045] This ensures a particularly uniform introduction of the fluids into the premixing chamber. However, this is not mandatory. To mix different quantities of fluids, for example, the number, cross-sectional area, and / or shape of the inlet openings can be adjusted or designed differently.
[0046] Furthermore, it is preferred if the cavity of the premixing chamber is axially symmetric with respect to a central axis which is perpendicular to an opening plane of the outlet, and / or wherein the cavity of the premixing chamber is axially symmetric with respect to a longitudinal axis which runs along the main flow direction of the fluids in the static mixer.
[0047] In particular, the cavity of the premixing chamber is cylindrical or plate-shaped.
[0048] 512489-WO1 - HS / HS Keller Schneider
[0049] December 17, 2025 Patent and Trademark Attorneys Cylindrical cavities are, for example, circular cylindrical cavities, elliptical cylindrical cavities or prismatic cavities; circular cylindrical cavities are particularly preferred.
[0050] In this context, a "cylinder" is understood to be, in particular, a solid with two parallel, congruent bases and straight generatrix of equal length, the generatrix connecting the corresponding points on the two bases. The generatrix is specifically perpendicular to the bases. The bases need not be circular. They can be any closed curve or surface, e.g., elliptical, rectangular, or any other shape. The height of the cylinder, measured in a direction perpendicular to the bases, can be arbitrary, and in particular can be less than the width, length, and / or diameter of the bases.
[0051] A plate-shaped cavity has, in particular, a central cylindrical region and a peripheral annular region, wherein the central axis of the cylindrical region and the annular region are the same. The transition from the central cylindrical region to the peripheral annular region can be angular or, preferably, rounded.
[0052] Specifically, a plate-shaped cavity has a central cylindrical area and an adjoining peripheral hollow sphere-shaped area, the two areas preferably transitioning continuously and / or seamlessly into one another.
[0053] A plate-shaped cavity has, in particular, a U-shaped cross-section with respect to all cross-sections passing through a center of the cavity.
[0054] Such cavities have a high degree of symmetry and thus enable a particularly homogeneous mixing.
[0055] Furthermore, it is preferred if the height of the cavity of the premixing chamber, measured in a direction perpendicular to the premixing plane, in the area of the common premixing plane is >0 - 20%, specifically 1 - 10%, and in particular 2 - 5%, of a maximum
[0056] 512489-WO1 - HS / HS Keller Schneider
[0057] December 17, 2025 Patent and Trademark Attorneys The extent, in particular a maximum diameter, of the cavity of the premixing chamber is defined. This results in a relatively shallow cavity, which has proven advantageous in this case. However, other configurations of the cavity are also possible.
[0058] It is particularly preferred that the premixing unit is designed such that the fluids are guided through the cavity as circular sector-shaped fluid flows and / or flow through it. This can be achieved, for example, by the inlet arrangements described above and the design of the premixing chamber cavity.
[0059] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the several first inlets are fluidly connected to a first supply chamber, wherein the first supply chamber is preferably designed such that the first fluid present in the first supply chamber is conveyed uniformly through all of the several first inlets when pressurized; and / or wherein the several second inlets are fluidly connected to a second supply chamber, wherein the second supply chamber is preferably designed such that the second fluid present in the second supply chamber is conveyed uniformly through all of the several second inlets when pressurized.
[0060] A feed chamber enables a particularly uniform introduction of the fluids through the corresponding inlets into the cavity of the premixing chamber, which benefits from the most homogeneous premixing of the fluids possible.
[0061] Furthermore, it is preferred if the first feed chamber has several first outlets which communicate with the several first inlets of the premixing chamber, in particular the several first outlets of the first feed chamber project into the several first inlets of the premixing chamber, especially in a form-fitting manner; and / or wherein the second feed chamber has several second outlets which communicate with the several second inlets of the premixing chamber, in particular the several second outlets of the second feed chamber project into the several second inlets of the premixing chamber, especially in a form-fitting manner.
[0062] 512489-WO1 - HS / HS Keller Schneider
[0063] December 17, 2025 Patent and Trademark Attorneys This allows for the simple and effective introduction of fluids into the cavity of the premixing chamber via the corresponding inlets.
[0064] In an exemplary embodiment, the first feed chamber and / or the second feed chamber is arranged on a side of the premix chamber facing away from the downstream main mixing unit.
[0065] Furthermore, the first feed chamber can, for example, laterally surround the premix chamber and / or the second feed chamber, in particular in such a way that the first fluid can be guided around the premix chamber from the side of the premix chamber facing away from the downstream main mixing unit and conveyed into the cavity of the premix chamber from the side of the premix chamber facing the downstream main mixing unit through the several first inlets.
[0066] In particular, the first feed chamber and / or the second feed chamber has an inlet opening on a side facing away from the downstream main mixing unit, through which the first fluid can be fed into the first feed chamber and / or the second fluid into the second feed chamber. This allows the fluid(s) to be directed centrally into the respective feed chamber(s).
[0067] The static mixer of the main mixing unit is designed, for example, as an X-mixer, helical mixer, T-mixer, and / or quad mixer. X-mixers are particularly preferred because they allow for a particularly compact design in this context. These terms are familiar to those skilled in the art.
[0068] X-mixers are described, for example, in US 4,062,524 or US 2012 / 0106290 A1. Helix mixers are described in US 3,664,638, while quadro mixers are shown in EP 0 815 929 B1 and T-mixers in EP 2 181 827 B1.
[0069] Specifically, the flow-influencing elements in the static mixer of the main mixing unit are X-shaped crossed struts, curved planar elements, egg-shaped elements and / or helical elements. Particularly preferred
[0070] 512489-WO1 - HS / HS Keller Schneider
[0071] December 17, 2025 Patent and trademark attorneys are X-shaped crossed bridges, as these enable a particularly compact design in the present context.
[0072] The hollow body of the static mixer of the main mixing unit is preferably a tubular element.
[0073] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the main mixing unit comprises several static mixers arranged in parallel, wherein the multiple static mixers are, in particular, identical in design. Due to the pre-distribution or pre-mixing of the fluids in the pre-mixing chamber, local mixing by parallel-connected static mixers is sufficient. The parallel connection allows the cross-section of the individual static mixers to be reduced without increasing the pressure loss. With smaller mixer diameters, the length of the mixers can be reduced while maintaining the same mixing quality.
[0074] Furthermore, it is preferred if the static mixer unit has a coupling device, in particular a screw connection, a clamp connection, a bayonet fitting and / or a snap-fit connection, for connecting the static mixer to one or more containers in which, in particular, the at least two fluids are present, and / or fluid lines from which, in particular, the at least two fluids are supplied.
[0075] This allows the static mixer unit to be connected to containers and / or fluid lines in a simple but reliable manner.
[0076] The static mixer units according to the invention can be manufactured in particular by 3D printing.
[0077] Specifically, the static mixing units according to the invention are made of plastic. However, for special purposes, they can also be made of metal and / or other materials.
[0078] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a set of components comprising (i) at least two, in particular exactly two, containers, each with an outlet at the
[0079] 512489-WO1 - HS / HS Keller Schneider
[0080] December 17, 2025 Patent and Trademark Attorneys (ii) Containers, wherein the containers each contain one of at least two, in particular exactly two, different fluids, and (ii) a static mixing unit as described above, wherein the outlets of the containers are fluid-conductingly connectable to, or are connected to, the static mixing unit. This is done in such a way that, when the fluids are dispensed from the containers, the first fluid can be conveyed through the multiple first inlets and the second fluid through the multiple second inlets into the premixing chamber of the premixing unit and subsequently through the main mixing unit and mixed.
[0081] The two containers can also be part of a common package, e.g. in a cartridge, and / or designed as an integral part of it.
[0082] The static mixer unit preferably has a coupling device, in particular a screw connection, a clamp connection, a bayonet fitting and / or a snap-fit connection. More preferably, the static mixer unit is connected to the containers and / or packaging via this coupling device.
[0083] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method for mixing at least two fluids, in particular liquids, gases and / or pasty masses, with a static mixing unit comprising a premixing unit with a downstream main mixing unit, in particular with a static mixing unit as described above, wherein:
[0084] A first fluid is introduced into a cavity of a premixing chamber of the premixing unit via several first inlets and a second fluid via several second inlets, and the fluids are discharged from the cavity of the premixing chamber via a central outlet; wherein the several first inlets and the several second inlets are arranged in a peripheral region of the premixing chamber around the outlet, with one or more first inlets and one or more second inlets alternately opening into the cavity.
[0085] 512489-WO1 - HS / HS Keller Schneider
[0086] December 17, 2025 Patent and Trademark Attorneys, wherein the fluids are guided to the outlet from several different directions lying in a common premixing plane, at least in an area of the premixing chamber adjacent to the outlet; the fluids discharged from the cavity of the premixing chamber through the outlet are fed to an inlet of the main mixing unit; wherein the main mixing unit has at least one static mixer with several flow-influencing elements arranged in a hollow body, wherein the static mixer is designed such that a main flow direction of the fluids in the static mixer from the inlet of the main mixing unit to an outlet of the main mixing unit is substantially perpendicular to the premixing plane of the premixing unit.
[0087] The static mixing unit used in the process is preferably a static mixing unit as described above. In a particular embodiment, it is equipped with one or more of the features described above as optional.
[0088] The fluids are in particular liquids, gases and / or pasty masses.
[0089] The first fluid and the second fluid can form a solution when mixed, with one fluid being dissolved in the other, or the first fluid and the second fluid can form a dispersion when mixed, in particular a foam or an emulsion.
[0090] In a dispersion, the two fluids hardly dissolve into each other or not at all, and one of the two fluids is finely distributed as a dispersed phase, e.g. as a liquid or gaseous phase, in the other fluid, e.g. a liquid, which forms a continuous phase or the dispersion medium.
[0091] The first fluid is, for example, a first component of a two-component adhesive and / or sealant, and the second fluid is a second component of a two-component adhesive and / or sealant.
[0092] 512489-WO1 - HS / HS Keller Schneider
[0093] December 17, 2025 Patent and Trademark Attorneys According to another embodiment, the first fluid is a gas and the second fluid is a liquid, preferably forming a foam during mixing in the static mixer unit. In a foam, gas bubbles are specifically finely dispersed in a liquid.
[0094] In a further embodiment, the first fluid is a liquid and the second fluid is a liquid insoluble in the first liquid, preferably forming an emulsion during mixing in the static mixer unit. In an emulsion, liquid droplets, which, for example, constitute the first fluid, are finely dispersed in another liquid, which, for example, constitutes the second fluid. The fluids are specifically guided through the cavity as circular sector-shaped fluid flows and / or flow through it in this form.
[0095] An additional aspect of the present invention relates to the use of a static mixing unit as described above for mixing two fluids, in particular liquids, gases and / or pasty masses.
[0096] In particular, the static mixer unit is used to produce a solution or a dispersion, especially a foam or an emulsion.
[0097] In particular, the first fluid is a first component of a two-component adhesive and / or sealant, and the second fluid is a second component of a two-component adhesive and / or sealant.
[0098] According to another embodiment, one of the at least two fluids is a gas and a second of the at least two fluids is a liquid, and a foam is formed when they are mixed.
[0099] In another embodiment, the at least two fluids are hardly or not at all soluble in each other and an emulsion is formed.
[0100] Further advantageous embodiments and combinations of features of the invention can be derived from the following detailed description and the entirety of the patent claims.
[0101] 512489-WO1 - HS / HS Keller Schneider
[0102] December 17, 2025 Patent and Trademark Attorneys Brief description of the drawings
[0103] The drawings used to illustrate the exemplary embodiment show:
[0104] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a typical helix mixer as it is used as
[0105] The main mixing unit of a static mixer unit according to the invention can be used;
[0106] Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of a typical X-mixer, as it can be used as the main mixing unit of a static mixer unit according to the invention;
[0107] Fig. 3 shows a detailed view of one unit of the flow-influencing elements of the mixer from Fig. 2;
[0108] Fig. 4 shows a variant of a mixing unit of an X-mixer, wherein several X-type mixing units as shown in Fig. 3 are arranged side by side;
[0109] Fig. 5 shows a schematic representation of a static device according to the invention.
[0110] Mixer unit with a helical mixer as the main mixing unit;
[0111] Fig. 6 shows a schematic representation of another static mixer unit according to the invention with an X-mixer as the main mixing unit;
[0112] Figs. 7-9 are partially cutaway views of one possible implementation of the mixer unit from Fig. 6 from different perspectives;
[0113] Figs. 10-11 show partially cutaway views of another possible implementation of the mixer unit from Fig. 6 from different perspectives.
[0114] Fig. 12 shows a schematic representation of a set of parts or an arrangement comprising (i) a cartridge with two containers in which each contains a fluid and (ii) a static mixer unit coupled via a coupling device;
[0115] 512489-WO1 - HS / HS Keller Schneider
[0116] December 17, 2025 Patent and Trademark Attorneys Fig. 13 shows a variant of the static mixer unit from Fig. 5 in which, instead of a single static mixer, six identical static mixers are arranged in parallel as the main mixing unit.
[0117] Basically, identical parts in the figures are marked with the same reference symbols.
[0118] Ways to implement the invention
[0119] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a typical helical mixer 10, which can be used as the main mixing unit of a static mixer unit according to the invention. The mixer 10 has an inlet 11 at its lower end for two fluids F1 and F2 to be mixed, as well as egg-shaped flow-modifying elements 12 (= mixing unit) in a tubular hollow body 14. The fluids F1 and F2 are conveyed along the longitudinal axis of the tubular hollow body 14 upwards to the outlet 13, where they emerge as a mixed stream M.
[0120] Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of a typical X-mixer 20, which can be used as the main mixing unit of a static mixer unit according to the invention. The mixer 20 has an inlet 21 at its lower end for two fluids F1 and F2 to be mixed, as well as X-shaped crossed webs as flow-influencing elements 22, or X-type mixing unit, in a tubular hollow body 24. The fluids F1 and F2 are conveyed along the longitudinal axis of the tubular hollow body 24 upwards through it to the outlet 33, where they emerge as a mixed stream M.
[0121] Fig. 3 shows a detailed view of a unit of the flow-influencing elements 22 of the mixer 20 from Fig. 2. Here, three first webs 22a and three second webs 22b are arranged crosswise, e.g., at an angle of 90°. However, other angles are also possible. The length of the unit in the main flow direction L, or along the longitudinal axis of the mixer 20, corresponds approximately to the dimensions transverse to the flow direction. The fluid flow is mixed transversely to the flow direction (symbolized by the horizontal double arrow). The mixing length corresponds approximately to the transverse dimensions of the mixing unit.
[0122] 512489-WO1 - HS / HS Keller Schneider
[0123] December 17, 2025 Patent and Trademark Attorneys Normally, the X-type mixing unit is placed inside the tubular hollow body 24, so that the mixing action occurs across the entire cross-section (see Fig. 2). As a result, a mixing unit has a length approximately equal to the diameter of the tubular hollow body 24. For thorough mixing without premixing, around 10 mixing units are typically required. Successive mixing units are typically rotated 90° relative to each other around the tube axis L, so that the mixing direction changes from one mixing unit to the next, perpendicular to the flow direction.
[0124] Fig. 4 shows a variant of a mixing unit 22' of an X-mixer. In this case, several X-type mixing units, as shown in Fig. 3, are arranged side by side. This results in a mixer whose mixing effect perpendicular to the flow direction is limited, but which is much shorter in the flow direction than its dimensions perpendicular to the flow direction. If the fluids to be mixed have already been uniformly pre-distributed across the mixer inlet or cross-section, such an arrangement is sufficient to produce uniform mixing.
[0125] Fig. 5 shows a schematic representation of a static mixer unit 100 according to the invention. This unit has a premixing chamber 50 with a cylindrical cavity and first inlets 51a for supplying a first fluid F1 and second inlets 51b for supplying a second fluid F2 into the cavity of the premixing chamber 50. A central outlet 52 is arranged in a central area of the premixing chamber 50, which opens into the inlet 11 of the downstream helical mixer 10 (= main mixing unit). This allows the fluids F1 and F2, premixed in the premixing chamber 50, to be distributed and introduced into the helical mixer 10 via the inlet 11.
[0126] The first inlets 51a and the second inlets 51b are arranged alternately in a peripheral area P of the premixing chamber 50, so that the first fluid F1 and the second fluid F2 enter the cavity of the premixing chamber 50 on a common circular line K.
[0127] 512489-WO1 - HS / HS Keller Schneider
[0128] December 17, 2025 Patent and Trademark Attorneys This allows the fluids F1, F2 to be guided to the outlet 52 from several different directions in a common premixing plane E in the cylindrical cavity of the premixing chamber 50.
[0129] The helix mixer 10 is arranged in the area of the central outlet such that a main flow direction L of the fluids F1, F2 in the static mixer helix mixer 10 runs from the inlet 11 to the outlet 13 perpendicular to the premixing plane E of the premixing chamber 50 or the premixing unit.
[0130] By alternately adding the two fluids F1 and F2 to the peripheral area P of the premixing chamber 50, radial partial flows are typically generated, which flow in a star-shaped pattern to the outlet 52 or the inlet 11 of the helical mixer 10 or the main mixing unit. This premixing or predistribution in the premixing chamber 50 allows the number of mixing elements required for the helical mixer 10 to be reduced by approximately 30–50% while maintaining the same mixing quality.
[0131] Fig. 6 shows a schematic representation of another static mixer unit 200 according to the invention. In the area of the premixing unit 50, this is essentially identical in construction to the premixing unit of the static mixer unit 100 from Fig. 5. However, instead of the helical mixer 10, the static mixer unit 200 has an X-type mixer 20' with a mixing unit 22", which consists of several mixing units 22' arranged one above the other from Fig. 4. The X-type mixer 20' is somewhat larger in diameter than the helical mixer 10, but significantly shorter. Accordingly, in this case, the outlet 52' of the premixing chamber is somewhat larger than that of the mixer unit 100 from Fig. 5.
[0132] This embodiment is particularly advantageous because the X-mixer can be designed to mix very well locally, but not necessarily across the entire cross-section. In combination with the premixing unit, the X-mixer can be very short and compact while still mixing effectively. The larger diameter also prevents excessive pressure loss.
[0133] 512489-WO1 - HS / HS Keller Schneider
[0134] December 17, 2025 Patent and Trademark Attorneys In this way, static mixer units with a length / diameter ratio of the main mixing unit of less than 1 can be realized, whereas with conventional mixers a length / diameter ratio > 10 is necessary.
[0135] Figures 7-9 show partially cutaway views of one possible implementation of the mixer unit 200 from Figure 6 from various perspectives. The mixer unit 300 from Figures 7-9 has a hollow cylindrical premixing chamber 50, which has the first inlets 51a on the top for supplying the first fluid F1 and the second inlets 51b on the bottom for supplying the second fluid F2. The openings of the inlets 51a and 51b are rectangular and open alternately into the cavity of the premixing chamber 50, so that the fluids F1 and F2 can be introduced alternately from opposite directions, i.e., antiparallel, into the cavity.
[0136] All first inlets 51a are fluidly connected to a first feed chamber 52a, so that the first fluid F1 can be introduced into the cavity of the premixing chamber 50 from above or from the side of the X-type mixer 20' facing it.
[0137] Similarly, all second inlets 51b are fluid-conductingly connected to a first feed chamber 52b, so that the second fluid F2 can be introduced into the cavity of the premix chamber 50 from below, i.e., from the side of the premix chamber 50 facing away from the X-type mixer 20'. The second feed chamber 52b has several first outlets 52b.1, which project into the several first inlets 52b of the premix chamber 50.
[0138] On a side facing away from the X-type mixer 20', the two feed chambers 52a, 52b each have an inlet opening 53a, 53b through which the first fluid F1 can be conveyed into the first feed chamber 52a and the second fluid F2 into the second feed chamber 52b.
[0139] The second feed chamber 52b is designed as an essentially hollow cylindrical chamber and is located on the side of the premixing chamber 50 facing away from the X-type mixer 20'. The first feed chamber 53a is a chamber with an essentially annular cavity and surrounds the premixing chamber 50 and the second feed chamber 53b laterally, so that the first fluid F1 is supplied from the side facing the X-type mixer 20'.
[0140] 512489-WO1 - HS / HS Keller Schneider
[0141] December 17, 2025 Patent and Trademark Attorneys directed around the premixing chamber 50 on the side facing away from the X-type mixer 20' and conveyed into the cavity of the premixing chamber 50 through the several first inlets 52a.
[0142] Figures 10-11 show partially cutaway views of another, more concrete implementation of the mixer unit 200 from Figure 6, from different perspectives. The mixer unit 400 from Figures 10-11 has the same X-mixer 20' as the mixer unit 300, but differs with regard to the premixing unit.
[0143] Specifically, the mixer unit 400 has a premixing chamber 50' with a plate-shaped cavity having a central cylindrical area in the region of the outlet 52' or the inlet 21' of the X-mixer 20' and subsequently a downwardly projecting peripheral annular area, wherein the central axis of the cylindrical area and the annular area are the same. The transition from the central cylindrical area to the peripheral annular area is rounded. The peripheral annular area can also be considered a hollow spherical layer-shaped area, which projects downwards in Figures 10-11.
[0144] The first inlets 51a' are arranged such that the first fluid F1 is introduced into the peripheral hollow spherical region of the premixing chamber 50' via the inlet 53a' and the hollow cylindrical feed chamber 52a' from radial directions parallel to the premixing plane. The second inlets 51b', on the other hand, are arranged such that the second fluid F2 can be introduced into the peripheral hollow spherical region of the premixing chamber 50' via the inlet 53b' and the annular feed chamber 52b' from a direction parallel to the main flow direction of the fluids in the X-mixer 20', or from below. This eliminates the need for either fluid to bypass the premixing chamber.
[0145] The mixer units shown can be manufactured from plastic using 3D printing.
[0146] 512489-WO1 - HS / HS Keller Schneider
[0147] December 17, 2025 Patent and Trademark Attorneys Fig. 12 shows a set of parts (TS) or arrangement comprising a cartridge 500 (= packaging) with two containers 501a, 502b, each containing one of the fluids F1 and F2. The cartridge 500 is connected to the static mixer unit 400 from Figs. 10-11 via a coupling device 401, e.g., a screw connection. The outlets of the cartridge 500 are fluid-conductingly connected to the static mixing unit 400, so that when fluids are dispensed from the containers 501a, 501b, the first fluid can be guided and mixed through the several first inlets and the second fluid through the several second inlets into the premixing chamber (50') of the premixing unit (VE) and subsequently through the main mixing unit (HE).
[0148] Fig. 13 shows a variant of Fig. 5 in which, instead of a single static mixer, six identical static mixers 10 are arranged in parallel in the main mixing unit HE. The premixing unit VE is essentially identical in design to that in Fig. 5, but has a slightly larger outlet in the central area.
[0149] Due to the regular pre-distribution via the inlet of the main mixing unit HE, local mixing is sufficient to achieve a high mixing quality. Therefore, it is possible to operate several static mixers 10 in parallel. This allows the cross-section of the individual static mixers 10 to be reduced while the total cross-section of all static mixers remains the same. With the same total cross-section, the average fluid velocity in the static mixers 10 and the pressure drop are also the same. With smaller mixer diameters, the length of the mixers can be reduced while maintaining the same mixing quality (constant length / diameter ratio).
[0150] The embodiments shown above are to be understood merely as illustrative examples, which can be modified as desired within the scope of the invention.
[0151] 512489-WO1 - HS / HS Keller Schneider
[0152] December 17, 2025 Patent and Trademark Attorneys
Claims
22 Patent claims 1. Static mixing unit (100, 200, 300, 400) for mixing at least two fluids (F1, F2), in particular liquids, gases and / or pasty masses, comprising a premixing unit (VE) with a downstream main mixing unit (HE), wherein: a) The premixing unit (VE) comprises a premixing chamber (50, 50') which has several first inlets (51a, 51a') for supplying a first fluid (F1) and several second inlets (51b, 51b') for supplying a second fluid (F2) into a cavity (50.1, 50.1') of the premixing chamber (50, 50'), as well as a central outlet (52, 52') for discharged the fluids (F1, F2) from the cavity (50.1, 50.1).1 ') of the premixing chamber (50, 50') has; b) wherein the multiple first inlets (51a, 51a') and the multiple second inlets (51b, 51b') are arranged in a peripheral region (P) of the premixing chamber (50) around the outlet (52, 52'), wherein one or more first inlets (51a, 51a') and one or more second inlets (51b, 51b') alternately open into the cavity (50.1, 50.1'), c) wherein the premixing chamber (50, 50') is configured such that the fluids (F1, F2) flow into at least one region of the premixing chamber (50, 50') adjacent to the outlet (52, 52') from several different directions and lying in a common premixing plane (E) towards the outlet (52, 52') of the premixing chamber (50, 50') can be guided; d) the outlet (52, 52') of the premixing chamber (50, 50') opens into an inlet (11, 21, 21') of the main mixing unit (HE), so that through the outlet (52, 52') from the cavity (50.1, 50.1 ') fluids discharged from the premixing chamber (50, 50') can be supplied to the main mixing unit (HE); e) the main mixing unit (HE) has at least one static mixer (10, 20, 20') with several flow-influencing elements (12, 22a, 22b) arranged in a hollow body (14, 24), wherein the static mixer (10, 20, 20') is such that. 512489-WO1 - HS / HS Keller Schneider December 17, 2025 Patent and Trademark Attorneys is designed so that a main flow direction (L) of the fluids (F1, F2) in the static mixer (10, 20, 20') from the inlet (11, 21, 21') of the main mixing unit (HE) to an outlet (13, 23) of the main mixing unit (HE) is essentially perpendicular to the premixing plane (E) of the premixing unit (VE).
2. Static mixer unit according to claim 1, wherein the multiple first inlets (51a, 51a') and the multiple second inlets (51b, 51b') are arranged such that a first inlet and a second inlet alternately open into the cavity (50.1, 50.1'), wherein the multiple first inlets (51a, 51a') and the multiple second inlets (51b, 51b') are arranged at regular intervals from each other, and wherein the multiple first inlets (51a, 51a') are arranged on a first circular line (K) and / or the multiple second inlets (51b, 51b') are arranged on a second circular line (K).
3. Static mixer unit according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the multiple first inlets (51a, 51a') and the multiple second inlets (51b, 51b') are configured such that the first fluid (F1) and the second fluid (F2) are introduced into the cavity (50.1, 50.1') of the premixing chamber (50, 50') from different directions.
4. Static mixer unit according to one of the preceding claims, wherein, with respect to the main flow direction (L) of the fluids (F1, F2) in the static mixer (10, 20, 20') of the main mixing unit (HE), the multiple first inlets (51a, 51a') and the multiple second inlets (51b, 51b') are configured such that the first fluid (F1) and the second fluid (F2) can be introduced into the cavity (50.1, 50.1') from opposite directions, wherein preferably the first fluid (F1) can be introduced into the cavity (50.1, 50.1') in a direction parallel to the main flow direction (L) of the fluids in the static mixer (10, 20, 20') and the second fluid (F2) can be introduced from a direction antiparallel to the main flow direction (L) of the fluids in the static mixer (10, 20, 20') can be introduced into the cavity (50.1, 50.1 ').
5. Static mixer unit according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the multiple first inlets (51a, 51a') and the multiple second inlets (51b, 51b') are such that 512489-WO1 - HS / HS Keller Schneider December 17, 2025 Patent and Trademark Attorneys are designed so that the first fluid (F1) and the second fluid (F2) can be introduced into the cavity (50.1, 50.1 ') of the premixing chamber (50, 50') from directions perpendicular to each other.
6. Static mixer unit according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cavity (50.1, 50.1 ') of the premixing chamber (50, 50') is axially symmetric with respect to a central axis which is perpendicular to an opening plane of the outlet (52, 52') of the premixing chamber (50, 50'), and / or wherein the cavity (50.1, 50.1 ') of the premixing chamber (50, 50') is axially symmetric with respect to a main flow direction (L) of the fluids in the static mixer (10, 20, 20') of the main mixing unit (HE).
7. Static mixer unit according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cavity (50.1, 50.1 ') of the premixing chamber (50, 50') is cylindrical or disc-shaped.
8. Static mixer unit according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the multiple first inlets (51a, 51a') are fluidly connected to a first feed chamber (52a, 52a'), wherein the first feed chamber (52a, 52a') is configured such that the first fluid (F1) present in the first feed chamber (52a, 52a') is conveyed uniformly through all of the multiple first inlets (51a, 51a') when pressurized, and / or wherein the multiple second inlets (51b, 51b') are fluidly connected to a second feed chamber (52b, 52b'), wherein the second feed chamber (52b, 52b') is configured such that the second fluid (F2) present in the second feed chamber (52b, 52b') is conveyed uniformly through all of the multiple first inlets (51a, 51a') when pressurized. is promoted evenly through all of the several second inlets (51 b, 51 b').
9. Static mixer unit according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the static mixer (20, 20') of the main mixing unit is designed as an X-mixer with X-shaped crossed struts as flow-influencing elements (22a, 22b).
10. Static mixer unit according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the main mixer unit (MSU) comprises several static mixers arranged in parallel, wherein the several static mixers are in particular identical in construction. 512489-WO1 - HS / HS Keller Schneider December 17, 2025 Patent and Trademark Attorneys 25 11. Component set (TS) comprising (i) at least two, in particular exactly two, containers (501a, 501b) each with an outlet on the containers, wherein the containers (501a, 501b) each contain one of at least two, in particular exactly two, different fluids (F1, F2), and (ii) a static mixing unit (100, 200, 300, 400) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the outlets of the containers (501a, 501b) are fluidly connectable to or are connected to the static mixing unit (100, 200, 300, 400), in particular such that when the fluids (F1, F2) are discharged from the containers (501a, 501b), the first fluid (F1) passes through the multiple first inlets (51a, 51a') and the second fluid (F2) can be passed through the several second inlets (51 b, 51 b') into the premixing chamber (50, 50') of the premixing unit (VE) and subsequently through the main mixing unit (HE) and mixed.
12. Method for mixing at least two fluids (F1, F2), in particular liquids, gases and / or pasty masses, with a static mixing unit (100, 200, 300, 400) comprising a premixing unit (VE) with a downstream main mixing unit (HE), in particular with a static mixing unit according to one of the preceding claims 1 - 10, wherein: A first fluid (F1) is introduced into a cavity (50.1, 50.1 ') of a premixing chamber (50, 50') of the premixing unit (VE) via several first inlets (51a, 51a') and a second fluid (F2) via several second inlets (51b, 51b') and the fluids (F1, F2) are discharged from the cavity (50.1, 50.1 ') of the premixing chamber (50, 50') via a central outlet (52, 52'); wherein the multiple first inlets (51a, 51a') and the multiple second inlets (51b, 51b') are arranged in a peripheral region (P) of the premixing chamber (50, 50') around the outlet (52, 52'), wherein one or more first inlets (51a, 51a') and one or more second inlets (51b, 51b') alternately open into the cavity (50.1, 50.1'), wherein the fluids (F1, F2) enter at least one adjacent to the outlet (52, 52'). Premix chamber area (50, 50') consisting of several different and in one 512489-WO1 - HS / HS Keller Schneider December 17, 2025 Patent and Trademark Attorneys 26 common premixing plane (E) directions to the outlet (52, 52'); the fluids (F1, F2) discharged through the outlet (52, 52') from the cavity (50.1, 50.1 ') of the premixing chamber (50, 50') are fed to an inlet (11, 21, 21 ') of the main mixing unit (HE); wherein the main mixing unit (HE) has at least one static mixer (10, 20, 20') with several flow-influencing elements (12, 22a, 22b) arranged in a hollow body (14, 24), wherein the static mixer (10, 20, 20') is designed such that a main flow direction (L) of the fluids (F1, F2) in the static mixer (10, 20, 20') from the inlet (11, 21, 21') of the main mixing unit (HE) to an outlet (13, 23) of the main mixing unit (HE) is substantially perpendicular to the premixing plane (E) of the premixing unit (VE).
13. Method according to claim 12, wherein: (i) the first fluid (F1) is a first component of a two-component adhesive and / or sealant and the second fluid (F2) is a second component of a two-component adhesive and / or sealant; and / or (ii) one of the at least two fluids is a gas and a second of the at least two fluids is a liquid, and a foam is formed when they are mixed; and / or (iii) the at least two fluids are hardly or not at all soluble in each other and an emulsion is formed.
14. Method according to one of claims 12-13, wherein the fluids (F1, F2) are guided through and / or flow through the cavity (50.1, 50.1 ') as circular sector fluid flows. 512489-WO1 - HS / HS Keller Schneider December 17, 2025 Patent and Trademark Attorneys 15. Use of a static mixer unit (100, 200, 300, 400) according to one of claims 1-10 for mixing at least two fluids (F1, F2), wherein in particular: (i) a first fluid (F1) is a first component of a two-component adhesive and / or sealant, and a second fluid (F2) is a second component of the two-component adhesive and / or sealant; and / or (ii) one of the at least two fluids is a gas and a second of the at least two fluids is a liquid, and a foam is formed when they are mixed; and / or (iii) the at least two fluids are hardly or not at all soluble in each other and an emulsion is formed. 512489-WO1 - HS / HS Keller Schneider December 17, 2025 Patent and Trademark Attorneys