Network Mixer with Oblique Channels for Convective Mixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mixing devices in industrial processes, especially those involving chemical reactions, face inefficiencies in mixing and control due to reliance on simplifying assumptions and limited flexibility, with existing technologies struggling to effectively manage convective mechanisms and the addition of multiple fluids during reactions.
Innovation Solution
A network mixer design featuring individualized chambers and obliquely connected channels, allowing for convective and diffusive mixing mechanisms, with versatile injection and ejection points, enabling efficient control of reaction conversion and selectivity, and temperature management through a high specific area for heat transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If monolithic structures are used for mixing, then structural simplicity and ease of manufacture are improved, but mixing efficiency and flexibility are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The mixing device is divided into multiple modular units, each containing channels and chambers that can be independently configured. This segmentation allows for improved mixing efficiency through multiple flow paths while maintaining ease of manufacture through modular construction
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from traditional two-dimensional mixing approaches to a three-dimensional network structure with channels and chambers arranged in multiple spatial dimensions, enabling convective mixing mechanisms that significantly improve mixing efficiency while keeping the structure manufacturable
2Ease of operation
If complex mixing structures with static flow barriers are used, then mixing control is improved, but device complexity and cost are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the mixing device have specialized functions - channels are optimized for flow distribution, chambers for mixing and reaction control. This local optimization achieves superior mixing control without requiring complex overall structure
Solution Approach 2:
The mixing device is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously - mixing, reaction control, temperature management, and fluid distribution - through a unified structure, reducing overall device complexity while improving operational control
3Productivity
If microreactors and microfluidic systems are used, then mixing efficiency is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates adjustable flow distribution and variable residence time characteristics through its channel and chamber geometry, enabling dynamic control of mixing and reaction conditions without requiring complex manufacturing processes
Solution Approach 2:
The mixing mechanism is replicated across multiple identical or similar units arranged in parallel, allowing for simplified manufacturing of individual modules while achieving high mixing efficiency through the collective action of multiple units
4Ease of operation
If traditional mixing devices are used, then operational simplicity is maintained, but mixing speed and homogeneity are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The mixing device operates continuously with fluids flowing through the channels and chambers in a steady-state process, eliminating the need for intermittent mixing actions and maintaining simple operation while achieving rapid mixing through continuous convective action
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The network mixer achieves efficient mixing and reaction control, reducing costs and environmental impact by promoting convective mechanisms, allowing flexible fluid addition, and enhancing reaction selectivity and temperature control, thereby improving process efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
allowing for convective and diffusive mixing mechanisms
Implementation Method 2
allowing for convective and diffusive mixing mechanisms
Implementation Method 3
enhancing reaction selectivity and temperature control through a high specific area for heat transfer
Data Source
AI summary
A static continuous flow mixer, with or without reaction, is provided with basic cells, which are individually provided with an individualized chamber (1). The basic cells are also provided with at least two connecting channels (2), at least two of them being oblique relatively to the resulting direction (x) of the flow in the mixer, and with at least two additional apertures (0) for connection with the exterior. The cells interconnect successively in the space, forming a network. The mixer promotes convective processes. The dimensions (Dj, li, di, φ), the geometry of the chambers (spherical or cylindrical) and of the channels (cylindrical or prismatic) may vary, as well as their quantity.