Pipeline Static Mixer With Angled Slots for Accurate Fluid Sampling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing static mixers for fluid flow in pipelines are large, difficult to construct and install, and do not ensure proper mixing, which affects accurate fluid flow parameter measurements and sampling systems.

Innovation Solution

A static mixer with a body having angled slots and arms forming concentric rings, designed to be compact and easily installable within a pipeline, creating a rotating and turbulent flow to ensure thorough mixing of fluids, optionally combined with a pre-mixer for upstream fluid preparation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional static mixers are used for fluid flow mixing, then mixing function is provided, but the device size is large and installation is difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation easeVSAvoidmixer size
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The static mixer body is segmented into multiple sections with slots arranged in concentric rings, allowing the mixer to achieve effective mixing in a more compact form factor while simplifying installation within existing pipelines

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mixer utilizes concentric ring arrangements of slots and angled configurations to create three-dimensional flow patterns within a compact two-dimensional footprint, enabling effective mixing without increasing the linear dimensions of the device

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of manufacture

If traditional static mixers are used for fluid flow mixing, then mixing function is provided, but construction and installation are difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconstruction easeVSAvoidmixer structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mixer structure is divided into modular sections with repeating slot patterns, simplifying manufacturing processes and enabling easier assembly and installation while maintaining effective mixing functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The standardized body design with concentric slot arrangements serves multiple functions including fluid distribution, mixing, and flow conditioning, reducing the number of separate components needed and simplifying overall construction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If traditional static mixers are used for fluid flow mixing, then mixing function is provided, but proper mixing is not ensured affecting measurement accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefluid parameter measurement accuracyVSAvoidmixing effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The slots are arranged in concentric rings with specific angular orientations to create localized high-shear regions that enhance mixing effectiveness, ensuring uniform fluid parameter distribution for accurate measurements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The concentric ring arrangement of slots creates curved flow paths that enhance turbulent mixing and ensure thorough homogenization of fluid properties, improving the reliability of subsequent measurements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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 static mixer effectively mixes fluid flows within pipelines, ensuring accurate representation of fluid composition and reducing installation complexity, while occupying less space than traditional mixers, thus enhancing sampling system performance.

Implementation Method 1

creating a rotating and turbulent flow to ensure thorough mixing of fluids

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTurbulence: Turbulence

Data Source

PatentEP3411135B1Static mixer for fluid flow in a pipeline
Publication Date: 2023.08.16 CANADA PIPELINE ACCESSORIES
  • EP3411135B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3411135B1 patent drawingFigure 1C~2A
  • EP3411135B1 patent drawingFigure 2B~2C

AI summary

A static mixer for mixing fluid flow in a pipeline includes a body having a plurality of slots through the body, the slots being angled with respect to an axis passing through a center of the body. A plurality of arms extends from an outer edge of the body towards a center of the body, each arm having a flat surface on a first side of the body and angled sides along at least a portion thereof extending to a second side of the body. The plurality of slots includes at least one concentric ring of slots.