Solid Plate Mixing Device with Protrusions for Duct Fluid Streams

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional mixing devices in ducts, particularly regular shaped static mixers, face challenges in achieving efficient mixing of fluid streams with minimal pressure loss, leading to suboptimal mixing distances and increased energy costs, especially in applications like flue gas cleaning where homogeneity is critical for pollutant reduction.

Innovation Solution

The use of a solid plate mixing device positioned transversally to the fluid stream with protrusions extending outward from the main plate body, creating turbulent regions and enhancing mixing efficiency while minimizing pressure loss by reducing obstruction and promoting eddy formation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional static mixers are used to achieve good mixing, then mixing efficiency is improved, but pressure loss increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemixing efficiencyVSAvoidpressure loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The mixing device is segmented into multiple separate mixing elements arranged in series within the duct, each creating localized turbulence and mixing zones. This segmentation allows the fluid stream to be mixed incrementally through multiple stages rather than requiring a single large obstruction, thereby reducing overall pressure loss while achieving thorough mixing through cumulative effect

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mixing device creates localized turbulent regions at specific positions within the duct rather than requiring uniform mixing throughout the entire cross-section. By concentrating mixing action in specific local zones and allowing laminar flow in other regions, the device achieves effective mixing while minimizing energy dissipation and pressure loss

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Length of moving object

If mixing distance is reduced using static mixers, then compactness is improved, but pressure loss increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemixing distanceVSAvoidpressure loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The mixing device maintains continuous turbulent mixing action throughout the length of the duct segment it occupies, with multiple mixing elements arranged to ensure that mixing occurs continuously rather than in discrete bursts. This continuous action achieves thorough mixing over a short distance without requiring excessive pressure loss that would result from repeated strong turbulence generation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Ease of manufacture

If regular shaped mixing devices are used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but mixing efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidmixing efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The mixing device employs asymmetric geometric shapes for its mixing elements, including angled surfaces and non-uniform cross-sections that create more effective turbulence and fluid deflection patterns compared to regular symmetric shapes. These asymmetric features enhance mixing efficiency by creating more varied flow paths and stronger transverse velocity components, while the overall structure remains simple enough for practical manufacturing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

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

This configuration significantly reduces mixing distances and pressure losses, achieving better mixing efficiency within a commercially acceptable pressure range compared to conventional devices, with improved homogeneity and reduced energy costs.

Implementation Method 1

creating turbulent regions and enhancing mixing efficiency while minimizing pressure loss by reducing obstruction and promoting eddy formation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTurbulence: Turbulence

Data Source

PatentUS7547134B2Arrangement for mixing of fluid streams

Publication Date: 2009.06.16 HALDOR TOPSOE AS

AI summary

An arrangement for mixing fluid streams in a duct, said arrangement comprising: at least one mixing device having front side and back side and positioned within said duct through which a first major stream travels, the at least one mixing device determining a total cross-sectional area which is significantly lower than that of the duct so as to allow for the passage of said first major stream, in which the at least one mixing device is a solid plate provided with one or more protrusions extending outward from the main solid plate body.