Stacked Static Mixer Geometry for Multiphase Flow Splitting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing static mixers for multiphase flows face inefficiencies in mixing and heat transfer, particularly in systems with immiscible solvent systems and disparities in phase densities, necessitating improved passive mixing techniques.
Innovation Solution
The use of stacked static mixers with structural elements on inner walls that split and combine multiphase flows, employing axisymmetric caps, divergent slopes, or hubcaps to achieve alternate splitting and combining patterns, enhancing mixing efficiency and heat transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional static mixers are used for multiphase flows, then the mixing action is achieved through motionless structural elements, but the mixing efficiency and heat transfer are insufficient particularly in systems with immiscible solvent systems and disparities in phase densities
Solution Approach 1:
The static mixer is divided into multiple sections with different structural elements (first section with first structural elements, second section with second structural elements). Each section performs partial mixing functions, and the cumulative effect of multiple sections achieves thorough mixing of multiphase flows with immiscible solvents and density disparities.
Solution Approach 2:
Different structural elements are placed in different sections of the static mixer to address specific local mixing requirements. The first structural elements in the first section handle initial phase distribution, while the second structural elements in the second section enhance subsequent mixing, creating locally optimized mixing zones for different phases.
2Manufacturing precision
If a single-section static mixer is used, then the device complexity is low, but the mixing thoroughness for multiphase systems is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The static mixer is divided into multiple sections with different structural elements (first section with first structural elements, second section with second structural elements). Each section performs partial mixing functions, and the cumulative effect of multiple sections achieves thorough mixing of multiphase flows with immiscible solvents and density disparities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends the mixing approach from a single-plane structural element to multi-dimensional stacked configurations. Multiple structural elements are arranged in different spatial dimensions and stacked along the flow direction, creating a three-dimensional mixing architecture that enhances mixing thoroughness without excessive complexity.
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 approach results in intensified mixing and improved heat transfer, leading to higher yields and purity of end products in multiphase systems like liquid-liquid and liquid-liquid-gas systems.
Implementation Method 1
The mixing action in a static mixer is accomplished by way of fixing suitable structural elements on the inner walls of individual static mixer or by modifying the geometry of the individual static mixer, or by both. The efficiency of mixing and in turn yields obtained from a static mixer are mainly dependent on the mechanism by which the mixing action is brought about by the particular static mixer. One of the efficient ways of achieving the mixing action is by the continuous splitting of the flow with the help of the introduction of various structural elements, on the inner walls of the individual static mixers that are present in the conduit and further recombining of the individual streams.
Implementation Method 2
Thus, the motionless mixing or passive mixing of the flow is achieved by the use of a series of precisely configured mixing elements to process the components, extension, and transportation of the components. The splitting and recombining of a multiphasic flow play an important role in ensuring a thorough mixing of the different phases especially in case of systems having liquid-gas, immiscible solvent systems, liquid-liquid-gas where there is a disparity in the densities of the different phases forming such systems.
Implementation Method 3
They find extensive application wherein combining of liquids, gases and powders is needed. Static mixers are employed in homogeneous, heterogeneous, biphasic, multiphasic systems such as liquid-liquid, liquid-solid, liquid-liquid-gas for obtaining better mass transfer and heat transfer, better yields, and purity of the end-products in reaction engineering.
Implementation Method 4
Static mixers are employed in homogeneous, heterogeneous, biphasic, multiphasic systems such as liquid-liquid, liquid-solid, liquid-liquid-gas for obtaining better mass transfer and heat transfer, better yields, and purity of the end-products in reaction engineering.
Data Source
AI summary
Method and Apparatus for passive mixing of a multiphase flow or hydrodynamic performance that is housing a conduit/tube, which is a channel extending internally from the fluid inlet to the outlet ports, comprising axially stacked plurality of static mixers possessing structural elements or mixing elements (possessing structural elements on their inner walls), that are responsible for continuous splitting, and combining of the flow through the conduit, bringing about enhanced mixing of the contents of the flow, mass-transfer, and heat transfer. The structural elements bring about an enhanced mixing of multi-phasic systems passing through the conduit such as liquid-liquid, liquid-gas-liquid, and systems comprising immiscible and viscous liquids. The mixing elements or structural elements are responsible for splitting of flow into sections of multiple streams, followed by forced recombination of the multiple streams which is responsible for the equitable dispersion of individual components of multiphasic flow, thereby enhancing mixing of flow.