Static Mixer Cell Layout for Heat- and Corrosion-Resistant Mixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mixing devices for fluid products face challenges such as complex and costly manufacturing, difficulty in assembly, reactivity with flow constituents, significant size, homogeneity issues, leakage, and limited resistance to extreme temperatures, particularly when used in applications like the food industry or nuclear industry.
Innovation Solution
A mixing device with staggered entry and exit points, multiple cells with internal and external partitions, and a design that allows for coaxial tubular casings to simplify manufacturing and reduce size, while maximizing fluid circulation path length and using materials resistant to corrosion and high temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If helical blades are used for mixing, then mixing capability is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mixing device is divided into multiple discrete mixing cells arranged in series within the tube. Each cell contains simple internal elements rather than complex helical blades. This segmentation allows each cell to be manufactured separately using simpler processes while collectively achieving the desired mixing capability through cumulative effect.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple simple mixing cells are combined in series within a single tube structure to achieve the mixing function that would otherwise require complex helical blades. The combination of several simple elements produces the cumulative mixing effect needed for effective fluid blending.
2Productivity
If helical blades are used for mixing, then mixing capability is improved, but material reactivity issues arise
Solution Approach 1:
Different mixing cells can be constructed from different materials selected to be chemically compatible with specific fluids they will handle. This allows optimization of material properties at each location based on the local chemical environment, preventing reactivity issues while maintaining mixing capability.
3Productivity
If helical blades are used for mixing, then mixing capability is improved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mixing function is achieved by adding cells in the longitudinal dimension rather than increasing the size of individual mixing elements. Multiple compact cells arranged in series provide cumulative mixing action while maintaining a compact overall device footprint compared to large helical blade structures.
4Productivity
If helical blades are used for mixing, then mixing capability is improved, but temperature resistance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The mixing cells are designed with simplified geometries that can be manufactured from high-temperature resistant materials such as ceramics or specialized alloys. The absence of complex helical blade structures allows selection of materials with higher melting points and thermal stability, enabling operation at extreme temperatures.
5Productivity
If complex mixing structures are used, then mixing capability is improved, but assembly difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mixing device is divided into multiple discrete mixing cells that can be manufactured and tested independently before final assembly. This segmentation simplifies the assembly process compared to installing complex helical blades, as each cell is a self-contained unit that can be sequentially installed within the tube.
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 device enhances mixing efficiency and homogeneity, reduces manufacturing complexity and costs, and ensures durability across various temperature ranges, suitable for diverse industrial applications.
Implementation Method 1
The staggered entry and exit points of each cell maximize the circulation path of components within each cell. Furthermore, the sequential connection of the cells maximizes the circulation path throughout the entire dwelling.
Implementation Method 2
At least one of the cells may include an obstacle-forming element, such as a ball bearing in the flow path of the first and second components. This allows for better homogenization of the first and second components.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a mixer device comprising a recess including at least first and second adjacent mixing cells (2, 3), each cell (2, 3) including a fluid inlet opening (21, 31) and a fluid outlet opening (22, 32), the inlet opening being offset from the outlet opening such that the axis of the inlet opening is parallel to the axis of the outlet opening, the outlet opening of the first cell being connected to the inlet opening of the second cell by means of a connecting channel.