Static Mixer Slot-and-Arm Structure for Compact Pipeline Mixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing static mixers used in pipelines are large, difficult to construct and install, and require complex welding, making them inefficient for accurate fluid mixing and sampling in industries like chemical, oil, and gas.
Innovation Solution
A compact static mixer design featuring a body with angled slots and extending arms, allowing for easy installation and efficient mixing within pipelines, along with a pre-mixer for initial fluid preparation, ensuring proper fluid flow and sampling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional static mixers are used in pipelines, then fluid mixing function is provided, but the device size is large and installation is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The static mixer is divided into multiple individual mixing elements that can be separately manufactured and then assembled together in the pipeline. Each element contains slots and arms that can be independently produced and then connected to form the complete mixer assembly, making installation much easier while maintaining the required mixing function.
Solution Approach 2:
The mixing elements are designed to nest within each other or be inserted into one another, allowing compact storage and simplified installation. The smaller elements can be inserted into larger elements or connected in a telescoping manner, reducing the overall space required for handling and installation while maintaining the extended mixing structure when in use.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional static mixers with vanes are used, then mixing is achieved, but construction requires complex welding to pipe wall
Solution Approach 1:
The mixer is segmented into discrete elements that connect through simple mechanical means such as flanges, clips, or threaded connections rather than requiring welding to the pipe wall. This segmentation allows each element to be manufactured separately and assembled without complex welding operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The mixing function is extracted from a fixed welded structure and transformed into a modular assembly that can be installed and removed without welding. The mixing elements are designed as separate components that attach to the pipeline through simple connection mechanisms, eliminating the need for welding operations.
3Reliability
If larger static mixers are used for thorough mixing, then mixing effectiveness improves, but space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mixing elements incorporate dynamic flow patterns through angled slots and arm configurations that create turbulent mixing and fluid rotation. The slots are positioned and angled to induce swirling motion and enhance mixing efficiency within a compact volume, allowing effective mixing without requiring a large mixer size.
Solution Approach 2:
The geometry of the mixing elements is optimized with specific slot angles, arm positions, and element dimensions that maximize mixing efficiency within a compact footprint. By carefully adjusting these geometric parameters, the mixer achieves effective fluid blending in a smaller volume than traditional designs.
Data Source
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.