Static Mixer for Uniform Gas-Liquid Distribution in Expanding Diffusers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional static mixers fail to maintain uniform distribution of gas-liquid mixtures in a substantially continuously expanding line piece, leading to demixing effects and reduced cooling capacity in applications like LNG processing, where a homogeneous coolant mixture is required for optimal cooling performance.
Innovation Solution
A mixing element with flow-dividing layers is designed to fit seamlessly into a fluid-conducting means with a continuously expanding cross-section, deflecting marginal flows and ensuring uniform distribution by generating shear flows and continuous eddies, thereby improving mixing efficiency and preventing demixing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a static mixer with two cylindrical mixing elements is used, then the mixing element can be installed in a fluid-conducting means, but the gaseous and liquid components are not uniformly distributed and the mixing distance is too short
Solution Approach 1:
The mixing element is divided into multiple mixing sections (first mixing section, second mixing section, third mixing section) with different structural configurations. Each section contains multiple mixing elements arranged in series, creating segmented flow paths that progressively mix the gas-liquid mixture over an extended distance, solving the problem of insufficient mixing distance while maintaining compact installation.
2Shape
If the fluid-conducting means expands continuously from inlet to outlet, then the diffuser section can be formed, but marginal flows cause friction effects that slow down the flow and lead to phase separation
Solution Approach 1:
The mixing elements are designed with locally optimized structures including flow-dividing walls, mixing chambers, and outlet openings positioned at specific locations within the expanding diffuser section. These local structural features create turbulent mixing zones that counteract the marginal flow effects and friction-induced slowing, maintaining homogeneous mixture distribution throughout the continuously expanding fluid-conducting means.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional static mixers are used in a continuously expanding line piece, then installation is possible, but demixing effects occur and cooling capacity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The mixing element performs preliminary mixing actions within the diffuser section before the gas-liquid mixture enters the heat exchanger. By pre-mixing the components uniformly in the expanding section, the subsequent heat exchange process operates at optimal efficiency, maximizing cooling capacity without requiring additional equipment or post-processing.
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 solution ensures a uniform and homogeneous mixture is maintained throughout the expanding line piece, enhancing the cooling capacity and preventing phase separation, which allows for efficient heat transfer and chemical reactions in applications like LNG processing and catalytic converters.
Implementation Method 1
These marginal flows mainly arise through friction effects at the inner wall of the diffuser
Implementation Method 2
deflecting marginal flows and ensuring uniform distribution by generating shear flows and continuous eddies
Data Source
AI summary
A mixing element is constructed for installation in a fluid-conducting conduit having an inlet opening of a first cross-section and an outlet opening of a larger second cross-section which is arranged in a plane disposed substantially normal to the main direction of flow. The mixing element has a cross-sectional design which increases substantially continuously from the first cross-section to the second cross-section. Flow-dividing layers are arranged in the mixing element such that a precise fitting of the mixing element into the substantially continuously expanding fluid-conducting means is made possible.