Static Mixer Pipe Assembly for Compact Pipeline Mixing and Sampling
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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 measurement in industries like chemical, oil, and gas transportation.
Innovation Solution
A compact pipe assembly featuring a static mixer with angled slots and arms, and a pre-mixer with a ring structure, designed for easy installation and efficient fluid mixing, along with a flow conditioner, to ensure proper mixing and sampling in pipelines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional static mixers are used in pipelines, then fluid mixing function is provided, but the device becomes large and difficult to install
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 create mixing zones, and multiple elements work together to achieve thorough mixing. This segmentation allows for compact individual components that are easy to handle and install, while providing cumulative mixing effect when assembled in sequence.
Solution Approach 2:
The mixing elements are designed to be nested or stacked within the pipeline diameter, with each element fitting within the pipe cross-section. The elements can be arranged in a telescoping or layered configuration that minimizes the overall axial length required in the pipeline, allowing compact installation without requiring excessive pipeline space.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional static mixers with vanes are used, then mixing is achieved, but complex welding is required
Solution Approach 1:
The static mixer elements are designed as self-contained units that can be mechanically assembled or connected through simple joint mechanisms rather than requiring welding operations. The elements may use snap-fits, threaded connections, or clamp-based assembly methods that eliminate the need for complex welding procedures while maintaining structural integrity and mixing effectiveness.
3Measurement precision
If multiple fluids are mixed in pipelines, then accurate measurement is enabled, but proper mixing is difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
Each mixing element is designed with specific slot orientations and arm configurations that create localized turbulent flow patterns and mixing zones. The slots are positioned and angled to maximize fluid interaction at specific locations within each element, ensuring thorough mixing of multiple fluids before they reach the measurement point. This localized optimization of mixing quality at each element ensures homogeneous fluid composition for accurate measurement.
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 enables easy installation, efficient fluid mixing, and accurate sampling by imparting rotating and turbulent flow, ensuring that fluid composition in the center of the pipeline represents the entire fluid mixture, thus improving pipeline performance and reducing space requirements.
Implementation Method 1
The solution enables easy installation, efficient fluid mixing, and accurate sampling by imparting rotating and turbulent flow
Implementation Method 2
The solution enables easy installation, efficient fluid mixing, and accurate sampling by imparting rotating and turbulent flow
Implementation Method 3
a flow conditioner, to ensure proper mixing and sampling in pipelines
Data Source
AI summary
A device to be installed in a pipeline, characterized by at least one static mixer and at least one pre-mixer arranged in a sleeve, wherein said at least one static mixer is characterized by: a body having a plurality of slots through the body, said slots having one or more sides that are angled with respect to an axis passing through a center of the body; a plurality of arms extending from an outer edge of the body towards a center of the body, wherein the plurality of slots comprising at least one concentric ring of slots.