Static Mixer Homogenization via Swirling Flow Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing static mixers fail to achieve effective homogenization of two liquids, particularly after the injection of an auxiliary liquid into a main liquid, leading to inconsistencies in agricultural, industrial, and medical applications where precise dosing is required.
Innovation Solution
A static mixer design featuring a container with a vertical inlet and parallel outlet ducts, inducing a swirling flow to enhance homogenization, along with a metering device that includes a flow divider and variable throttling means, ensuring efficient mixing and pressure resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a simple container structure is used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but homogenization efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The container is divided into multiple functional zones: an inlet zone with a first duct for receiving liquid mixture, a mixing zone with a second duct containing static mixing elements, and an outlet zone with a third duct for discharging mixed liquid. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function efficiently while keeping the overall structure simple and manufacturable.
Solution Approach 2:
Static mixing elements are introduced as intermediary components within the second duct to facilitate the mixing process. These elements act as mediators that create turbulence and enhance mixing without requiring complex mechanical moving parts, thus maintaining structural simplicity while improving homogenization efficiency.
2Manufacturing precision
If the mixer induces strong swirling flow, then homogenization efficiency is improved, but pressure loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mixer employs dynamic flow patterns within a static structure. The second duct is designed to induce swirling flow and turbulence as liquid passes through the static mixing elements, creating dynamic mixing action without requiring moving parts. This allows efficient homogenization while controlling pressure loss through optimized duct geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The duct geometry parameters are optimized to balance mixing efficiency and pressure loss. The second duct includes specific curvature radii, lengths, and cross-sectional dimensions that generate sufficient turbulence for effective mixing while minimizing unnecessary flow resistance. The ratio of duct dimensions is carefully controlled to achieve this balance.
3Productivity
If the container volume is increased, then mixing capacity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The container serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, defines flow paths through integrated ducts, contains static mixing elements, and facilitates both single-phase and two-phase mixing operations. This multi-functionality allows increased mixing capacity without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The mixer utilizes three-dimensional space efficiently within the container. Ducts are arranged in specific spatial configurations with optimized curvature radii and positions that maximize mixing effectiveness without requiring proportional increases in container volume. The vertical and horizontal dimensions are both exploited to create effective flow patterns.
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 mixer achieves high homogenization efficiency, capable of producing a homogeneous mixture even with low concentrations of auxiliary liquid, ensuring precise dosing and stability across various applications.
Implementation Method 1
The mixer according to the invention induces a swirling flow of the mixture to pass from the inlet duct to the outlet duct, which results in a high homogenization effect
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a static mixer (M) for homogenising a mixture of at least two liquids, especially after injection of an auxiliary liquid (L1) into a main liquid (L), comprising: a closed container (1), with an inflow conduit (3) extending from a first wall of the container, up to the vicinity of the opposite wall, and an outflow conduit (4) which is substantially parallel to the inflow conduit, each conduit being provided with a device (3a, 4a) for connecting to the outside, through the wall of the container.