Static Mixing Element With Intersecting Web Planes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing static mixers for laminar flow media, such as those based on CH 642 564, have not achieved significant improvements in mixing efficiency and pressure drop reduction despite various modifications, with most achieving only minor improvements.
Innovation Solution
A static mixing element with web elements arranged in intersecting planes, where the sum of their widths in relation to the hollow body diameter is less than 95%, and spacer elements for local thickening and widening, allowing for reduced pressure loss while maintaining or improving mixing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If web elements are arranged in intersecting planes with reduced total width (sum of widths less than 95% of hollow body diameter), then pressure drop is significantly reduced (by up to 2/3), but mixing efficiency may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating asymmetric web element arrangements where individual web elements have different widths and positions within the intersecting planes. This allows specific local regions to provide stronger mixing action while other regions maintain lower flow resistance, achieving both reduced pressure drop and adequate mixing efficiency through differentiated local characteristics rather than uniform web element design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional single-plane or simple intersecting web arrangements to a three-dimensional configuration with multiple intersecting planes at specific angles. This dimensional enhancement creates complex flow patterns that improve mixing efficiency without requiring increased web element width, thereby maintaining low pressure drop while adding mixing capability through spatial arrangement
2Loss of energy
If web elements are made thinner and fewer in number to reduce pressure loss, then pressure drop decreases, but the structural stability and mixing effectiveness may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates spacer elements positioned at strategic locations within the intersecting planes before the main mixing action occurs. These spacers pre-condition the flow by creating initial disturbances and flow separation zones, which enhances the mixing effectiveness of the subsequent web elements, allowing for reduced web element dimensions while maintaining mixing performance and structural integrity
Data Source
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AI summary
A static mixing element for installation into a hollow body (10) contains a multiplicity of ridge elements, wherein a first arrangement (21) comprising at least one first ridge element (3) is provided which is arranged crosswise with respect to a second arrangement (31) which contains at least one second ridge element (4). The first arrangement (21) and the second arrangement (31) enclose an angle not equal to 0° to the main direction of flow. The first arrangement encloses together with the second arrangement an angle greater than 0°. On projection of the first arrangement (21) and the second arrangement (31) onto a projection plane which is normal to the main flow direction, at least in part spaces are present between ridge elements which are adjacent to one another.