Static Mixers

Introduction
Static Mixer is a device having stationary elements housed in a pipe. This technology is widely used in industry for continuous mixing of fluids i.e. liquid- liquid mixing, solid-liquid mixing, gas stream mixing, blending of immiscible liquids. The energy needed for mixing comes from loss in pressure as fluids flow through static mixer.

Working Principles
When the mixing component stream flow over an element, it is divided in half, separated, creating layers. The number of separation depends on number of elements. More number of elements creates more numbers of layers. Products with Reynolds number more than 4000 (turbulent flow), the main mixing mechanism is the combination of inversion and conversion. Products with Reynolds number less than 2100 (laminar flow), the main mixing mechanism is flow division.

Static Mixer Sizing
The sizing of Static Mixer depends upon the volumetric flow rate. The selection of number of elements and type of elements depend on the properties of fluid i.e. viscosity and shear sensitivity.

Application of Static Mixers :

  • Blending of different fluids.
  • Dilution of liquids.
  • Dispersion of liquids.
  • Heat Transfer.
  • Mixing in diluted polymers in waste water.
  • PH control.
  • Creating or maintaining suspension.
  • Gas dispersing in liquids.
  • Gas absorption in liquids.

Advantages of Static Mixers:

  • Low investment cost.
  • Low maintenance cost, no moving parts.
  • Low energy consumption.
  • Quick and intense reaction between the mixed liquids and Gases.
  • High level of mixing efficiency.
  • Low volume/hold up of the processed products.
  • Easy and simple installation, start-up and operation.
  • No Tanks and Agitators are required because of inline production process.

MOC of Static Mixers:

  • Carbon Steel.
  • SS304/SS304L/SS316/SS316L.
  • Alloys.
  • Rubber Lined/HDPE Lined.
  • FRP/GRP.
  • UPVC.
  • PP/PVC.
  • CPVC.
  • Teflon.

Parts of Static Mixers:

  • Pipes
  • Flanges
  • Internal Static Elements
  • Side Nozzle (If Required).