Static mixer

continuousfor liquidsfor the plastics industry

StaMixCo manufactures static mixer heat exchangers for enhancing heat transfer in laminar flow applications. They are used for both the heating and cooling of viscous materials. Monotube Heat Exchangers A monotube heat exchanger is best for small flow rates where a single tube filled with static mixing elements processes the entire flow rate. Multi-tube Heat Exchangers A multi-tube heat exchanger is best for large flow rates with multiple tubes in parallel. Each tube is filled with static mixing elements Principles of Operation The flow of viscous materials in pipes and tubes is normally in laminar flow. In this laminar flow regime in an empty tube (Figure #2), there is virtually no mixing/exchange (radial mixing) of material between the inside pipe wall and the bulk fluid traveling in the center of the tube. When cooling or heating viscous materials in an empty tube, this laminar flow profile dramatically impedes heat transfer. Static mixing elements, when inserted into a tube processing viscous materials will exchange wall and bulk fluid material and enhance heat transfer by a factor of 3 to 6 depending on the type of static mixing element used, the tube size and process conditions. Advantages of Static Mixer Heat Exchangers Compact volume with small space requirements Short residence time Plug flow characteristics ensure narrow residence time distribution of product flow Simultaneous mixing, reaction and heat transfer Types of Static Mixing Elements Suitable for Viscous Heat Transfer There are three (3) fundamental types of static mixing elements that are used for enhancing heat transfer in laminar flow applications.