Effect of Elements Connection Types on Mixing Performance of Kenics Static Mixer

Abstract

In this work, we analyzed the influence of four connection types of Kenics static mixer, namely direct connection static mixer (DSM), transition blade static mixer (TSM), plug-in static mixer (PSM) and solder joints static mixer (SSM) on the mixing performance. The effects of transition blade diameter, groove depth and solder joint diameter on segregation scale (S) and pressure drop (Δp) were studied. The results indicated that a better mixing performance and Δp were found in the mixers of DSM and three other small-sized connection types. The smallest Δp of 1.29 MPa were found in DSM, TSM3 and SSM2. The smallest S of 0.101 mm were found in PSM0.5. In addition, Δp and S increased as the connection size increases, in TSM, PSM and SSM. The agglomeration of particles was obvious in TSM and PSM with large connection sizes, but not in SSM.