FLUID DYNAMIC CHARACTERIZATION OF THE TWIN_P HIGHPERFORMANCES STATIC MIXER

Abstract This contribution aims at the fluid dynamic characterization of a novel high-performances static mixer developed by Dr. B. Pittaluga & C s.r.l., namely the TWIN_P model. It was purposely developed for the blending of streams of significantly different flowrates. Due to the highly compact design, the developed mixer can be placed between existing flanges, avoiding costly changes in current pipes layouts. In general, the main target in the design of a static mixer is to maximize the intensity of mixing by limiting the energy requirements as much as possible, avoiding simultaneously the presence of stagnant zones that may result in product quality issues. In this work, the fluid dynamics of the TWIN_P mixer is fully characterized using suitable experimental methods, in order to assess its performances for the blending of Newtonian liquids. The energy requirements of the mixer are obtained by the pressure drop measurements performed by pressure transducer. The effectiveness of the mixing process is instead assessed through optical measurement techniques. In particular, the evolution of homogenization degree along the test pipe is measured by means of Planar Laser Induced Fluorescence (PLIF). Besides, the velocity flow field is determined by Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV). The adoption of these advanced techniques allows to investigate in great detail the fluid-dynamics of the Twin_P mixer, putting in evidence its strengths and tracking the line for future improvements. It was found that the mixing efficiency is similar to that obtained by the most efficient commercial devices currently on the market, with low pressure drops and complete mixing occurring within 3 diameters from the mixer outlet section.