The SMX mixer calculator is one of the CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) calculators provided by CFDCalc, an online provider of CFD solutions developed by Altair Engineering. The calculator parameterizes the flow and mixing problems of standard SMX mixers, which allows a user to design a customized mixer model and define working conditions through a set of parameters. The calculator delivers a performance analysis of the user-defined model based on the CFD technology of Altair AcuSolve. [1]
SMX mixer
editThe SMX static mixer is a structured packing mixer of overlapping lattice type.[2] The mixing part consists of a series of stages, each of which has two identical mixing elements with one rotating 90 degrees with respect to the other.[3] The element features crisscrossed blades and parallel bars oriented at 45 degress. These stages, arranged axially in a cylindrical housing, repeatedly divide the passing flow into layers and spread them over the pipe cross-section.[4] Three types of inlet configuration, namely Standard, J-type, and T-type are usually used.
In the mid 1970s, Bayer AG invented the BKM static mixer. The design was subsequently licensed to Koch Engineering Company and Sulzer Chemtech,[5] who acquired selected assets of the mixer business of Koch-Glitsch in 2003.[6] The designation SMX used by Koch-Glitsch for the design means it is a static mixer and the structure of the element is an X shape. In 2005, Sulzer trademarked the brand of SMX.
Usage
editBecause the geometry of SMX mixers is highly regular, it only requires a few parameters to define a mixer model, such as number of stages and number of blades, and working conditions (usually inflow rate). The calculator provides several web pages for a user to input these parameters, preview the customized problem, and finally place the order for a report evaluating the mixing effect of the model. The pricing depends on the complexity of the mixer geometry, number of working conditions, and mesh resolution. [7]
Evaluation of mixing effect
editThe SMX mixer calculator adopts AcuSolve’s particle tracing capability to measure the mixing effect. The locations of 200,000 particles, released from the inlet of the mixer, are recorded at each subsequent Poincare plane. The distribution of particles reflects the mixing pattern qualitatively and the probability density function of stretch magnitude of each particle measures the mixing effect quantitatively.
References
edit- ^ "SMX Mixer Calculator Introduction". CFDCalc. Retrieved 2014-01-20.
- ^ Paul, E.L.; et al. (2003). Handbook of Industrial Mixing: Science and Practice. Wiley-Interscience. p. 422.
{{cite book}}: Explicit use of et al. in:|first1=(help) - ^ Singh, M.K.; Anderson, P.D.; Meijer, H.E.H. (2009). "Understanding and optimizing the SMX static mixer". Macromolecular rapid communications. 30 (4–5): 362–376.
{{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter|month=ignored (help) - ^ Zalc, J.M.; Szalai, E.S.; Muzzio, F.J.; Jaffer, S. (2002). "Characterization of flow and mixing in an SMX static mixer" (PDF). AIChE Journal. 48 (3): 427–436.
{{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter|month=ignored (help) - ^ "GX static mixer family" (PDF). Stamixco. Retrieved 2014-01-20.
- ^ "Sulzer Chemtech acquires selected assets of Koch-Glitsch mixer business". impeller.net. Retrieved 2014-01-20.
- ^ "SMX Mixer Calculator Help". CFDCalc. Retrieved 2014-01-20.
External links
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