Abstract：Static mixers have been used in solvent extraction. Modifying the inlet of static mixers can improve the mixing effect, but it does not involve the influence on liquid-liquid dispersion. In order to explore the influence of different inlet structures on liquid-liquid dispersion, static mixers with four different inlet configurations, including traditional SK static mixer, non-aligned static mixer, Roughton static mixer, and Y-static mixer were analyzed by computational fluid dynamics and population balance model (CFD-PBM). The effects of inlet configurations of static mixers on liquid-liquid dispersion were investigated by comparing velocity, mixability and Sauter mean diameter (d32). The simulation results showed that the static mixers with different inlet structures had significantly different fluid flow states, mixing effects, and liquid-liquid dispersion effects. The mixing effects and liquid-liquid dispersion effects from best to worst were Y-static mixer, Roughton static mixer, non-aligned static mixer, and traditional SK static mixer. In the mixed element area, the static mixers with four types of inlet structures had the same flow rate, but the mixing and dispersing functions of the mixed element were different. The Y-static mixer and Roughton static mixer were recommended as liquid-liquid dispersion devices, both of which could achieve high dispersion with fewer mixing elements.
LIU Quanfeng,CAO Qi,QIAN Yu et al. Effect of Inlet Configuration of Static Mixer on Liquid-Liquid Dispersion[J]. Chemical Reaction Engineering and Technology, 2023, 39(2): 97-107.
