Static mixer facts for kids
A promotional sample of a helical static mixer enclosed in a clear tubular housing
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| Uses | Mixing |
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| Related items | Magnetic stirrer, vortex mixer |
A static mixer is a piece of equipment that is used to mix liquids in laboratories. It has a unique shape.
Structure
A static mixer is made up of rectangular plates twisted around at 180° so that they make a double-helix shape.
- Click for a picture
Liquids flow along the curves of the static mixer and also are separated by the smooth sides of the mixer. The mixer can also be turned clockwise, or right, and then quickly turned counter-clockwise, or left. This creates opposite currents in the liquid and mixes it more efficiently.
Uses
The static mixer can be used to mix acids and alkalis for a neutralization. It can also be used to mix two liquids that normally wouldn't mix, like oil and water (see emulsion). It separates the particles of the water and oil until they become so small that they mix.
Advantages
- Simple shape - easy to clean
- Doesn't need electricity - saves money and can be used in otherwise explosive areas
- Manual - easy to use
Related pages
Images for kids
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Plate-type static mixer
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Depiction of how flow division and radial mixing can occur in a static mixer
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Flow division in a static mixer that uses baffles is a function of the number of elements in the mixer
See also
In Spanish: Mezclador estático para niños
