NETmix®, a new type of static mixer: Modeling, simulation, macromixing, and micromixing characterization

Abstract

Abstract NETmix® is a new technology for static mixing based on a network of chambers connected by channels. The NETmix® model is the basis of a flow simulator coupled with chemical reaction used to characterize macro and micromixing in structured porous media. The chambers are modeled as perfectly mixing zones and the channels as plug flow perfect segregation zones. A segregation parameter is introduced as the ratio between the channels volume and the whole network volume. Different kinetics and reactants injection schemes can be implemented. Results show that the number of rows in the flow direction and the segregation parameter control both macro and micromixing, but the degree of micromixing is also controlled by the reactants injection scheme. The NETmix® model enables the systematic study of micromixing and macromixing for different network structures and reaction schemes, enabling the design of network structures to ensure the desired yield and selectivity. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2009