A new type of static mixer with variable channel design

In order to mix two or more components together, static mixers are used for many areas of chemical processes and techniques. Concerning microsystems the focus is on minimizing the diffusion path and the total volume of the component.
Ceramics offer excellent properties in high temperature resistance as well as chemical resistance.

Challenges:

• production of structures with highly complex internal geometry using high-performance ceramics
• implementation of supply systems for the distribution of different materials

Solution:

• To reduce the diffusion paths for the mixed materials after exiting the structure, different designs have been developed. These designs are based on honeycombs in which the various materials flow through adjacent channels and are thus finely dispersed.
• By introducing cut-outs between the channels and flow guiding elements inside the channels mixing can already be accomplished within the structure. Alternatively, the channel diameters can also be varied.
• Production of the structures with the LCM-Technology of Lithoz and the corresponding alumina suspensions

Benefits:

• Realization of high-performance ceramic components with a complexity that could not be produced until now
• The change of the channel diameter also achieves a change in speed, and this results in a relative change of pressure.
• (reduction of cross section à increase in speed à decrease of pressure
• In combination with the adjacent channel, which has its maximum diameter in the area of the connection, the mixing between these channels takes place due to the pressure difference.

Conclusion: Dipl.-Ing. Uwe Scheithauer:

„The LCM-Technology of Lithoz makes it possible to produce high-performance ceramic components with geometries that were not feasible before.”