EP1153651B1 - Static mixer with profiled layers - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a static mixer with profiled layers as well Uses of such a mixer.

In static mixers are by means of fixed internals fluids, the poke through these internals, homogenized. There is a diversity of Designs. For most static mixers, the internals are in shape similar elements installed in a pipe or a channel. you are doing so regularly, so that spread over the whole Tube cross-section homogenization of the components to be mixed results. There are also static mixer known in which the internals each in an annulus between two concentric walls are arranged. In a review entitled "Static Mixers and their application "(M.H.Pahl, E. Muschelknautz, Chem.-Ing.-Techn (1980) No. 4, pp. 285-291) a mixer of this type is described (Fig. 1e): A series of four twisted baffles are alternately left and right-handed mounted on a cylindrical inner body.

From EP-A 0 697 374 is a static mixer with an annular space shape known, in the corrugated layers of a cross-channel structure with inclined, itself forming open intersecting flow channels. The layers are flat and parallel to a main flow direction. DE-A-32 29 486 discloses a static mixer according to the preamble of claim 1 with profiled layers, which are arranged in an annular space. The Layers consist of concentric tubes, on their inner and / or outer surface each helical grooves are arranged. Such Location has a geometry that does not fold by a foil-like Material strip can be produced.

There are problems related to homogenisations of Fluids, for the solution of annular space mixer are particularly advantageous to offer. An example: When drilling for oil and / or natural gas is a Drilling channel generated in which between a jacket tube and a Drill pipe an annular space channel remains open. Through the annulus Material is conveyed in the axial direction, which is released at the drill head and that is a fluid mixture of liquids (water, petroleum) and gases may include. In depth and at a vertical distance from the Deposits, the advance of such holes is usually from the vertical direction deflected in a direction in which the hole in the Extreme case runs horizontally. There will be a variety of such holes made radiating from a central bore against the Periphery of a field lead, obtained from the natural gas and / or oil shall be. When conveying the substances to be won deliver the individual Drilling usually mixtures of different quality. It is to Monitoring quality monitoring devices provided in the Drilling channels are pushed to the depth of the deposits. With help of sensors in the monitoring devices, the proportions of the phases (Oil, water and / or gas) determined in the flowing fluid mixture become.

To ensure representative measurement results, it is in the monitoring the quality required that the different phases of the fluid mixture, which have different densities, with a uniform distribution flow through the measuring ranges of the sensors. Therefore, in a the Monitor upstream homogenization area static Install mixer elements. As in a horizontal or inclined tube different dense phases segregate, the static mixer must be so be formed such that such segregation is largely prevented or - if already occurred - can be reversed. The known annular space mixers lack this property largely.

The object of the invention is a static mixer for a fluid mixture to create, which consists of phases of different density and that in Axial direction is to be transported through an annular space, wherein the axis of the annulus may be horizontal or inclined. This task is done by solved defined in claim 1 mixer.

The static mixer includes profiled layers that are in an annulus are arranged and inclined to a central axis, intersecting Contain flow channels. A fluid mixture is in the axial direction under a To transport mixed action. Each layer extends over an area the transverse to the axis a closed or largely closed Scope forms. Each layer includes equivalent channels that are on one inner or outer side of the situation about at least approximately the same long stretches from a first to a second cross section of the Annular space extend so that each channel to him flowing through Fluid mixture imposes an azimuthal velocity component for all equivalent channels are essentially the same size.

The dependent claims 2 to 8 relate to advantageous embodiments of the mixer according to the invention. Uses of the The mixer according to the invention are each the subject matter of claims 9 and 10th

Fig. 1

zwei konzentrische Lagen eines erfindungsgemässen Mischers, die eine Kreuzkanalstruktur bilden,

Fig. 2

ausschnittsweise einen Querschnitt durch den erfindungsgemässen Mischer,

Fig. 3

ein Stück einer gefalteten Folie, die sich zur Ausbildung einer Lage des erfindungsgemässen Mischers eignet,

Fig. 4

die Folie der Fig. 3 vor dem Falten mit eingezeichneten Faltkanten,

Fig. 5

eine Konfiguration mit mehreren Mischerelementen, die einen erfindungsgemässen Mischer bilden,

Fig. 6

ein Mischerelement nach dem Stand der Technik, das radiale Lagen einer Kreuzkanalstruktur enthält,

Fig. 7

eine stark vereinfachte Darstellung der Konfiguration der Fig. 5,

Fig. 8 - 10

weitere Konfigurationen.

The invention will be explained with reference to the drawings. Show it:

Fig. 1

two concentric layers of a mixer according to the invention, which form a cross-channel structure,

Fig. 2

a detail of a cross section through the mixer according to the invention,

Fig. 3

a piece of folded film suitable for forming a layer of the mixer according to the invention,

Fig. 4

the film of FIG. 3 before folding with pleated edges,

Fig. 5

a configuration with several mixer elements, which form a mixer according to the invention,

Fig. 6

a mixer element according to the prior art, which contains radial layers of a cross-channel structure,

Fig. 7

a highly simplified representation of the configuration of FIG. 5,

Fig. 8 - 10

further configurations.

Figures 1 and 2 show a mixer according to the invention with two Concentric layers 1 and 2, an oblique view of the layers and a cross section. The two layers 1, 2, taken together, a mixer element 30th form, are in an annular space 3 between a jacket tube 10 and a Inner tube 20 is arranged. In Fig. 1, a central axis z and an angle φ (= Azimuth) drawn. In Fig. 2, the widths of the layers 1 and 2 with a or b denotes the corresponding ring surfaces with A and B. The layers 1, 2 form a cross-channel structure with open-ended flow channels 14 and 24; There is a thorough mixing. The marginal channels 14 'and 24' force an azimuthal rearrangement. Each layer 1, 2 extends over a surface that is transverse to the axis z a closed perimeter forms. The channels 14, 14 ', 24 and 24' respectively form equivalent channels: you extend on an inner or outer side of the layer 1, 2 via equal distances from a first to a second cross section of Annulus, so that the channels to the fluid mixture flowing through a imposing azimuthal velocity components 40 and 41, respectively, in all equivalent channels is largely the same size. It is now assumed that the central axis z is aligned horizontally and a Gas / liquid mixture partially segregated in the mixer element 30th flows. Thanks to the azimuthal velocity components 40 and 41 the gas phase is transported down, the liquid phase up, so that results in a mixing of the two phases. An inhomogeneity decreases thanks to the azimuthal velocity components 40 and 41 strong from.

The layers 1, 2 do not necessarily have along their circumference be completely closed. It is sufficient if the layers to cylinders formed strips are formed, which extend in the axial direction Strip ends in each case form a joint. Instead of the shock may also there is a gap or an overlap. Between the layers 1, 2 can also be inserted a sheet, so that the channels 14, 24 are not open cross. In this case, the fluid mixture through the channels in subdivided differently directed sub-streams; a mixture takes place Exit from the mixer element 30 instead.

The layers 1, 2 are made by folding strips of material. Each folded strip is formed into a cylinder which is attached to a lateral, axially oriented impact point completely or - up to a narrow open strip - almost completely closed. The Profiling of the layers 1, 2 is advantageously designed so that the Channel walls on the aforementioned impact point match.

Fig. 3 shows a piece of a folded film 1 ', the part of a layer 1 of inventive mixer. The same film (1 ') in unfolded Condition is shown in Fig. 4. Between an outer folding edge 11 (as Double line shown) and an inner fold edge 12 (double line) is located approximately parallelogram-shaped surface piece 16, in which the through Faltkanten 11 and 12 formed side edges only approximately parallel to each other. In this area piece 16 is a diagonal folding edge. 6 (simple line) provided. The folding edge 6 divides the patch 16 in two Triangles 16a and 16b, between the edges 11 and 6 or 12 and 6 lie. Thanks to the diagonal folding edge 6, the two triangles 16 a and 16b just trained. It can also be the other diagonal of the patch 16 can be selected as folding edge.

With correct choice of dimensions that can be calculated or with methods of the representative geometry, the strip 1 'of the Fig. 4 so fold that the edges 12 a cylindrical surface 5 (for example the surface of the inner wall 20 in Fig. 2) on a circle 50 in points 15th touch. Each edge 12 intersects the circle 50 at the same angle. The free ends 13 of the layer 1 and the circle 50 lie on parallel planes (not shown) with respect to which the z-axis is perpendicular. in the unfolded state, see Fig. 4, the free ends 13 form a Zigzag line.

In the folded state is at the end of 13 a gap between the Faltkanten 12 and the cylindrical surface 5, whose perpendicular to the cylindrical surface. 5 measured width in Figure 3 is denoted by c. The smaller the height h of the location 1 is, the smaller is c. The height h should be chosen so large that the edges 11 and 12 of the layers 1 and 2 intersect at least twice, so that the layers 1, 2 connect to each other at the crossing points to let. The said gap of the width c should be as small as possible and consequently the Height h be short. In the embodiment of Fig. 1 this is not the case. Therefore, there is a waist of the situation 1 well recognizable. A sidecut lies while always ahead; but it should be less pronounced than in Fig. 1. By suitable choice of the layer width a and the angle of inclination of the folded edges 11, 12, an optimal height h can be determined.

To achieve a good mixing effect, a variety of Mixer elements 31, 32, 33, which have small heights h, axially to each other arranged as follows: see Fig. 5 So that also a radial mixing is possible, mixer elements 7 can be inserted, the radial, Also, a cross channel structure forming layers 71, 72 include: Fig. 6. Such mixer elements 7 are already known.

The mixer according to the invention comprises at least two consecutive arranged mixer elements 31, 32, so they can azimuthally be offset from each other. At the junction 80 (FIG. 5) of FIG Mixer elements 31, 32 then exist between layers 1, in the axial Direction adjacent, passages from inner to outer channels or vice versa from outer to inner channels. In such a Arrangement flows fluid from the outer to the inner channels and vice versa.

FIGS. 7-10 show an overview of four different configurations. wherein that of Fig. 7 corresponds to the configuration shown in Fig. 5. FIG. 8 shows a configuration in which gaps 8 between adjacent ones Mixer elements of the elements 31 - 33 are left open. In these Gaps 8 may take place a radial mixing. The length of the gap 8 is advantageously smaller than five times the radial width of the annular space 3.

FIG. 9 shows a configuration in which mixing elements 7 are provided according to FIG. 6. FIG. 10 shows a configuration. at the adjacent mixer elements 31, 32 'or 32', 33 each one opposite inclined channel direction in corresponding positions 1 or 2 (see Fig. 1, 5).

Of course, more than two layers 1, 2 in a mixer element 30 may be provided. Advantageously their number is even, especially then if it is desired that the total spin of the pumped fluid be practical Is zero. So that the total spin largely disappears, is at a even number of layers to request that the layers in one Cross-section of the annulus stress subfaces, which for each layer have at least approximately the same size areas. For example 2, the ply widths a and b must be chosen so that the Ring surfaces A and B are the same size.

The embodiments shown in the drawings show static Mixers with channels whose cross sections are triangular. The profiles of the layers can also be wavy or otherwise formed; for example, the Channel cross-sections be trapezoidal.

The mixer according to the invention can advantageously be used for axial transport a fluid mixture can be used through an annular space 3, if the to be transported fluid mixture 4 of different density phases consists. It can be a group or several groups of Be provided mixer elements, each having a plurality of the same and comprise successively arranged mixer elements. The Central axis z of the mixer can be compared to a horizontal plane one Inclination angle included, which is smaller than 90 ° and in extreme cases even 0 °.

One use of the mixer according to the invention is in a bore particularly suitable for crude oil and / or natural gas. In this use will an annulus of a drilling channel with built-in static mixer equipped, which are arranged at a monitor, wherein the monitoring device for a flowing through the annulus Fluid mixture is provided to measure a phase of the Perform fluid mixture.

a) Vermischung zweier Fluide in einem Ringraum, wobei mindestens eines der Fluide so eingespeist wird, dass beim Eintritt in den Ringraum eine über den Umfang ungleichmässige Konzentrationsverteilung vorliegt.

b) Temperaturausgleich in einer Gasturbine vor der Zufuhr der Verbrennungsgasen zu den Turbinenschaufeln.

c) Durchführung einer chemischen Reaktion, beispielsweise einer Verbrennung, auf der Oberfläche einer Mischerstruktur, die katalytisch aktives Material trägt; falls die Reaktion in einem Ringraum durchzuführen ist.

Examples of other uses are as follows:

a) mixing two fluids in an annular space, wherein at least one of the fluids is fed so that when entering the annulus is present over the circumference uneven concentration distribution.

b) temperature compensation in a gas turbine before the supply of combustion gases to the turbine blades.

c) performing a chemical reaction, such as combustion, on the surface of a mixer structure carrying catalytically active material; if the reaction is to be carried out in an annulus.

Claims (10)

1. A static mixer with profiled layers (1,2) which are arranged in a ring space (3) and which contain mutually crossing flow channels (14, 24) which are inclined relative to a central axis (z), wherein
   a fluid mixture (4) is to be transported in the axial direction in the presence of a mixing action,
   each layer extends over a surface which forms a closed or largely closed periphery transverse to the axis (z),
   each layer includes equivalent channels (14, 14', 24 and 24' respectively) which extend on an inner or outer side of the layer over at least approximately equally long paths from a first to a second cross-section of the ring space, so that each channel imposes an azimuthal velocity component (40, 41) onto the fluid mixture which flows through it which is substantially equally large for all equivalent channels,
   characterized in that the layers (1) are produced by folding material strips and each folded strip is shaped into a cylinder.
2. Static mixer in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that the ring space (3) is bounded by at least one circular cylindrical surface, for example by the inner surface of a jacket tube (10) and/or the outer surface of an inner tube (20).
3. Static mixer in accordance with claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the layers (1, 2) are arranged in a plurality of mixer elements (31, 32, 33) which follow one another axially; and in that gaps (8) without installed elements can be present between all or individual mixer elements (31, 32, 33), with the length of the gap advantageously being less than five times the radial width of the ring space (3).
4. Static mixer in accordance with claim 3, characterized in that further mixer elements (7) which have radial layers (71, 72) with profiling are arranged between all or individual mixer elements (31, 32).
5. Static mixer in accordance with any one of the claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the profiling of the layer (1) is formed such that the channel walls fit onto one another at the ends of the strips oriented in the axial direction.
6. Static mixer in accordance with claim 5, characterized in that an approximately parallelogram-shaped surface element (16) lies in the layers (1) in each case between an outer and an inner folded edge (11 and 12 respectively); and in that a diagonal folded edge (6) is provided in this surface element.
7. Static mixer in accordance with any one of the claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the number of layers (1, 2) is even, in particular amounts to two; and in that the layers occupy partial surfaces (A, B) in a cross-section of the ring space (3) which have at least approximately equally large areas for each layer.
8. Static mixer in accordance with any one of the claims 1 to 6, characterized in that at least two mixer elements (31, 32) are arranged one behind the other and, in this process, are arranged mutually displaced azimuthally, so that passages arise from inner to outer channels and/or vice versa from outer to inner channels respectively at the meeting point (80) of the mixer elements between layers (1) which are adjacent in the axial direction.
9. Use of a static mixer in accordance with any one of the claims 4 to 8, characterized in that the fluid mixture (4) to be transported consists of phases of different density; in that one or more groups of mixer elements (31, 32, 33) are provided which in each case include a plurality of mixer elements which are the same and are arranged to follow one another; and in that in particular the central axis (z) of the mixer includes an angle of inclination with respect to a horizontal plane which is less than 90° and which amounts to 0° in the extreme case.
10. Use of a static mixer in accordance with claim 9 in a borehole for petroleum and/ or natural gas, in which a ring space of a borehole passage is equipped with installed elements of the static mixer and in which a monitoring device for a fluid mixture which flows through the ring space is provided by means of which a measurement of phase components of the fluid mixture can be carried out.

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