EP2550088B1 - Method and device for dispersion - Google Patents

Method and device for dispersion Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2550088B1
EP2550088B1 EP10768911.9A EP10768911A EP2550088B1 EP 2550088 B1 EP2550088 B1 EP 2550088B1 EP 10768911 A EP10768911 A EP 10768911A EP 2550088 B1 EP2550088 B1 EP 2550088B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
mixing
dispersing
fluid
accordance
static
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Not-in-force
Application number
EP10768911.9A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP2550088A1 (en
Inventor
Sebastian Hirschberg
Marcel Suhner
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Sulzer Chemtech AG
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Sulzer Chemtech AG
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Publication date
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Priority to EP10768911.9A priority Critical patent/EP2550088B1/en
Publication of EP2550088A1 publication Critical patent/EP2550088A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2550088B1 publication Critical patent/EP2550088B1/en
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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
    • B01F25/00—Flow mixers; Mixers for falling materials, e.g. solid particles
    • B01F25/40—Static mixers
    • B01F25/45—Mixers in which the materials to be mixed are pressed together through orifices or interstitial spaces, e.g. between beads
    • B01F25/452—Mixers in which the materials to be mixed are pressed together through orifices or interstitial spaces, e.g. between beads characterised by elements provided with orifices or interstitial spaces
    • B01F25/4522—Mixers in which the materials to be mixed are pressed together through orifices or interstitial spaces, e.g. between beads characterised by elements provided with orifices or interstitial spaces the components being pressed through porous bodies, e.g. flat plates, blocks or cylinders, which obstruct the whole diameter of the tube
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
    • B01F23/00—Mixing according to the phases to be mixed, e.g. dispersing or emulsifying
    • B01F23/09—Mixing systems, i.e. flow charts or diagrams for components having more than two different of undetermined agglomeration states, e.g. supercritical states
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
    • B01F25/00—Flow mixers; Mixers for falling materials, e.g. solid particles
    • B01F25/40—Static mixers
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
    • B01F25/00—Flow mixers; Mixers for falling materials, e.g. solid particles
    • B01F25/40—Static mixers
    • B01F25/45—Mixers in which the materials to be mixed are pressed together through orifices or interstitial spaces, e.g. between beads
    • B01F25/452—Mixers in which the materials to be mixed are pressed together through orifices or interstitial spaces, e.g. between beads characterised by elements provided with orifices or interstitial spaces
    • B01F25/4524—Mixers in which the materials to be mixed are pressed together through orifices or interstitial spaces, e.g. between beads characterised by elements provided with orifices or interstitial spaces the components being pressed through foam-like inserts or through a bed of loose bodies, e.g. balls
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
    • B01F25/00—Flow mixers; Mixers for falling materials, e.g. solid particles
    • B01F25/40—Static mixers
    • B01F25/45—Mixers in which the materials to be mixed are pressed together through orifices or interstitial spaces, e.g. between beads
    • B01F25/452—Mixers in which the materials to be mixed are pressed together through orifices or interstitial spaces, e.g. between beads characterised by elements provided with orifices or interstitial spaces
    • B01F25/4524—Mixers in which the materials to be mixed are pressed together through orifices or interstitial spaces, e.g. between beads characterised by elements provided with orifices or interstitial spaces the components being pressed through foam-like inserts or through a bed of loose bodies, e.g. balls
    • B01F25/45243—Mixers in which the materials to be mixed are pressed together through orifices or interstitial spaces, e.g. between beads characterised by elements provided with orifices or interstitial spaces the components being pressed through foam-like inserts or through a bed of loose bodies, e.g. balls through a foam or expanded material body
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
    • B01F35/00—Accessories for mixers; Auxiliary operations or auxiliary devices; Parts or details of general application
    • B01F35/71—Feed mechanisms
    • B01F35/714—Feed mechanisms for feeding predetermined amounts
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
    • B01F35/00—Accessories for mixers; Auxiliary operations or auxiliary devices; Parts or details of general application
    • B01F35/90—Heating or cooling systems

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a static mixing or dispersing element and a method for mixing and / or dispersing liquids, suspensions, gases or liquids and gases.
  • Static mixers with static mixing elements according to DE 22 05 371 or according to CH 642 564 or according to EP-A-1566211 are configured, well-known way very well for this process step.
  • Static mixers consist of oriented coarse structured mixed structures, such as webs, channels and plates, which create a mixing and dispersing effect by fluidization and layer formation when flowing through liquids, suspensions and gases.
  • a mixed structure is then designated as coarse-textured if the number of cut surfaces of the mixer structure with an arbitrarily set cross-sectional area is not more than 20.
  • the cross-sectional area is set normal to the longitudinal axis of the static mixer, ie normal to the main flow direction.
  • Microdomain is understood as meaning a part of the mixer cross-section which is characterized by a mixing action locally limited to the micro-region.
  • the micro-area is typically less than 25% of the cross-sectional area.
  • Macro range is understood to be the entire mixer cross section, which is characterized by a mixing action extending over the entire mixer cross section.
  • the major disadvantage of the foam structures is that the non-directional structures cause a very poor cross-transport and so large-scale concentration, and temperature differences can be reduced only insufficiently and slowly. If homogeneous mixtures, dispersions, emulsions and temperatures are to be achieved over the entire cross-section, relatively bulky installation elements result which also generate a relatively high pressure loss. A combination of foam structures of different pore sizes can also improve the efficiency in this case, while preserving the basic problem of lack of cross-exchange.
  • the object of the invention is to achieve a mixture, dispersion or reaction of liquids, suspensions, gases or liquids and gases with the lowest possible energy input and the shortest possible installation length.
  • a mixing or dispersing element which comprises a channel in which an insert element comprising a foam structure is arranged.
  • a static mixing element for macro mixing or predispersing or macrodispersion is additionally mounted in the channel, which is preferably located at least partially upstream of the insert element.
  • macro-mixing in this application is meant a large-scale, taking place in a large part of the cross-sectional area of the mixing or dispersing mixture.
  • Dispersion is used when at least one immiscible second fluid is distributed in a first fluid.
  • the first fluid forms a first phase
  • the second fluid forms a second phase.
  • predispersion is meant the decomposition of the immiscible second phase into relatively large droplets of typically greater than 1 mm, which are distributed over the entire cross-sectional area of the mixing or dispersing element.
  • Macrodispersion is understood to mean the uniform distribution of existing drops over the entire cross-sectional area of the mixing or dispersing element.
  • the static mixing element is designed as a first static mixing element and at least one second static mixing element is arranged downstream of the insert element. At least one second insert element may be disposed downstream of the second static mixing element to achieve even better dispersion.
  • At least one of the static mixing elements may include an insert element.
  • a distance may be formed between the insert element or at least one of the first or second insert elements and the static mixing element.
  • the insert element may contain a foam structure which is open-pore.
  • a foam structure which is characterized as open-pored is to be understood below to mean a foam structure in which the individual pores are not separated from one another by walls.
  • the pore can be considered a hole or cavity.
  • the walls between the pores are almost completely removed. The openings in the walls are so large that only one web of the wall remains, which forms the boundary of adjacent pores.
  • a plurality of webs may be provided.
  • the foam structure may comprise a metal, a metal alloy, in particular an aluminum alloy, a ceramic, glass, carbon and / or a plastic.
  • This foam structure has the advantage that it has a very large inner surface that can be used for breaking up and crushing the phase boundary.
  • the foam structure may have a pore size up to and including 100 PPI.
  • PPI is a common measure for characterizing the pore size of a foam structure. It is the acronym for "Pores per Inch”. Especially Preferably, the pore size ranges from 10 to 100 PPI inclusive.
  • the free volume fractions of the foam structure which can be used for the dispersing element are from 40 to 97%, preferably from 50% to 95%.
  • a foam structure can be produced by various methods. For example, in a first process step, an open-pored polyurethane foam can be used as a template.
  • An essential advantage of using a polyurethane foam is that a wide variety of shapes and pore sizes can be produced industrially.
  • From the polyurethane foam can be produced in a second process step, a mold for light metal casting with lost shape. This mold contains the desired foam structure.
  • CVD techniques or other methods based on polyurethane foams as precursors are used in the industry to produce foam structures.
  • various other processes for producing open-pored foam structures are under development or already in use.
  • a foam structure can also be produced computer-assisted by means of rapid manufacturing techniques of different materials, in particular those mentioned above. Rapid manufacturing is understood to mean a process in which a spatial geometry takes place by layered construction, wherein the layers are preferably produced by melting powders.
  • the required power and energy input over conventional static mixers can be reduced by up to 80%.
  • compact means that the length of the mixing or dispersing element compared to the length of a pure static Blending element is reduced.
  • the reduction in length can be between 10 and 60%.
  • the foam structure contained preferably has a length L and a diameter D, wherein the ratio L / D is less than 5, preferably less than 3, more preferably less than 2.
  • a ratio L / D of less than 5 in combination with static mixing elements to produce mixtures and dispersions of the same quality as with the previously known from the prior art static mixing element.
  • the mixing or dispersing element is particularly suitable for the production of mixtures, emulsions, dispersions or foams.
  • dispersion refers to systems in which drops and / or bubbles are greater than about 50-100 microns.
  • emulsion is used for systems with smaller drops and / or bubbles.
  • Each of the insert elements may contain a foam structure having a different pore size.
  • the foam structure preferably comprises a metal, a metal alloy, ceramic, glass, carbon and / or a plastic.
  • the mixing or dispersing element according to one of the preceding embodiments may also contain a tempering agent.
  • the channel may be equipped with a temperature control or be surrounded by a temperature control.
  • At least part of the mixing or dispersing element may be formed as a catalyst surface, in particular as a hydrolysis catalyst surface.
  • the mixing or dispersing element can either be used for processing already premixed or predispersed fluid systems, or the liquid or gas phase to be mixed or dispersed is added during processing. If that is to be mixed or dispersing fluid is metered, at least one metering element can open into the channel in which the mixing or dispersing element is arranged.
  • the metering element serves to introduce a fluid into the first liquid flowing in the channel.
  • the fluid may be a gas or a second liquid.
  • the fluid and the first fluid flow in cocurrent through the channel.
  • the metering element is advantageously arranged upstream of the dispersing element. It is also possible to install a metering element in the dispersing elements. For uniform distribution of the phase to be dispersed, it is also possible for a plurality of metering elements to open into the channel or to be installed in the dispersing element.
  • the metering element can be designed as a tube with metering openings.
  • the metering opening may be formed, for example, as a nozzle.
  • a curvature can be provided in the area of the metering opening so that the phase to be dispersed can be distributed optimally in the dispersing element.
  • the feed line can feed a plurality of metering elements, so that the number of feed points arranged in the channel for the phase to be dispersed is increased.
  • the method for producing a mixture or dispersion according to the invention comprises the following steps: in a first step, a first fluid and a second fluid are simultaneously introduced into a channel, wherein the first fluid with the second fluid in a second step in a mixing or Dispersing element is brought into contact, wherein the mixing or dispersing element contains a micromixing or dispersing insert element which contains a foam structure which is arranged in the channel, and in addition a static mixing element for macro mixing or predispersion or macrodispersion in the channel is arranged and wherein the first fluid and the second fluid flow in cocurrent through the mixing or dispersing element and through the Feed element are passed, whereby the second fluid and the first fluid is mixed or dispersed.
  • the first fluid may be a first fluid or a first gas and the second fluid may be a second fluid or a second gas.
  • the process for producing a mixture or dispersion is described e.g. used in the preparation of dispersions or emulsions in food, household products or cosmetics. Also in the generation of large surfaces for reactions, the dissolution of a gas in a liquid, such as the water treatment by ozone, a dispersion is required.
  • the method is also particularly suitable for mixing liquids with large viscosity differences and / or very different volume flow ratios or for mixing liquids with poor wetting. Gases can be cleaned efficiently by adding washing liquids and with very low pressure loss. Liquids can also be metered by means of a spray nozzle into a gas stream and evaporated with the device quickly and holistically.
  • the mixing or dispersing 1 according to Fig. 1 comprises a channel 2, in which an insert element 3, which contains a foam structure, is arranged.
  • the channel is in Fig. 1 shown partially cut so that the insert is visible.
  • the insert element according to Fig. 1 consists entirely of the foam structure.
  • the foam structure may be surrounded by a jacket member to facilitate installation in the channel 2.
  • the channel 2 according to Fig. 1 is shown as a pipe with a circular cross-section.
  • the channel may have any other cross-sectional shapes, in particular be formed rectangular.
  • a mixing or dispersing element 10 is shown.
  • the mixing or dispersing element also comprises a channel 2, in which a first and a second insert element 3, 4 are arranged.
  • a first static mixing element 5 is provided, which according to the CH 642 564 is designed.
  • a second static mixing element 6 is shown, the internals of which substantially DE 22 05 371 correspond.
  • the first static mixing element 5 is immediately adjacent to the first and the second Insert element arranged.
  • the second static mixing element 6 is arranged at a distance from the second insert element 4.
  • Zeichnerisch not shown is a metering element to introduce a fluid in the flowing through the channel 2 liquid.
  • a metering element is for example in the EP 1 956 206 A2 shown.
  • This embodiment is only an exemplary illustration of a possible arrangement of mixing or dispersing elements and static mixing elements to a mixing or dispersing unit, the invention is in no way to be regarded as limited to this embodiment.
  • Fig. 3 shows an example of a foam structure that is open-pore.
  • the in Fig. 3 shown section can, for example, in one of the foam structures according to Fig. 1 or Fig. 2 be integrated.
  • the pore is a hole or cavity which in Fig. 3 by the corner points 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 limited.
  • the individual pores are not separated by walls.
  • This opening 21 is located between the above-mentioned pore and the drawing not shown before the plane lying pore.
  • Adjacent pores can be traversed by the openings of a fluid.
  • the opening 21 is bounded by webs 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, which form the boundary boundary of adjacent pores.
  • Micro-mixing is defined as a micro-limited mixing action.
  • micro-mixing is thus meant a zonar limited mixing, which does not work over the entire cross-section of the mixing or dispersing.
  • Under Maldistribution should be understood as a non-uniform mixing. If a section were taken through a cross-sectional area of the dispersing element, zones with sufficient mixing with zones of inadequate mixing would be visible.
  • the mixing is below an expected value, that is, it is a zone of poor mixing, for other parts of the cross-sectional area, the mixing corresponds to the expected value or exceeds the expected value, that is, there is a zone of sufficient mixing.
  • a large-scale mixing is not achievable with a foam structure alone, since foam structures are undirected.
  • Large-scale mixing means a mixing process in which fluid or gas is moved over greater distances perpendicular to the main flow direction and inhomogeneities in the distribution of the individual components in the fluid or gas in planes perpendicular to the main flow direction are compensated by the movements of the fluid or gas. Therefore, a combination of classical static mixing elements for large-scale mixing and predispersion and foam structures for micro-mixing and fine dispersion is advantageous.
  • Fine dispersion is understood to mean the result of the microdispersion, that is to say a dispersion or emulsion in which the dispersed phase having a maximum droplet size of less than 2 mm, preferably less than 1 mm, is present. Also by the combination of foam structures of different pore size can not be achieved large scale mixing sufficient.
  • ball packing which is also porous.
  • An essential difference of ball packages to the previously described foam structures is that ball packages typically have 25-40% free volume and thus a significantly poorer volume to surface ratio and greater pressure drops exhibit.
  • the foam structures described have a free volume of from 40 up to and including 97%.
  • Fig. 4 shows a mixing or dispersing 30 according to a second embodiment of the invention, which has a static mixing element 5 and an insert element 3.
  • a flow channel 2 is shown cut open along its longitudinal axis.
  • the static mixing element 5 comprises a first arrangement 7 of web elements and a second arrangement 8 of web elements. Each two adjacent web elements belong either to the first arrangement 7 or to the second arrangement 8.
  • Each of the first or second arrangements may comprise a plurality of web elements.
  • the web elements are an obstacle to the fluid flow, the web elements are flowed around by the fluid, which leads to a deflection and or vortex formation of the fluid flow. Through this deflection and or vortex formation of the flow is mixed.
  • the web elements according to the CH 642 564 or the EP 0 526 392 A1 be educated.
  • the direction of flow may first be through the mixing element and then through the foam structure or vice versa.
  • the insert element 3 Downstream of the static mixing element, the insert element 3 is arranged, which according to one of Fig. 1 to 3 is constructed.
  • Fig. 5 shows a mixing or dispersing element 40 according to a third embodiment of the invention, which has static mixing element 5 and an insert element 3.
  • the insert element 3 is arranged downstream of the static mixing element 5. Downstream of the insert element 3, a further static mixing element 6 is arranged.
  • the static mixing element 6 may have the same structure as the static mixing element 5, in particular as in Fig. 4 can be designed. Alternatively, the static mixing element 6 and / or the static Mixing element 5 also have a different design, for example, as in Fig. 2 for the static mixing element 6 shown there is shown.
  • Fig. 6 shows a mixing or dispersing 50 according to a fourth embodiment of the invention, which has a first static mixing element 5 and a first insert element 3, which is arranged downstream of the first static mixing element 5. Following the first insert element 3, that is to say downstream thereof, a second static mixing element 6 is arranged. Downstream of the static mixing element 6, a second insert element 4 is arranged. Downstream of the second insert element 4, a third static mixing element 35 is arranged, and downstream of this third static mixing element, a third insert element 33 is arranged.
  • further static mixing elements and / or insert elements in each case in an alternating sequence. It is also possible to form a group of at least 2 insert elements, which is arranged following one or a group of at least 2 static mixing elements.
  • the at least one of the static mixing elements at an angle relative to one of the other static mixing elements.
  • the position of a first static mixing element may be rotated 90 ° about the longitudinal axis of the channel relative to the second static mixing element.
  • Fig. 7 shows a mixing or dispersing element 60 according to a fifth embodiment of the invention.
  • This dispersing element has the same arrangement of static mixing elements 5, 6, 35 and the same arrangement of insert elements 3, 4, 33 as Fig. 6
  • the insert element 33 has a distance from the static mixing element 35. Such a distance may be advantageous in order to provide a longer mixing distance downstream of the static mixing element, so that the individual fluid strands mix through the deflection of the Fluid flow along the surfaces of the first and second assemblies 7, 8 of the web elements are formed.
  • the distance may also be provided at any other location of the mixing or dispersing element 60. It is also possible to provide corresponding distances in the mixing or dispersing elements 1, 10, 30, 50 of the preceding embodiments or the dispersing element 70 of the following embodiment.
  • Fig. 8 shows a mixing or dispersing 70 according to a sixth embodiment of the invention.
  • This mixing or dispersing element 70 contains four series-arranged static mixing elements 5, 6, 35 and 36.
  • One of the static mixing elements, here the static mixing element 36 is installed in an insert element 34.
  • the static mixing element 36 and the insert element 34 are thus simultaneously flowed through by the fluid mixture.
  • the mode of action of the static mixing element can be combined with the mode of action of the insert element, ie a large-scale rearrangement of the flow occurs simultaneously through the arrangements of the web elements of the static mixing element and micro-mixing or dispersion through the insert element 34.
  • the channel 9 surrounds the channel 2, through which the fluid mixture flows.
  • the channel 9 may be formed in particular annular. That is, the channel surrounds the outer surface of the housing member 29 as a further housing member 31.
  • the housing member 29 and the housing member 31 are preferably formed here as a tube.
  • a plurality of channels may be arranged on the outer circumferential surface of the channel 2 delimiting the housing member 29, an embodiment which is not shown in the drawing.
  • the temperature control 27 flows according to Fig. 8 in countercurrent to the fluid mixture 28, alternatively, a guide in DC or cross flow is possible.
  • the first part of the dispersing element according to one of the preceding embodiments is preferably designed by static mixing elements mixing over the entire cross section.
  • the static mixing element or a plurality of static mixing elements causes a gross-scale first mixing or dispersion of a fluid or gas flow metered component for forming the fluid mixture.
  • the insert element of the mixing or dispersing element 1, 10, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70 then preferably consists of an open-celled fine-celled foam.
  • the premixed or predispersed mixture of the fluid mixture is intensively mixed or dispersed in the micro range over a short distance.
  • the foam structures used preferably have a free volume fraction of greater than 70, 80, 90%.
  • a static mixing element or a plurality of static mixing elements may be helpful in order to distribute the formed fine bubbles or drops homogeneously over the entire channel cross section.
  • a heat exchanger consist of a tube with a double jacket, in which circulates the heat carrier fluid. The heat energy is then added or removed via the pipe wall. In the areas to which foam structures made of metal are attached in the tube, the heat transfer is very high, due to the good heat conduction and the large surface of the foam structure.
  • the mixing elements can also consist of tubes, which are flowed through by the heat transfer medium.
  • a mixing or dispersing element can be used for a gas / liquid reaction, which proceeds in at least two phases.
  • Phase is here the aggregate state of the individual components to understand.
  • one component may be in gaseous form, that is, as a gaseous phase
  • another component may be in a liquid state, that is, as a liquid phase.
  • the pore size of the foam structure is preferably less than 1/5, in particular less than 1/10, particularly preferably less than 1/20 of the distance between two adjacent web elements, plate spacings or channel spacings.
  • the web elements, plate elements or channels are respectively associated with the first arrangement 7 and the second arrangement 8 of the static mixing elements.
  • the static mixing elements with the foam structure in the same section, in which case at least a part of the intermediate spaces in the mixing element is filled by an additional foam structure.
  • the foam structures and mixing elements can be made of different materials such as metal, ceramic, plastic.
  • the mixing or dispersing elements described are suitable for mixing, for the preparation of emulsions, dispersions, foams and for heat exchange.
  • the preparation of the mixing elements and the foam structures can be done by conventional methods, as well as by rapid manufacturing.
  • the described mixing or dispersing elements can also be produced very inexpensively.
  • foam structures By using foam structures, the number of static mixing elements compared to static mixers according to the prior art can be significantly reduced, which also leads to significantly smaller pressure losses.
  • the static mixing elements can additionally serve as support and attachment structures for the foam structures. This is especially interesting for diameters larger than 10 cm, since there the foam structures in relation to the pipe diameter can be relatively thin and should be supported accordingly.
  • the attachment is preferably carried out easiest via a support element.

Abstract

The element (1) has a channel (2), and an insert element (3) comprising a foam structure and arranged in the channel. The foam structure consists of metal, metal alloy, ceramics, glass, carbon or plastic. The foam structure is surrounded by a casing element, and the channel is designed as a tube with a circular cross-section. The foam structure has pores that are formed as a hole or hollow space, where the pores are limited by edge points. The pores are separated from each other by walls, where ratio of length and diameter of the insert element is less than 2. An independent claim is also included for a method for producing dispersion in a dispersing element.

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft ein statisches Misch- oder Dispergierelement sowie ein Verfahren zum Mischen und/oder Dispergieren von Flüssigkeiten, Suspensionen, Gasen oder Flüssigkeiten und Gasen.The invention relates to a static mixing or dispersing element and a method for mixing and / or dispersing liquids, suspensions, gases or liquids and gases.

In verschiedensten Anwendungen müssen Flüssigkeiten und/oder Gase gemischt und/oder dispergiert werden. Statische Mischer mit statischen Mischelementen, die gemäss DE 22 05 371 oder gemäss CH 642 564 oder gemäss EP-A-1566211 ausgestaltet sind, eignen sich bekannter Weise sehr gut für diesen Verfahrensschritt.In various applications, liquids and / or gases must be mixed and / or dispersed. Static mixers with static mixing elements, according to DE 22 05 371 or according to CH 642 564 or according to EP-A-1566211 are configured, well-known way very well for this process step.

Statische Mischer bestehen aus orientiert angeordneten grobstrukturierten Mischstrukturen, wie Stegen, Kanälen und Platten, die beim Durchströmen der Flüssigkeiten, Suspensionen und Gase eine Misch- und Dispergierwirkung durch Wirbel- und Schichtenbildung erzeugen. Als grobstrukturiert wird eine Mischstruktur dann bezeichnet, wenn die Anzahl Schnittflächen der Mischerstruktur mit einer beliebig gelegten Querschnittsfläche maximal 20 beträgt. Die Querschnittsfläche wird normal zur Längsachse des statischen Mischers, also normal zur Hauptströmungsrichtung gelegt.Static mixers consist of oriented coarse structured mixed structures, such as webs, channels and plates, which create a mixing and dispersing effect by fluidization and layer formation when flowing through liquids, suspensions and gases. A mixed structure is then designated as coarse-textured if the number of cut surfaces of the mixer structure with an arbitrarily set cross-sectional area is not more than 20. The cross-sectional area is set normal to the longitudinal axis of the static mixer, ie normal to the main flow direction.

Um mit statischen Mischern eine gute Misch- und/oder Dispergierwirkung, sowie speziell bei Reaktionen einen guten Stoffaustausch zu erreichen, ist, abhängig vom gewünschten Resultat, eine gewisse Anzahl Mischelemente, eine gewisse Verweilzeit und ein gewisser Schereintrag erforderlich. Dies resultiert dann in einer erforderlichen Baulänge und in einem erforderlichen Energieeintrag. Sowohl der Energieeintrag wie auch die Baulänge eines statischen Mischers sollen für eine gegebene Aufgabe naturgemäss möglichst gering gehalten werden. Der Energieeintrag und die Baulänge von reinen statischen Mischern hängen von deren Geometrie ab. In allen Fällen sind der Energieeintrag sowie die Baulänge relativ gross für die entsprechende Mischaufgabe.In order to achieve a good mixing and / or dispersing effect with static mixers, as well as good mass transfer in reactions, a certain number of mixing elements, a certain residence time and a certain amount of shear are required, depending on the desired result. This then results in a required length and in a required energy input. Both the energy input as well as the length of a static mixer should naturally be as possible for a given task be kept low. The energy input and the length of pure static mixers depend on their geometry. In all cases, the energy input and the overall length are relatively large for the corresponding mixing task.

Um die Baulänge und den Energieeintrag solcher statischen Mischer zu optimieren, ist auch vorgeschlagen worden, Mischer mit Mischelementen von verschiedenen Skalengrössen zu kombinieren, was beispielsweise in der W02010066457 gezeigt ist. Hierdurch kann die Effizienz des Mischers zwar etwas verbessert werden, ist aber aufgrund der Notwendigkeit der Herstellung einer Vielzahl unterschiedlicher Mischelemente sehr aufwändig, insbesondere wenn die Mischelemente eine kleinskalige Mischstruktur aufweisen.In order to optimize the length and the energy input of such static mixer, it has also been proposed to combine mixer with mixing elements of different scale sizes, which, for example, in the W02010066457 is shown. As a result, although the efficiency of the mixer can be somewhat improved, but because of the need to produce a variety of different mixing elements is very complex, especially if the mixing elements have a small-scale mixing structure.

Zum Mischen, Dispergieren und für den Wärmetausch sind auch offenporige, unstrukturierte, feinzellige Schaumstrukturen vorgeschlagen worden, wie zum Beispiel in DE 103 27 986 A1 offenbart. Diese Strukturen zeichnen sich durch eine grosse Oberfläche pro Volumeneinheit aus. Bedingt durch die grosse Kontaktfläche ist der Misch-, Dispergier- und der Wärmeaustausch im Mikrobereich sehr gut und effizient. Unter Mikrobereich wird ein Teil des Mischerquerschnitts verstanden, der durch eine örtlich auf den Mikrobereich begrenzte Mischwirkung gekennzeichnet ist. Der Mikrobereich ist in der Regel kleiner als 25% der Querschnittsfläche. Unter Makrobereich wird der gesamte Mischerquerschnitt verstanden, der durch eine sich auf den ganzen Mischerquerschnitt erstreckende Mischwirkung gekennzeichnet ist.For mixing, dispersing and for heat exchange, open-cell, unstructured, fine-cell foam structures have also been proposed, such as, for example, US Pat DE 103 27 986 A1 disclosed. These structures are characterized by a large surface area per unit volume. Due to the large contact surface, the mixing, dispersing and heat exchange in the micro range is very good and efficient. Microdomain is understood as meaning a part of the mixer cross-section which is characterized by a mixing action locally limited to the micro-region. The micro-area is typically less than 25% of the cross-sectional area. Macro range is understood to be the entire mixer cross section, which is characterized by a mixing action extending over the entire mixer cross section.

Der grosse Nachteil der Schaumstrukturen liegt allerdings darin, dass die ungerichteten Strukturen einen sehr schlechten Quertransport bewirken und so grossräumige Konzentrations-, und Temperaturunterschiede nur ungenügend und langsam abgebaut werden können. Wenn über den ganzen Querschnitt homogene Mischungen, Dispersionen, Emulsionen und Temperaturen erreicht werden sollen, so resultieren relativ lange voluminöse Einbauelemente, die auch einen relativ hohen Druckverlust generieren. Eine Kombination von Schaumstrukturen unterschiedlicher Porengrösse kann auch in diesem Fall eine Verbesserung der Effizienz bewirken, wobei die Grundproblematik des mangelnden Queraustausches erhalten bleibt.The major disadvantage of the foam structures, however, is that the non-directional structures cause a very poor cross-transport and so large-scale concentration, and temperature differences can be reduced only insufficiently and slowly. If homogeneous mixtures, dispersions, emulsions and temperatures are to be achieved over the entire cross-section, relatively bulky installation elements result which also generate a relatively high pressure loss. A combination of foam structures of different pore sizes can also improve the efficiency in this case, while preserving the basic problem of lack of cross-exchange.

Aufgabe der Erfindung ist es, eine Mischung, Dispergierung oder Reaktion von Flüssigkeiten, Suspensionen, Gasen oder Flüssigkeiten und Gasen mit möglichst geringem Energieeintrag und möglichst kurzer Einbaulänge zu erreichen.The object of the invention is to achieve a mixture, dispersion or reaction of liquids, suspensions, gases or liquids and gases with the lowest possible energy input and the shortest possible installation length.

Die Aufgabe der Erfindung wird durch ein Misch- oder Dispergierelement gelöst, welches einen Kanal umfasst, in welchem ein Einsatzelement umfassend eine Schaumstruktur angeordnet ist. Ein statisches Mischelement zur Makrovermischung oder zur Vordispergierung oder zur Makrodispergierung ist zusätzlich in dem Kanal angebracht, wobei dieses vorzugsweise zumindest teilweise stromaufwärts des Einsatzelements angeordnet ist.The object of the invention is achieved by a mixing or dispersing element which comprises a channel in which an insert element comprising a foam structure is arranged. A static mixing element for macro mixing or predispersing or macrodispersion is additionally mounted in the channel, which is preferably located at least partially upstream of the insert element.

Unter Makrovermischung, wird in dieser Anmeldung eine grossskalige, in einem Grossteil der Querschnittsfläche des Misch- oder Dispergierelements stattfindende Mischung verstanden. Von Dispergierung wird gesprochen, wenn in einem ersten Fluid zumindest ein nicht mischbares zweites Fluid verteilt wird. Das erste Fluid bildet eine erste Phase, das zweite Fluid eine zweite Phase. Unter Vordispergierung wird das Zerlegen der nicht mischbaren zweiten Phase in relativ grosse Tropfen von typischerweise grösser als 1 mm verstanden, die über die gesamte Querschnittsfläche des Misch- oder Dispergierelements verteilt sind. Unter Makrodispergierung wird das gleichmässige Verteilen von bestehenden Tropfen über die gesamte Querschnittsfläche des Misch- oder Dispergierelements verstanden.By macro-mixing, in this application is meant a large-scale, taking place in a large part of the cross-sectional area of the mixing or dispersing mixture. Dispersion is used when at least one immiscible second fluid is distributed in a first fluid. The first fluid forms a first phase, the second fluid forms a second phase. By predispersion is meant the decomposition of the immiscible second phase into relatively large droplets of typically greater than 1 mm, which are distributed over the entire cross-sectional area of the mixing or dispersing element. Macrodispersion is understood to mean the uniform distribution of existing drops over the entire cross-sectional area of the mixing or dispersing element.

Vorzugsweise ist das statische Mischelement als ein erstes statisches Mischelement ausgebildet und zumindest ein zweites statisches Mischelement ist stromabwärts des Einsatzelements angeordnet. Mindestens ein zweites Einsatzelement kann stromabwärts des zweiten statischen Mischelements angeordnet sein, um eine noch bessere Dispergierung zu erreichen.Preferably, the static mixing element is designed as a first static mixing element and at least one second static mixing element is arranged downstream of the insert element. At least one second insert element may be disposed downstream of the second static mixing element to achieve even better dispersion.

Nach einem alternativen Ausführungsbeispiel kann zumindest eines der statischen Mischelemente ein Einsatzelement enthalten.In an alternative embodiment, at least one of the static mixing elements may include an insert element.

Zwischen dem Einsatzelement oder zumindest einem der ersten oder zweiten Einsatzelemente und dem statischen Mischelement kann ein Abstand ausgebildet sein.A distance may be formed between the insert element or at least one of the first or second insert elements and the static mixing element.

Insbesondere kann das Einsatzelement eine Schaumstruktur enthalten, die offenporig ist. Unter einer Schaumstruktur, die als offenporig charakterisiert ist, soll nachfolgend eine Schaumstruktur verstanden werden, bei denen die einzelnen Poren nicht durch Wände voneinander getrennt sind. Die Pore kann als Loch oder Hohlraum angesehen werden. Es existieren grosse Öffnungen zwischen angrenzenden Poren, durch die ein Fluid strömen kann. Für eine offenporige Schaumstruktur sind die Wände zwischen den Poren praktisch vollständig entfernt. Die Öffnungen in den Wänden sind so gross, dass von der Wand nur noch ein Steg bestehen bleibt, der die Randbegrenzung benachbarter Poren bildet. Selbstverständlich kann eine Mehrzahl von Stegen vorgesehen sein.In particular, the insert element may contain a foam structure which is open-pore. A foam structure which is characterized as open-pored is to be understood below to mean a foam structure in which the individual pores are not separated from one another by walls. The pore can be considered a hole or cavity. There are large openings between adjacent pores through which a fluid can flow. For an open-pored foam structure, the walls between the pores are almost completely removed. The openings in the walls are so large that only one web of the wall remains, which forms the boundary of adjacent pores. Of course, a plurality of webs may be provided.

Die Schaumstruktur kann ein Metall, eine Metalllegierung, insbesondere eine Aluminiumlegierung, eine Keramik, Glas, Kohlenstoff und/oder einen Kunststoff umfassen. Diese Schaumstruktur hat den Vorteil, dass sie eine sehr grosse innere Oberfläche aufweist, die zum Aufbrechen und Zerkleinern der Phasengrenze genutzt werden kann.The foam structure may comprise a metal, a metal alloy, in particular an aluminum alloy, a ceramic, glass, carbon and / or a plastic. This foam structure has the advantage that it has a very large inner surface that can be used for breaking up and crushing the phase boundary.

Die Schaumstruktur kann eine Porengrösse bis einschliesslich 100 PPI aufweisen. PPI ist ein übliches Mass zur Charakterisierung der Porengrösse einer Schaumstruktur. Es ist die Abkürzung für "Pores per Inch". Besonders bevorzugt liegt die Porengrösse in einem Bereich von 10 bis einschliesslich 100 PPI.The foam structure may have a pore size up to and including 100 PPI. PPI is a common measure for characterizing the pore size of a foam structure. It is the acronym for "Pores per Inch". Especially Preferably, the pore size ranges from 10 to 100 PPI inclusive.

Die freien Volumenanteile der Schaumstruktur, die für das Dispergierelement zum Einsatz kommen kann, betragen von 40 bis zu 97%, vorzugsweise von 50% bis zu 95%.The free volume fractions of the foam structure which can be used for the dispersing element are from 40 to 97%, preferably from 50% to 95%.

Eine Schaumstruktur kann mittels verschiedener Verfahren hergestellt werden. Beispielsweise kann in einem ersten Verfahrensschritt ein offenporiger Polyurethanschaum als Vorlage verwendet werden. Ein wesentlicher Vorteil bei der Verwendung eines Polyurethanschaums besteht darin, dass unterschiedlichste Formen und Porengrössen definiert industriell hergestellt werden können. Aus dem Polyurethanschaum kann in einem zweiten Verfahrensschritt eine Gussform für Leichtmetallguss mit verlorener Form hergestellt werden. Diese Gussform enthält die gewünschte Schaumstruktur. Auch CVD Techniken oder andere Verfahren, die auf Polyurethanschäumen als Vorläufer basieren, werden in der Industrie zur Erzeugung von Schaumstrukturen eingesetzt. Ausserdem sind verschiedene andere Verfahren zur Erzeugung von offenporigen Schaumstrukturen in der Entwicklung oder schon im Einsatz. Alternativ kann eine Schaumstruktur auch computergestützt mittels Rapid Manufacturing Techniken aus verschiedenen Materialien, insbesondere den oben genannten, hergestellt werden. Unter Rapid Manufacturing wird ein Prozess verstanden, bei dem eine räumliche Geometrie durch schichtweisen Aufbau erfolgt, wobei die Schichten bevorzugt durch Schmelzen von Pulvern erzeugt werden.A foam structure can be produced by various methods. For example, in a first process step, an open-pored polyurethane foam can be used as a template. An essential advantage of using a polyurethane foam is that a wide variety of shapes and pore sizes can be produced industrially. From the polyurethane foam can be produced in a second process step, a mold for light metal casting with lost shape. This mold contains the desired foam structure. Also, CVD techniques or other methods based on polyurethane foams as precursors are used in the industry to produce foam structures. In addition, various other processes for producing open-pored foam structures are under development or already in use. Alternatively, a foam structure can also be produced computer-assisted by means of rapid manufacturing techniques of different materials, in particular those mentioned above. Rapid manufacturing is understood to mean a process in which a spatial geometry takes place by layered construction, wherein the layers are preferably produced by melting powders.

Erstaunlicherweise kann durch den Einsatz einer Schaumstruktur in Kombination mit einem statischen Mischer zum Mischen und/ oder Dispergieren der notwendige Leistungs- und Energieeintrag gegenüber konventionellen statischen Mischern um bis zu 80% reduziert werden. Dadurch können kompakte Misch- oder Dispergierelemente gebaut werden. Hierbei bedeutet kompakt, dass die Länge des Misch- oder Dispergierelements im Vergleich zu der Länge eines reinen statischen Mischelements reduziert ist. Die Reduktion der Länge kann zwischen 10 und 60% liegen. Die enthaltene Schaumstruktur weist vorzugsweise eine Länge L und einen Durchmesser D auf, wobei das Verhältnis L/D kleiner als 5, vorzugsweise kleiner als 3, besonders bevorzugt kleiner als 2 ist. Überraschenderweise gelingt es mit einem Verhältnis L/D von kleiner als 5, in Kombination mit statischen Mischelementen Mischungen und Dispersionen von gleicher Qualität wie mit dem aus dem Stand der Technik vorbekannten statischen Mischelement herzustellen.Surprisingly, by using a foam structure in combination with a static mixer for mixing and / or dispersing, the required power and energy input over conventional static mixers can be reduced by up to 80%. As a result, compact mixing or dispersing be built. Here, compact means that the length of the mixing or dispersing element compared to the length of a pure static Blending element is reduced. The reduction in length can be between 10 and 60%. The foam structure contained preferably has a length L and a diameter D, wherein the ratio L / D is less than 5, preferably less than 3, more preferably less than 2. Surprisingly, it is possible with a ratio L / D of less than 5, in combination with static mixing elements to produce mixtures and dispersions of the same quality as with the previously known from the prior art static mixing element.

Das Misch- oder Dispergierelement eignet sich insbesondere zur Erzeugung von Mischungen, Emulsionen, Dispersionen oder Schäumen. In dieser Anmeldung steht der Begriff Dispersion für Systeme, in denen Tropfen und/oder Blasen grösser als etwa 50-100 Mikrometer sind. Der Begriff Emulsion wird für Systeme mit kleineren Tropfen und/oder Blasen verwendet.The mixing or dispersing element is particularly suitable for the production of mixtures, emulsions, dispersions or foams. In this application, the term dispersion refers to systems in which drops and / or bubbles are greater than about 50-100 microns. The term emulsion is used for systems with smaller drops and / or bubbles.

Jedes der Einsatzelemente kann eine Schaumstruktur mit einer unterschiedlichen Porengrösse enthalten. Die Schaumstruktur umfasst bevorzugt ein Metall, eine Metalllegierung, Keramik, Glas, Kohlenstoff und/oder einen Kunststoff.Each of the insert elements may contain a foam structure having a different pore size. The foam structure preferably comprises a metal, a metal alloy, ceramic, glass, carbon and / or a plastic.

Das Misch- oder Dispergierelement nach einem der vorhergehenden Ausführungsbeispiele kann auch ein Temperiermittel enthalten. Beispielsweise kann der Kanal mit einem Temperiermittel ausgestattet sein oder von einem Temperiermittel umgeben sein.The mixing or dispersing element according to one of the preceding embodiments may also contain a tempering agent. For example, the channel may be equipped with a temperature control or be surrounded by a temperature control.

Zumindest ein Teil des Misch- oder Dispergierelements kann als Katalysatoroberfläche, insbesondere als Hydrolysekatalysatoroberfläche, ausgebildet sein.At least part of the mixing or dispersing element may be formed as a catalyst surface, in particular as a hydrolysis catalyst surface.

Das Misch- oder Dispergierelement kann entweder zur Verarbeitung von schon vorgemischten oder vordispergierten Fluidsystemen eingesetzt werden oder die zu mischende oder zu dispergierende Flüssigkeits- oder Gasphase wird bei der Verarbeitung hinzu dosiert. Falls das zu mischende oder dispergierende Fluid zudosiert wird, kann zumindest ein Dosierelement in den Kanal münden, in welchem das Misch- oder Dispergierelement angeordnet ist. Das Dosierelement dient zum Eintrag eines Fluids in die im Kanal strömende erste Flüssigkeit. Das Fluid kann ein Gas oder eine zweite Flüssigkeit sein. Insbesondere strömen das Fluid und die erste Flüssigkeit im Gleichstrom durch den Kanal.The mixing or dispersing element can either be used for processing already premixed or predispersed fluid systems, or the liquid or gas phase to be mixed or dispersed is added during processing. If that is to be mixed or dispersing fluid is metered, at least one metering element can open into the channel in which the mixing or dispersing element is arranged. The metering element serves to introduce a fluid into the first liquid flowing in the channel. The fluid may be a gas or a second liquid. In particular, the fluid and the first fluid flow in cocurrent through the channel.

Das Dosierelement ist vorteilhafterweise stromaufwärts des Dispergierelements angeordnet. Es ist auch möglich, ein Dosierelement in die Dispergierelemente einzubauen. Zur gleichmässigen Verteilung der zu dispergierenden Phase kann auch eine Mehrzahl von Dosierelementen in den Kanal münden oder in der Dispergierelement eingebaut werden.The metering element is advantageously arranged upstream of the dispersing element. It is also possible to install a metering element in the dispersing elements. For uniform distribution of the phase to be dispersed, it is also possible for a plurality of metering elements to open into the channel or to be installed in the dispersing element.

Das Dosierelement kann als ein Rohr mit Dosieröffnungen ausgestaltet sein. Die Dosieröffnung kann beispielsweise als eine Düse ausgebildet sein. Im Bereich der Dosieröffnung kann eine Krümmung vorgesehen sein, damit die zu dispergierende Phase sich optimal im Dispergierelement verteilen kann. Zur besseren Verteilung der zu dispergierenden Phase kann die Zuleitung eine Mehrzahl von Dosierelementen speisen, sodass die Anzahl der im Kanal angeordneten Einspeispunkte für die zu dispergierende Phase erhöht wird.The metering element can be designed as a tube with metering openings. The metering opening may be formed, for example, as a nozzle. In the area of the metering opening, a curvature can be provided so that the phase to be dispersed can be distributed optimally in the dispersing element. For better distribution of the phase to be dispersed, the feed line can feed a plurality of metering elements, so that the number of feed points arranged in the channel for the phase to be dispersed is increased.

Das Verfahren zur Erzeugung einer Mischung oder Dispersion gemäss der Erfindung umfasst folgende Schritte: in einem ersten Schritt werden gleichzeitig ein erstes Fluid und ein zweites Fluid in einen Kanal eingeleitet, wobei das erste Fluid mit dem zweiten Fluid in einem zweiten Schritt in einem Misch- oder Dispergierelement in Kontakt gebracht wird, wobei das Misch- oder Dispergierelement ein Einsatzelement zur Mikrovermischung oder Dispergierung enthält, welches eine Schaumstruktur enthält, die in dem Kanal angeordnet ist, sowie zusätzlich ein statisches Mischelement zur Makrovermischung oder zur Vordispergierung oder zur Makrodispergierung in dem Kanal angeordnet ist und wobei das erste Fluid und das zweite Fluid im Gleichstrom durch das Misch- oder Dispergierelement und durch das Einsatzelement geleitet werden, wodurch das zweite Fluid und das erste Fluid gemischt oder dispergiert wird.The method for producing a mixture or dispersion according to the invention comprises the following steps: in a first step, a first fluid and a second fluid are simultaneously introduced into a channel, wherein the first fluid with the second fluid in a second step in a mixing or Dispersing element is brought into contact, wherein the mixing or dispersing element contains a micromixing or dispersing insert element which contains a foam structure which is arranged in the channel, and in addition a static mixing element for macro mixing or predispersion or macrodispersion in the channel is arranged and wherein the first fluid and the second fluid flow in cocurrent through the mixing or dispersing element and through the Feed element are passed, whereby the second fluid and the first fluid is mixed or dispersed.

Das erste Fluid kann eine erste Flüssigkeit oder ein erstes Gas sein und das zweite Fluid kann eine zweite Flüssigkeit oder ein zweites Gas sein.The first fluid may be a first fluid or a first gas and the second fluid may be a second fluid or a second gas.

Das Verfahren zur Erzeugung einer Mischung oder Dispersion wird z.B. bei der Herstellung von Dispersionen oder Emulsionen bei Lebensmitteln, Haushaltprodukten oder Kosmetik angewendet. Auch bei der Erzeugung grosser Oberflächen für Reaktionen, dem Lösen eines Gases in einer Flüssigkeit, wie beispielsweise der Wasserbehandlung durch Ozon, ist eine Dispergierung erforderlich. Das Verfahren eignet sich auch speziell zum Mischen von Flüssigkeiten mit grossen Viskositätsunterschieden und oder stark unterschiedlichen Volumenstromverhältnissen oder zum Mischen von Flüssigkeiten mit schlechter Benetzung. Gase können durch das Zugeben von Waschflüssigkeiten effizient und mit sehr geringem Druckverlust gereinigt werden. Flüssigkeiten können auch mittels einer Sprühdüse in einen Gasstrom zudosiert und mit der Vorrichtung schnell und ganzheitlich verdampft werden.The process for producing a mixture or dispersion is described e.g. used in the preparation of dispersions or emulsions in food, household products or cosmetics. Also in the generation of large surfaces for reactions, the dissolution of a gas in a liquid, such as the water treatment by ozone, a dispersion is required. The method is also particularly suitable for mixing liquids with large viscosity differences and / or very different volume flow ratios or for mixing liquids with poor wetting. Gases can be cleaned efficiently by adding washing liquids and with very low pressure loss. Liquids can also be metered by means of a spray nozzle into a gas stream and evaporated with the device quickly and holistically.

Nachfolgend wird die Erfindung anhand der Zeichnungen erläutert. Es zeigen:

Fig. 1
eine schematische Ansicht eines Einsatzelements mit einer Schaumstruktur
Fig. 2
ein Misch- oder Dispergierelement mit einem Einsatzelement gemäss Fig. 1 nach einem ersten Ausführungsbeispiel
Fig. 3
ein Detail einer offenporigen Schaumstruktur des Einsatzelements
Fig. 4
einen Schnitt durch ein Misch- oder Dispergierelement nach einem zweiten Ausführungsbeispiel
Fig. 5
einen Schnitt durch ein Misch- oder Dispergierelement nach einem dritten Ausführungsbeispiel
Fig. 6
einen Schnitt durch ein Misch- oder Dispergierelement nach einem vierten Ausführungsbeispiel
Fig. 7
einen Schnitt durch ein Misch- oder Dispergierelement nach einem fünften Ausführungsbeispiel
Fig. 8
einen Schnitt durch ein Misch- oder Dispergierelement nach einem sechsten Ausführungsbeispiel
The invention will be explained with reference to the drawings. Show it:
Fig. 1
a schematic view of an insert element with a foam structure
Fig. 2
a mixing or dispersing element with an insert element according to Fig. 1 according to a first embodiment
Fig. 3
a detail of an open-pore foam structure of the insert element
Fig. 4
a section through a mixing or dispersing element according to a second embodiment
Fig. 5
a section through a mixing or dispersing element according to a third embodiment
Fig. 6
a section through a mixing or dispersing element according to a fourth embodiment
Fig. 7
a section through a mixing or dispersing element according to a fifth embodiment
Fig. 8
a section through a mixing or dispersing element according to a sixth embodiment

Das Misch- oder Dispergierelement 1 gemäss Fig. 1 umfasst einen Kanal 2, in welchem ein Einsatzelement 3, welches eine Schaumstruktur enthält, angeordnet ist. Der Kanal ist in Fig. 1 teilweise geschnitten dargestellt, sodass das Einsatzelement sichtbar ist. Das Einsatzelement gemäss Fig. 1 besteht vollständig aus der Schaumstruktur. Gegebenenfalls kann die Schaumstruktur von einem Mantelelement umgeben sein, um den Einbau in den Kanal 2 zu erleichtern.The mixing or dispersing 1 according to Fig. 1 comprises a channel 2, in which an insert element 3, which contains a foam structure, is arranged. The channel is in Fig. 1 shown partially cut so that the insert is visible. The insert element according to Fig. 1 consists entirely of the foam structure. Optionally, the foam structure may be surrounded by a jacket member to facilitate installation in the channel 2.

Der Kanal 2 gemäss Fig. 1 ist als Rohr mit kreisförmigem Querschnitt dargestellt. Selbstverständlich kann der Kanal beliebige andere Querschnittsformen aufweisen, insbesondere rechteckförmig ausgebildet sein.The channel 2 according to Fig. 1 is shown as a pipe with a circular cross-section. Of course, the channel may have any other cross-sectional shapes, in particular be formed rectangular.

In Fig. 2 ist ein Misch- oder Dispergierelement 10 dargestellt. Das Misch- oder Dispergierelement umfasst ebenfalls einen Kanal 2, in welchem ein erstes und ein zweites Einsatzelement 3, 4 angeordnet sind. Zwischen dem ersten und zweiten Einsatzelement 3, 4 ist ein erstes statisches Mischelement 5 vorgesehen, welches gemäss der CH 642 564 ausgestaltet ist. Des weiteren ist ein zweites statisches Mischelement 6 gezeigt, dessen Einbauten im wesentlichen der DE 22 05 371 entsprechen. Das erste statische Mischelement 5 ist unmittelbar angrenzend an das erste sowie das zweite Einsatzelement angeordnet. Das zweite statische Mischelement 6 ist in einem Abstand zum zweiten Einsatzelement 4 angeordnet.In Fig. 2 a mixing or dispersing element 10 is shown. The mixing or dispersing element also comprises a channel 2, in which a first and a second insert element 3, 4 are arranged. Between the first and second insert element 3, 4, a first static mixing element 5 is provided, which according to the CH 642 564 is designed. Furthermore, a second static mixing element 6 is shown, the internals of which substantially DE 22 05 371 correspond. The first static mixing element 5 is immediately adjacent to the first and the second Insert element arranged. The second static mixing element 6 is arranged at a distance from the second insert element 4.

Zeichnerisch nicht dargestellt ist ein Dosierelement, um ein Fluid in die durch den Kanal 2 strömende Flüssigkeit einzubringen. Ein derartiges Dosierelement ist beispielsweise in der EP 1 956 206 A2 gezeigt.Zeichnerisch not shown is a metering element to introduce a fluid in the flowing through the channel 2 liquid. Such a metering element is for example in the EP 1 956 206 A2 shown.

Dieses Ausführungsbeispiel ist nur ein exemplarische Darstellung einer möglichen Anordnung von Misch- oder Dispergierelementen und statischen Mischelementen zu einer Misch- oder Dispergiereinheit, die Erfindung ist in keiner Weise als auf dieses Ausführungsbeispiel beschränkt anzusehen.This embodiment is only an exemplary illustration of a possible arrangement of mixing or dispersing elements and static mixing elements to a mixing or dispersing unit, the invention is in no way to be regarded as limited to this embodiment.

Fig. 3 zeigt ein Beispiel für eine Schaumstruktur, die offenporig ist. Der in Fig. 3 dargestellte Ausschnitt kann beispielsweise in eine der Schaumstrukturen gemäss Fig. 1 oder Fig. 2 integriert sein. Die Pore ist ein Loch oder Hohlraum welche In Fig. 3 durch die Eckpunkte 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 begrenzt. Die einzelnen Poren sind nicht durch Wände voneinander getrennt. Beispielsweise ist die Fläche, welche von den Eckpunkten 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 aufgespannt wird, als eine Öffnung 21 ausgebildet. Diese Öffnung 21 befindet sich zwischen der oben genannten Pore und der zeichnerisch nicht dargestellten vor der Zeichenebene liegenden Pore. Angrenzende Poren können durch die Öffnungen von einem Fluid durchströmt werden. Die Öffnung 21 wird durch Stege 22, 23, 24, 25, 26 begrenzt, welche die Randbegrenzung benachbarter Poren bilden. Fig. 3 shows an example of a foam structure that is open-pore. The in Fig. 3 shown section can, for example, in one of the foam structures according to Fig. 1 or Fig. 2 be integrated. The pore is a hole or cavity which in Fig. 3 by the corner points 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 limited. The individual pores are not separated by walls. For example, the surface, which is spanned by the corner points 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, formed as an opening 21. This opening 21 is located between the above-mentioned pore and the drawing not shown before the plane lying pore. Adjacent pores can be traversed by the openings of a fluid. The opening 21 is bounded by webs 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, which form the boundary boundary of adjacent pores.

Die Praxis zeigt, dass beim Einsatz von Schaumstrukturen zur Mikrovermischung und oder Dispersion im Gleichstrombetrieb kaum eigentliche Maldistribution auftritt und die grosse innere Oberfläche der Schaumstruktur zu einer sehr effizienten Mikrovermischung und Dispergierung führt. Mikrovermischung ist definiert als eine auf einen Mikrobereich begrenzte Mischwirkung. Unter Mikrovermischung wird somit eine zonar begrenzte Vermischung verstanden, die nicht über den gesamten Querschnitt des Misch- oder Dispergierelements wirkt. Unter Maldistribution soll dabei eine ungleichmässige Durchmischung verstanden werden. Würde man einen Schnitt durch eine Querschnittsfläche des Dispergierelements legen, wären Zonen mit ausreichender Durchmischung mit Zonen mangelhafter Durchmischung sichtbar. Das heisst für Teile der Querschnittsfläche liegt die Durchmischung unterhalb eines Erwartungswerts, das heisst es handelt sich um eine Zone mangelhafter Durchmischung, für andere Teile der Querschnittsfläche entspricht die Durchmischung dem Erwartungswert oder übersteigt den Erwartungswert, das heisst es liegt eine Zone ausreichender Durchmischung vor.Practice shows that the use of foam structures for micro-mixing and or dispersion in DC operation hardly real Maldistribution occurs and the large inner surface of the foam structure leads to a very efficient micro-mixing and dispersion. Micro-mixing is defined as a micro-limited mixing action. By micro-mixing is thus meant a zonar limited mixing, which does not work over the entire cross-section of the mixing or dispersing. Under Maldistribution should be understood as a non-uniform mixing. If a section were taken through a cross-sectional area of the dispersing element, zones with sufficient mixing with zones of inadequate mixing would be visible. For parts of the cross-sectional area, the mixing is below an expected value, that is, it is a zone of poor mixing, for other parts of the cross-sectional area, the mixing corresponds to the expected value or exceeds the expected value, that is, there is a zone of sufficient mixing.

Eine grossskalige Vermischung ist mit einer Schaumstruktur allein nicht erreichbar, da Schaumstrukturen ungerichtet sind. Unter grossskaliger Vermischung versteht man dabei einen Mischprozess, bei dem Fluid oder dem Gas über grössere Distanzen senkrecht zur Hauptströmungsrichtung bewegt und durch die Bewegungen des Fluids oder Gases Inhomogenitäten der Verteilung der einzelnen Komponenten im Fluid oder im Gas in Ebenen senkrecht zur Hauptströmungsrichtung ausgeglichen werden. Deswegen ist eine Kombination von klassischen statischen Mischelementen zur grossskaligen Vermischung und Vordispergierung und Schaumstrukturen zur Mikrovermischung und Feindispergierung vorteilhaft. Unter Feindispergierung wird das Resultat der Mikrodispergierung verstanden, das heisst eine Dispersion oder Emulsion, in welcher die dispergierte Phase mit einer maximalen Tropfengrösse von kleiner als 2 mm, bevorzugt kleiner 1 mm vorliegt. Auch durch die Kombination von Schaumstrukturen unterschiedlicher Porengrösse kann keine ausreichende grossskalige Vermischung erreicht werden.A large-scale mixing is not achievable with a foam structure alone, since foam structures are undirected. Large-scale mixing means a mixing process in which fluid or gas is moved over greater distances perpendicular to the main flow direction and inhomogeneities in the distribution of the individual components in the fluid or gas in planes perpendicular to the main flow direction are compensated by the movements of the fluid or gas. Therefore, a combination of classical static mixing elements for large-scale mixing and predispersion and foam structures for micro-mixing and fine dispersion is advantageous. Fine dispersion is understood to mean the result of the microdispersion, that is to say a dispersion or emulsion in which the dispersed phase having a maximum droplet size of less than 2 mm, preferably less than 1 mm, is present. Also by the combination of foam structures of different pore size can not be achieved large scale mixing sufficient.

Es ist auch möglich, eine Kugelpackung einzusetzen, welche ebenfalls offenporig ist. Ein wesentlicher Unterschied von Kugelpackungen zu den vorhin beschriebenen Schaumstrukturen, liegt darin, dass Kugelpackungen typischerweise 25-40% freies Volumen und somit ein deutlich schlechteres Verhältnis von Volumen zu Oberfläche sowie grössere Druckverluste aufweisen. Die beschriebenen Schaumstrukturen haben ein freies Volumen von 40 bis zu einschliesslich 97%.It is also possible to use a ball packing, which is also porous. An essential difference of ball packages to the previously described foam structures is that ball packages typically have 25-40% free volume and thus a significantly poorer volume to surface ratio and greater pressure drops exhibit. The foam structures described have a free volume of from 40 up to and including 97%.

Fig. 4 zeigt ein Misch- oder Dispergierelement 30 nach einem zweiten Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung, welches ein statisches Mischelement 5 sowie ein Einsatzelement 3 aufweist. Ein Strömungskanal 2 ist hierzu entlang seiner Längsachse aufgeschnitten dargestellt. Das statische Mischelement 5 enthält eine erste Anordnung 7 von Stegelementen und eine zweite Anordnung 8 von Stegelementen. Je zwei benachbarte Stegelemente gehören entweder der ersten Anordnung 7 an oder der zweiten Anordnung 8 an. Jede der ersten oder zweiten Anordnungen kann eine Mehrzahl von Stegelementen enthalten, Die Stegelemente stellen ein Hindernis für die Fluidströmung dar, die Stegelemente werden von dem Fluid umströmt, wodurch es zu einer Umlenkung und oder Wirbelbildung der Fluidströmung kommt. Durch diese Umlenkung und oder Wirbelbildung der Strömung erfolgt eine Durchmischung. Insbesondere können die Stegelemente gemäss der CH 642 564 oder der EP 0 526 392 A1 ausgebildet sein. Die Durchströmungsrichtung kann je nach Anwendung zuerst durch das Mischelement und dann durch die Schaumstruktur oder aber umgekehrt erfolgen. Fig. 4 shows a mixing or dispersing 30 according to a second embodiment of the invention, which has a static mixing element 5 and an insert element 3. A flow channel 2 is shown cut open along its longitudinal axis. The static mixing element 5 comprises a first arrangement 7 of web elements and a second arrangement 8 of web elements. Each two adjacent web elements belong either to the first arrangement 7 or to the second arrangement 8. Each of the first or second arrangements may comprise a plurality of web elements. The web elements are an obstacle to the fluid flow, the web elements are flowed around by the fluid, which leads to a deflection and or vortex formation of the fluid flow. Through this deflection and or vortex formation of the flow is mixed. In particular, the web elements according to the CH 642 564 or the EP 0 526 392 A1 be educated. Depending on the application, the direction of flow may first be through the mixing element and then through the foam structure or vice versa.

Stromabwärts des statischen Mischelements ist das Einsatzelement 3 angeordnet, welches gemäss einer der Fig. 1 bis 3 aufgebaut ist.Downstream of the static mixing element, the insert element 3 is arranged, which according to one of Fig. 1 to 3 is constructed.

Fig. 5 zeigt ein Misch- oder Dispergierelement 40 nach einem dritten Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung, welches einstatisches Mischelement 5 sowie ein Einsatzelement 3 aufweist. Das Einsatzelement 3 ist stromabwärts des statischen Mischelements 5 angeordnet. Stromabwärts des Einsatzelements 3 ist ein weiteres statisches Mischelement 6 angeordnet. Das statische Mischelement 6 kann den gleichen Aufbau wie das statische Mischelement 5 haben, der insbesondere wie in Fig. 4 ausgestaltet sein kann. Alternativ dazu kann das statische Mischelement 6 und/oder das statische Mischelement 5 auch eine andere Bauweise haben, beispielsweise wie in Fig. 2 für das dort gezeigte statische Mischelement 6 gezeigt ist. Fig. 5 shows a mixing or dispersing element 40 according to a third embodiment of the invention, which has static mixing element 5 and an insert element 3. The insert element 3 is arranged downstream of the static mixing element 5. Downstream of the insert element 3, a further static mixing element 6 is arranged. The static mixing element 6 may have the same structure as the static mixing element 5, in particular as in Fig. 4 can be designed. Alternatively, the static mixing element 6 and / or the static Mixing element 5 also have a different design, for example, as in Fig. 2 for the static mixing element 6 shown there is shown.

Fig. 6 zeigt ein Misch- oder Dispergierelement 50 nach einem vierten Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung, welches ein erstes statisches Mischelement 5 sowie ein erstes Einsatzelement 3 aufweist, welches stromabwärts des ersten statischen Mischelements 5 angeordnet ist. Im Anschluss an das erste Einsatzelement 3, also stromabwärts desselben, ist ein zweites statisches Mischelement 6 angeordnet. Stromabwärts des statischen Mischelements 6 ist ein zweites Einsatzelement 4 angeordnet. Stromabwärts des zweiten Einsatzelements 4 ist ein drittes statisches Mischelement 35 angeordnet und stromabwärts dieses dritten statischen Mischelements ist ein drittes Einsatzelement 33 angeordnet. Selbstverständlich ist es möglich, weitere statische Mischelemente und/oder Einsatzelemente in jeweils alternierender Folge anzuordnen. Es ist auch möglich, eine Gruppe von mindestens 2 Einsatzelementen zu bilden, welche im Anschluss an einen oder einer Gruppe von mindestens 2 statischen Mischelementen angeordnet ist. Fig. 6 shows a mixing or dispersing 50 according to a fourth embodiment of the invention, which has a first static mixing element 5 and a first insert element 3, which is arranged downstream of the first static mixing element 5. Following the first insert element 3, that is to say downstream thereof, a second static mixing element 6 is arranged. Downstream of the static mixing element 6, a second insert element 4 is arranged. Downstream of the second insert element 4, a third static mixing element 35 is arranged, and downstream of this third static mixing element, a third insert element 33 is arranged. Of course, it is possible to arrange further static mixing elements and / or insert elements in each case in an alternating sequence. It is also possible to form a group of at least 2 insert elements, which is arranged following one or a group of at least 2 static mixing elements.

Selbstverständlich ist es auch möglich, die zumindest eines der statischen Mischelemente in einem Winkel relativ zu einem der anderen statischen Mischelemente anzuordnen. Insbesondere kann die Position eines ersten statischen Mischelements um 90° um die Längsachse des Kanals verdreht relativ zum zweiten statischen Mischelement sein.Of course, it is also possible to arrange the at least one of the static mixing elements at an angle relative to one of the other static mixing elements. In particular, the position of a first static mixing element may be rotated 90 ° about the longitudinal axis of the channel relative to the second static mixing element.

Fig. 7 zeigt ein Misch- oder Dispergierelement 60 nach einem fünften Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung. Dieses Dispergierelement weist dieselbe Anordnung an statischen Mischelementen 5, 6, 35 und dieselbe Anordnung an Einsatzelementen 3, 4, 33 auf wie Fig. 6, allerdings hat das Einsatzelement 33 vom statischen Mischelement 35 einen Abstand. Ein derartiger Abstand kann vorteilhaft sein, um eine längere Mischstrecke stromabwärts des statischen Mischelements bereitzustellen, sodass sich die einzelnen Fluidstränge durchmischen, die durch die Umlenkung der Fluidströmung entlang der Oberflächen der ersten und zweiten Anordnungen 7, 8 der Stegelemente gebildet werden. Fig. 7 shows a mixing or dispersing element 60 according to a fifth embodiment of the invention. This dispersing element has the same arrangement of static mixing elements 5, 6, 35 and the same arrangement of insert elements 3, 4, 33 as Fig. 6 However, the insert element 33 has a distance from the static mixing element 35. Such a distance may be advantageous in order to provide a longer mixing distance downstream of the static mixing element, so that the individual fluid strands mix through the deflection of the Fluid flow along the surfaces of the first and second assemblies 7, 8 of the web elements are formed.

Selbstverständlich kann der Abstand auch an jeder anderen Stelle des Misch- oder Dispergierelements 60 vorgesehen sein. Es ist auch möglich, entsprechende Abstände in den Misch- oder Dispergierelementen 1, 10, 30, 50 der vorhergehenden Ausführungsbeispiele bzw. dem Dispergierelement 70 des nachfolgenden Ausführungsbeispiels vorzusehen.Of course, the distance may also be provided at any other location of the mixing or dispersing element 60. It is also possible to provide corresponding distances in the mixing or dispersing elements 1, 10, 30, 50 of the preceding embodiments or the dispersing element 70 of the following embodiment.

Fig. 8 zeigt ein Misch- oder Dispergierelement 70 nach einem sechsten Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung. Dieses Misch- oder Dispergierelement 70 enthält vier in Serie angeordnete statische Mischelemente 5, 6, 35 und 36. Eines der statischen Mischelemente, hier das statische Mischelement 36 ist in ein Einsatzelement 34 eingebaut. Das statische Mischelement 36 und das Einsatzelement 34 werden somit gleichzeitig vom Fluidgemisch durchströmt. Hierdurch kann die Wirkungsweise des statischen Mischelements mit der Wirkungsweise des Einsatzelements kombiniert werden, das heisst es tritt gleichzeitig eine grossskalige Umlagerung der Strömung durch die Anordnungen der Stegelemente des statischen Mischelements und eine Mikrovermischung respektive Dispergierung durch das Einsatzelement 34 auf. Fig. 8 shows a mixing or dispersing 70 according to a sixth embodiment of the invention. This mixing or dispersing element 70 contains four series-arranged static mixing elements 5, 6, 35 and 36. One of the static mixing elements, here the static mixing element 36 is installed in an insert element 34. The static mixing element 36 and the insert element 34 are thus simultaneously flowed through by the fluid mixture. As a result, the mode of action of the static mixing element can be combined with the mode of action of the insert element, ie a large-scale rearrangement of the flow occurs simultaneously through the arrangements of the web elements of the static mixing element and micro-mixing or dispersion through the insert element 34.

Zusätzlich zeigt Fig. 8 einen Kanal 9, in welchem ein Temperiermittel 27 strömen kann. Der Kanal 9 umgibt den Kanal 2, durch welchen das Fluidgemisch strömt. Der Kanal 9 kann insbesondere ringförmig ausgebildet sein. Das heisst, der Kanal umgibt die äussere Mantelfläche des Gehäuseelements 29 als ein weiteres Gehäuseelement 31. Das Gehäuseelement 29 und das Gehäuseelement 31 sind hierbei vorzugsweise als Rohr ausgebildet. Alternativ dazu können eine Mehrzahl von Kanälen auf der äusseren Mantelfläche des den Kanal 2 begrenzenden Gehäuseelements 29 angeordnet sein, ein Ausführungsbeispiel, welches zeichnerisch nicht dargestellt ist.Additionally shows Fig. 8 a channel 9, in which a temperature control 27 can flow. The channel 9 surrounds the channel 2, through which the fluid mixture flows. The channel 9 may be formed in particular annular. That is, the channel surrounds the outer surface of the housing member 29 as a further housing member 31. The housing member 29 and the housing member 31 are preferably formed here as a tube. Alternatively, a plurality of channels may be arranged on the outer circumferential surface of the channel 2 delimiting the housing member 29, an embodiment which is not shown in the drawing.

Das Temperiermittel 27 strömt gemäss Fig. 8 im Gegenstrom zum Fluidgemisch 28, alternativ ist auch eine Führung im Gleichstrom oder Kreuzstrom möglich.The temperature control 27 flows according to Fig. 8 in countercurrent to the fluid mixture 28, alternatively, a guide in DC or cross flow is possible.

Es hat sich gezeigt, dass eine Kombination von Mischelementen mit Einsatzelementen mit offenporigen Schaumstrukturen zu sehr kurzen und energieeffizienten Vorrichtungen zum Mischen, für das Dispergieren und Emulgieren sowie auch für den Wärmeaustausch führen. Diese können je nach Aufgabenstellung deutlich kürzer sein und auch einen deutlich kleineren Druckverlust aufweisen als statische Mischelemente allein oder Einsatzelemente, die nur aus offenen Schaumstrukturen bestehen. Der erste Teil des Dispergierelements nach einem der vorhergehenden Ausführungsbeispiele wird dabei bevorzugt durch über den ganzen Querschnitt mischende statische Mischelemente gestaltet. Das statische Mischelement oder eine Mehrzahl an statischen Mischelementen bewirkt eine grossskalige erste Vermischung oder Dispergierung der einem Fluid- oder Gasstrom zudosierten Komponente zur Ausbildung des Fluidgemischs.It has been found that a combination of mixing elements with insert elements with open-pored foam structures lead to very short and energy-efficient devices for mixing, for dispersing and emulsifying as well as for the heat exchange. These can be significantly shorter depending on the task and also have a much smaller pressure loss than static mixing elements alone or insert elements that consist only of open foam structures. The first part of the dispersing element according to one of the preceding embodiments is preferably designed by static mixing elements mixing over the entire cross section. The static mixing element or a plurality of static mixing elements causes a gross-scale first mixing or dispersion of a fluid or gas flow metered component for forming the fluid mixture.

Bevorzugt werden 1 bis 5 statische Mischelemente verwendet. Das Einsatzelement des Misch- oder Dispergierelements 1, 10, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70 besteht dann bevorzugt aus einem offenporigen feinzelligen Schaum. In diesem wird die vorgemischte respektive die vordispergierte Mischung des Fluidgemischs auf kurzer Strecke intensiv im Mikrobereich weitergemischt oder dispergiert. Die verwendeten Schaumstrukturen haben vorzugsweise einen freien Volumenanteil von grösser 70, 80, 90%.Preferably, 1 to 5 static mixing elements are used. The insert element of the mixing or dispersing element 1, 10, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70 then preferably consists of an open-celled fine-celled foam. In this, the premixed or predispersed mixture of the fluid mixture is intensively mixed or dispersed in the micro range over a short distance. The foam structures used preferably have a free volume fraction of greater than 70, 80, 90%.

Speziell für die Anwendung des Misch- oder Dispergierelements zum Dispergieren kann ein weiteres statisches Mischelement oder eine Mehrzahl von statischen Mischelementen hilfreich sein, um die gebildeten feinen Blasen oder Tropfen homogen über den ganzen Kanalquerschnitt zu verteilen. Je nach Anwendung, zum Beispiel beim Wärmetausch oder bei der Durchführung von chemischen Reaktionen sind auch mehrere Abfolgen von statischen Mischelementen und Schaumstrukturen sinnvoll. So kann zum Beispiel ein Wärmetauscher aus einem Rohr mit einem Doppelmantel bestehen, in welchem die Wärrneträgerflüssigkeit zirkuliert. Die Wärmeenergie wird dann über die Rohrwand zu- oder abgeführt. In den Bereichen, an welchen im Rohr Schaumstrukturen aus Metall angebracht sind, ist die Wärmeübertragung sehr hoch, bedingt durch die gute Wärmeleitung und die grosse Oberfläche der Schaumstruktur. In den Bereichen, welche ein oder mehrere statische Mischelemente enthalten, werden die entstehenden Temperaturgradienten wieder über den ganzen Querschnitt ausgeglichen und so das treibende Temperaturgefälle wieder erhöht, was dann im nächsten Abschnitt mit Schaumstruktur wieder zu einem sehr effizienten Wärmeaustausch führt. Für den Wärmeaustausch können die Mischelemente auch aus Rohren bestehen, die vom Wärmeträgermedium durchströmt werden.Especially for the application of the mixing or dispersing element for dispersing, another static mixing element or a plurality of static mixing elements may be helpful in order to distribute the formed fine bubbles or drops homogeneously over the entire channel cross section. Depending on the application, for example in the heat exchange or in the execution of chemical reactions, several sequences of static mixing elements and foam structures are useful. So can to Example, a heat exchanger consist of a tube with a double jacket, in which circulates the heat carrier fluid. The heat energy is then added or removed via the pipe wall. In the areas to which foam structures made of metal are attached in the tube, the heat transfer is very high, due to the good heat conduction and the large surface of the foam structure. In the areas which contain one or more static mixing elements, the resulting temperature gradients are balanced again over the entire cross section, thus increasing the driving temperature gradient again, which then leads to a very efficient heat exchange in the next section with foam structure. For the heat exchange, the mixing elements can also consist of tubes, which are flowed through by the heat transfer medium.

Wenn in dem Misch- oder Dispergierelement chemische Reaktionen ablaufen sollen, können mehrere in Serie angebrachte Abfolgen von Schaumstrukturen und statischen Mischelementen zu sehr kurzen Verweilzeiten und hohen Reaktionsausbeuten führen. Besonders vorteilhaft kann ein Misch- oder Dispergierelement für eine Gas/flüssig Reaktion eingesetzt werden, die in mindestens zwei Phasen abläuft. Unter Phase ist hier der Aggregatzustand der einzelnen Komponenten zu verstehen. Eine Komponente kann beispielsweise gasförmig vorliegen, das heisst als Gasphase, eine weitere Komponente kann in flüssigem Aggregatzustand vorliegen, das heisst als Flüssigphase.If chemical reactions are to take place in the mixing or dispersing element, several successive series of foam structures and static mixing elements can result in very short residence times and high reaction yields. Particularly advantageously, a mixing or dispersing element can be used for a gas / liquid reaction, which proceeds in at least two phases. Phase is here the aggregate state of the individual components to understand. For example, one component may be in gaseous form, that is, as a gaseous phase, and another component may be in a liquid state, that is, as a liquid phase.

Bei allen Ausführungsbeispielen ist die Porengrösse der Schaumstruktur bevorzugt weniger als 1/5, insbesondere weniger als 1/10, besonders bevorzugt weniger als 1/20 des Abstands zwischen zwei benachbarten Stegelementen, Plattenabständen oder Kanalabständen. Die Stegelemente, Plattenelemente oder Kanäle sind jeweils zu der ersten Anordnung 7 bzw. der zweiten Anordnung 8 der statischen Mischelemente gehörig.In all exemplary embodiments, the pore size of the foam structure is preferably less than 1/5, in particular less than 1/10, particularly preferably less than 1/20 of the distance between two adjacent web elements, plate spacings or channel spacings. The web elements, plate elements or channels are respectively associated with the first arrangement 7 and the second arrangement 8 of the static mixing elements.

Grundsätzlich ist es auch möglich, die statischen Mischelemente mit der Schaumstruktur im gleichen Abschnitt zu kombinieren, wobei dann mindestens ein Teil der Zwischenräume im Mischelement durch eine zusätzliche Schaumstruktur ausgefüllt wird. Zwischen den einzelnen Segmenten von Mischelementen und / oder Schaumstrukturen können auch Leerräume bestehen. Es können auch Kombinationen von Schaumstrukturen unterschiedlicher Porengrösse sowie unterschiedliche Mischelemente und unterschiedlich skalierte Mischelemente kombiniert werden. Die Schaumstrukturen und Mischelemente können aus unterschiedlichen Materialien wie zum Beispiel Metall, Keramik, Kunststoff hergestellt werden.In principle, it is also possible to combine the static mixing elements with the foam structure in the same section, in which case at least a part of the intermediate spaces in the mixing element is filled by an additional foam structure. There may also be voids between the individual segments of mixing elements and / or foam structures. It is also possible to combine combinations of foam structures of different pore sizes as well as different mixing elements and differently scaled mixing elements. The foam structures and mixing elements can be made of different materials such as metal, ceramic, plastic.

Die beschriebenen Misch- oder Dispergierelemente eignen sich zum Mischen, zur Herstellung von Emulsionen, Dispersionen, Schäumen und zum Wärmetausch. Die Herstellung der Mischelemente und der Schaumstrukturen kann durch konventionelle Verfahren, sowie auch durch Rapid Manufacturing erfolgen. Die beschriebenen Misch- oder Dispergierelemente können auch sehr kostengünstig hergestellt werden. Durch die Verwendung von Schaumstrukturen kann die Anzahl der statischen Mischelemente gegenüber statischen Mischern gemäss des Standes der Technik signifikant reduziert werden, was auch zu deutlich kleineren Druckverlusten führt. Die statischen Mischelemente können zusätzlich als Stütz- und Befestigungsstrukturen für die Schaumstrukturen dienen. Dies ist speziell bei Durchmessern von grösser als 10 cm interessant, da dort die Schaumstrukturen im Verhältnis zum Rohrdurchmesser relativ dünn sein können und entsprechend abgestützt werden sollten. Die Befestigung erfolgt bevorzugt am einfachsten über ein Abstützelement.The mixing or dispersing elements described are suitable for mixing, for the preparation of emulsions, dispersions, foams and for heat exchange. The preparation of the mixing elements and the foam structures can be done by conventional methods, as well as by rapid manufacturing. The described mixing or dispersing elements can also be produced very inexpensively. By using foam structures, the number of static mixing elements compared to static mixers according to the prior art can be significantly reduced, which also leads to significantly smaller pressure losses. The static mixing elements can additionally serve as support and attachment structures for the foam structures. This is especially interesting for diameters larger than 10 cm, since there the foam structures in relation to the pipe diameter can be relatively thin and should be supported accordingly. The attachment is preferably carried out easiest via a support element.

Claims (15)

  1. A mixing or dispersing element (1, 10, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70), including a passage (2) in which an insertion element (3, 4, 33, 34) is arranged which contains a foam structure, characterized in that a static mixing element (5, 6, 35, 36) for macro mixing or for predispersing or for macro dispersing is arranged in the passage (2) combined with at least one insertion element for micro mixing or dispersing (3, 4, 33, 34).
  2. A mixing or dispersing element in accordance with claim 1, wherein a static mixing element is arranged at least partly upstream of the insertion element for premixing and predispensing.
  3. A mixing or dispersing element in accordance with claim 2, wherein the static mixing element is formed as a first static mixing element (5) and at least one second static mixing element (6, 35, 36) is arranged downstream of the insertion element (3, 4, 33, 34).
  4. A mixing or dispersing element in accordance with claim 3, wherein at least one second insertion element (4, 33, 34) is arranged downstream of the second static mixing element (6, 35, 36).
  5. A mixing or dispersing element in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the static mixing elements (36) contains an insertion element (34).
  6. A mixing or dispersing element in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, wherein a spacing is formed between at least one of the insertion elements (3, 4, 33, 34) and the static mixing element (5, 6, 35, 36).
  7. A mixing or dispersing element in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pore size of the foam structure is less than 1/5, in particular less than 1/10, particularly preferably less than 1/20 of the spacing between two adjacent bar elements, plates or passages of the mixing element.
  8. A mixing or dispersing element in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, wherein the foam structure includes a metal, a metal alloy, a ceramic material, glass, carbon and/or a plastic.
  9. A mixing or dispersing element in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, wherein the foam structure has a mean pore size of up to and including 100 PPI, preferably a mean pore size of 10 up to and including 100 PPI.
  10. A mixing or dispersing element in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, wherein the foam structure has a free volume from 40% up to 97%, preferably from 50% to 95%.
  11. A mixing or dispersing element in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, which contains a temperature adjusting means.
  12. A mixing or dispersing element in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, which is made at least partly as a catalyst surface, in particular as a hydrolysis catalyst surface.
  13. A mixing or dispersing element in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one metering element is provided for inputting a fluid into the passage (2).
  14. A mixing or dispersing element in accordance with claim 13, wherein the metering element is arranged upstream of the insertion element (3, 4).
  15. A method of producing a dispersion, wherein, in a first step, a first fluid and a second fluid are simultaneously introduced into a passage, wherein the first fluid is brought into contact with the second fluid in a second step in a mixing or dispersing element, wherein the mixing or dispersing element contains an insertion element for micro mixing or dispersing which contains a foam structure which is arranged in the passage as well as additionally a static mixing element for macro mixing or for predispersing or for macro dispersing is arranged in the passage, and wherein the first fluid and the second fluid are conducted in parallel flow through the mixing or dispersing element and through the insertion element, whereby the second fluid and the first fluid are mixed or dispersed.
EP10768911.9A 2010-03-22 2010-10-08 Method and device for dispersion Not-in-force EP2550088B1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP10768911.9A EP2550088B1 (en) 2010-03-22 2010-10-08 Method and device for dispersion

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP10157132A EP2368625A1 (en) 2010-03-22 2010-03-22 Method and device for dispersion
PCT/EP2010/065146 WO2011116840A1 (en) 2010-03-22 2010-10-08 Mixing or dispersing element and process for static mixing or dispersing
EP10768911.9A EP2550088B1 (en) 2010-03-22 2010-10-08 Method and device for dispersion

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2550088A1 EP2550088A1 (en) 2013-01-30
EP2550088B1 true EP2550088B1 (en) 2013-12-04

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EP10157132A Withdrawn EP2368625A1 (en) 2010-03-22 2010-03-22 Method and device for dispersion
EP10768911.9A Not-in-force EP2550088B1 (en) 2010-03-22 2010-10-08 Method and device for dispersion

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EP10157132A Withdrawn EP2368625A1 (en) 2010-03-22 2010-03-22 Method and device for dispersion

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US (1) US20130065973A1 (en)
EP (2) EP2368625A1 (en)
JP (1) JP2013522029A (en)
KR (1) KR20130028711A (en)
CN (1) CN102917780B (en)
BR (1) BR112012021886A2 (en)
RU (1) RU2538879C2 (en)
WO (1) WO2011116840A1 (en)

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Publication number Publication date
BR112012021886A2 (en) 2016-05-24
JP2013522029A (en) 2013-06-13
CN102917780B (en) 2015-02-11
CN102917780A (en) 2013-02-06
WO2011116840A1 (en) 2011-09-29
RU2012144729A (en) 2014-04-27
EP2368625A1 (en) 2011-09-28
KR20130028711A (en) 2013-03-19
EP2550088A1 (en) 2013-01-30
US20130065973A1 (en) 2013-03-14
RU2538879C2 (en) 2015-01-10

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