Inventors:
Milton C. Shaw - Tempe AZ
Assignee:
University Patents, Inc. - Norwalk CT
International Classification:
B01F 506
Abstract:
An improved static mixer is disclosed which is capable of efficient mixing and is of a construction which allows relatively inexpensive manufacture. A pair of flow channels are provided for respectively receiving the fluids to be mixed at respective ends thereof. The flow channels have at least one common wall element therebetween, the common wall element having an undulating shape which alternately enlarges and restricts one of the channels while simultaneously alternately restricting and enlarging the other of the channels in opposing relationship. The common wall has openings therein at about the peaks and valleys of the undulations. In operation, two fluids to be mixed are introduced to the respective flow channels. At each peak or valley of the undulating wall element, the opposing enlargement and restriction of the two channels causes a pressure difference and results in a cross flow through the openings in the common wall element. In one form of the disclosed mixer, the common wall element comprises an undulating sheet separating side-by-side flow channels.