Inline mixers are a highly efficient solution for mixing in process. Often confused with Static Mixers, they are commonly referred to as Dynamic Inline Mixers as well. Dynamic inline mixing sees wide use in the wastewater treatment, mining and oil refining industries. Inline mixing is exceptional at delivering high-shear mixing and blending while reducing both capital costs, footprint, and installation time. In comparison to Static Mixers, Dynamic Inline Mixers do not influence head pressure, or clogging. Energy is focused only on the required reaction, leaving your process control and flow rate unaffected.
Often, we can provide an inline mixing solution that will deliver the same results as a tank mixer while saving time, money, and space for the facility.
Design Considerations for Inline Mixers
Careful design is necessary for inline mixing to meet process requirements. The mixer body replaces a section of pipe, and a drive sits on top. An impeller shaft passes through the pipe wall, allowing the impeller inside to apply vigorous – violent, high-shear mixing to the contents. Additional chamber design before or after the impeller can be used to control and produce additional turbulence.
Our engineers determine the optimal housing, impeller, and drive configuration for your application. The combination of these factors will define the mixing achieved by the impeller and the corresponding blending and uniformity. Careful design is required to ensure that process requirements are met.
Dynamic inline mixers are most appropriate in applications that require violent mixing with a short retention time. In these applications, they provide a more uniform output than static inline mixers, which rely on flow over plates and other elements to induce turbulence.
Inline Mixers in Wastewater Treatment
Coagulation relies on flash mixing in order to blend added coagulants rapidly. These coagulants contain metals that form multi-charged polynuclear complexes to destabilize colloidal particles. The destabilization neutralizes the surface charges of the colloidal particles, eliminating the repulsion that prevents them from forming flocs.
High-shear mixing is necessary to prevent premature agglomeration of the coagulants before destabilization can occur. If the process inadequately destabilizes the effluent, flocs cannot form, and contaminants will remain suspended in the water. Sufficient blending is also necessary to ensure homogenous destabilization.
Retention times can vary for inline mixers. Inline mixers are, in many cases, superior to tank mixers for coagulation. They provide the same violent agitation but prevent the possibility for dead zones or short-circuiting. The thorough blending of inline mixing also ensures homogenous composition as flow proceeds to flocculation.
Wastewater treatment facilities can significantly benefit from implementing inline mixing for coagulation. Instead of requiring a tank, mixer, drive, and other auxiliary equipment, they can install a compact dynamic inline mixer and drive. As a result, the facility will save space and capital costs while also enjoying easier installation and maintenance.
Dynamix Engineered Mixing Solutions
The engineering team at Dynamix designs inline mixers for wastewater treatment, oil refining, mining and many other industries. Your organization could benefit from lower capital costs and a reduced footprint for your process with a custom inline mixing solution. Contact Dynamix today for a quote on an inline mixer or any of our tank and utility mixers.
