Modeling of Blending of Newtonian Fluids using Bespoke Static Mixer Geometry

Static mixers are metal structures inserted into pipes to enhance the mixing of fluids flows. Different mixer designs cause different levels of mixing for a given energy loss. An ongoing and promising project is the invention of a new mixer geometry that is more efficient than anything on the market. Experimental testing uses the PLIF technique to quantify the mixing efficiency of mixers. It works by illuminating a fluorescent dye in a fluid at the outlet of a static mixer to generate a cross-sectional image of the flow. Yet, repeated fabrication of mixers with minute variation is expensive in both materials and the single-use test fluid. The goal is to validate the use of CFD to simulate the experiments in a computer and match these models to the real-world experiments. If successful, a computer will test 10s of prototypes in the time it takes to fabricate and run one real experiment. This will save time, material cost and reduce environmental impact from fluid wastage.

Faculty Supervisor:

Alexandra Komrakova

Student:

Partner:

University of Birmingham

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Oil and Gas; Agriculture and Food; Pharmaceuticals

University:

University of Alberta

Program: