The NETmix reactor: Pressure drop measurements and 3D CFD modeling

NETmix is a new static mixing technology based on a network of mixing chambers interconnected by channels. Three NETmix reactors with different geometries were used to obtain experimental data for pressure drop and a generalized model for pressure drop in NETmix reactors has been developed. This model features a single adjustable parameter and it is only dependent on the geometric configuration of the NETmix design. The Z factor and the power number were also determined to compare the performance of different NETmix configurations with other existing mixers. The dynamic measurement of pressure drop was used to evaluate the mixing dynamics in the NETmix chambers and, above the critical Reynolds number, the natural oscillation frequency was quantified. Furthermore, a three-dimensional computational fluid dynamic transport model was also developed and validated. The energy performance of the three NETmix prototypes was quantified and shown to be very competitive with the compared existing static mixers. The developed 3D CFD transport model, validated by the reported experimental data, enables the computation of transport properties for any geometrical design and fluid properties, and avoids the need for experimental data each time a new NETmix configuration is designed.