Simulation of gas-liquid flow in a helical static mixer

Despite obvious shortcomings of the models for this application, some conclusions on the suitability of certain mixer designs for gas-liquid dispersion may be drawn already. The swirling flows created by the twist and turn of the helical mixer elements, which in turn pushes the lighter phase towards the center of the pipe is well predicted and validated. Further investigations have to consider the bubble size distribution e.g. by a population balance model to accurately predict the dispersion of the gas phase within and downstream the helical static mixer.