Effect of temperature, geometric parameters, and surface conditions on fluid mixing in a vertical port static mixer

Abstract

This study comprehensively investigates how elevated temperature and surface roughness affect vertical liquid jet mixing in a multi-port nozzle, using both experimental and computational methods. It explores various geometrical parameters and precise nozzle positioning. Experiments, conducted across different temperature and surface roughness conditions, involve adjusting convergent nozzle angles, driving nozzle distance from the throat, and insert presence. Conductivity probes, turbidity meters, and pH meters quantify fluid mixing under diverse conditions. Optimal mixing conditions for vertical flow secondary fluid inlets are determined, along with corresponding mixing efficiencies for each port. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations with ANSYS Fluent R2 2001 confirm that the highest mixing efficiency of nearly 98% is achieved with an elevated temperature of 50 °C, a rough-surfaced convergent nozzle, a helical insert, and a 45 mm driving nozzle distance, when all vertical ports are open simultaneously. These findings advance understanding of optimizing vertical-flow mixing in multi-port static mixers under varying conditions.