Three-dimensional numerical simulation of flow and heat transfer in the Sulzer SMX static mixer

Computational fluid dynamics is applied to calculate flow velocities, press ure drops, residence time distributions and heat transfer in a three-dimens ional model of the Sulzer SMX static mixer for both Newtonian and non-Newto nian power-law fluids. A duct with a square cross-section is used with 2, 4 and 8 sections of three plates each per mixing element. The velocity profi les are shown in various cross-sections. The calculated pressure drop agree s with experimental results. Calculated heat transfer coefficients for cool ing through the wall appeared to be lower than the experimental values due to the fact that heat conduction in the plates was neglected. Simulation wi th infinite conductivity of the plates resulted in higher heat transfer coe fficients than experimentally observed. Simulation of the residence time di stribution by means of particle tracking gave mass Peclet numbers of 4.2 pe r SMX element, which agrees well with experimental values. (C) 1999 Elsevie r Science Ltd. All rights reserved.