Mixer/HEX `combo' targets heat sensitive applications
15 Jan 2000
Static mixer manufacturer Statiflo has recently concluded the successful commissioning of its first STX laminar flow heat exchanger to go into operation. The STX range is described as a new concept in simultaneous mixing and heat transfer, combining motionless mixing technology with conventional shell-and-tube type heat exchanger design.
Every STX unit is custom engineered to suit the specific application, particularly those involving difficult to handle, high viscosity and heat sensitive materials. The first unit, an STMX mixer cooler, was installed on a polymer processing application in Indonesia where it handles polyester with a viscosity of 296,000cP at 200bar and 300 degrees C. Other units have now also been operated successfully on many food products, including tomato ketchup, sauces and mayonnaise. According to sales director Gary Richards, the improvements in heat transfer on many of these applications, compared with conventional shell-and-tube exchangers, have resulted in typical increases in overall heat transfer coefficients of between 3- and 10-fold, depending on the application.
Units in the STX range can be designed for tube-side or shell-side process flows, with either fixed or removable heat transfer mixer assemblies. On the larger STLX and STMX versions edge sealing of the mixing elements to the pipe wall is a standard feature, though this special manufacturing process is optional on smaller versions.
In this month's Equipment Focus, starting on page 39, we look at some of the other recent developments in mixing technologies.
