Static mixer facts for kids
A promotional sample of a helical static mixer enclosed in a clear tubular housing
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| Uses | Mixing |
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| Related items | Magnetic stirrer, vortex mixer |
A static mixer is a special tool used in labs to mix different liquids. It has a very unique shape that helps it do its job without any moving parts.
Contents
How a Static Mixer Works
A static mixer is built from flat, rectangular plates. These plates are twisted around by 180 degrees, making a shape like a double-helix. Think of it like a twisted ribbon or a spiral staircase.
When liquids flow through the mixer, they follow these twisted paths. The smooth sides of the mixer also help to divide and separate the liquids. This design makes sure the liquids are constantly split and recombined, mixing them very well.
Sometimes, the mixer can be turned quickly to the right (clockwise) and then quickly to the left (counter-clockwise). This creates opposite currents inside the liquid, which mixes it even more efficiently.
What Static Mixers Are Used For
Static mixers are useful for many tasks. One common use is to mix acids and alkalis together. This process is called neutralization, where an acid and an alkali combine to become neutral.
They can also mix two liquids that usually do not mix well on their own, like oil and water. When you try to mix oil and water, they normally separate. A static mixer helps to break down the particles of the oil and water into very tiny pieces. These tiny pieces then become small enough to mix together, forming a stable mixture called an emulsion.
Benefits of Using a Static Mixer
Static mixers have several advantages that make them a good choice for mixing liquids:
- Simple Design: Their simple shape makes them easy to clean after use.
- No Electricity Needed: They do not need any power to work. This saves money and means they can be used safely in places where electricity might cause a spark or explosion.
- Easy to Use: Since they are manual and have no complex parts, they are very straightforward to operate.
Related Tools
Images for kids
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Plate-type static mixer
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This picture shows how liquids flow and mix inside a static mixer.
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This image shows how the mixer divides the liquid flow.
See also
In Spanish: Mezclador estático para niños
