Mixing dynamics in the SMX static mixer as a function of injection location and flow ratio

A detailed Lagrangian analysis of partially mixed structures in an SMX static mixer is presented, with emphasis on laminar flows with Reynolds numbers between 1 and 100. The distribution of a small amount of equal-viscosity additive is examined based on computing the trajectories of passive tracer particles through the mixer. Three radial positions (one centerline and two off-center) are chosen for injection and the mixing patterns are compared in order to investigate the effect of injection location on mixing. Mixing measures, such as the decrease in the variation coefficient with axial distance, and the increase in the average rate of stretching, are discussed in order to quantify mixing performance. It is found that mixing rates for the centerline injections are larger than for the off-center injection positions investigated. The presence of self-similarity in the stretching field and the mixing patterns, and the exponential decrease in variation coefficient with increasing axial distance provides evidence for chaotic mixing behavior in this device.