Chemist Needs Assistance with Flowmeters for Mixers

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the challenges faced by a chemist in R&D for coatings regarding the use of flowmeters in a pilot coater setup. The chemist is dealing with a highly reactive mix that increases in viscosity by 3000cP per hour, complicating the consistency of sample material production. The proposed solution involves using a 1/2"x11" static mixer with two feed streams at different pressures (10psi and 20psi) and raises concerns about potential backflow. The chemist ultimately resolved the issue by utilizing an old positive displacement pump, negating the need for expensive flowmeters.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of static mixers and their applications
  • Knowledge of fluid dynamics, particularly in relation to viscosity changes
  • Familiarity with pressure systems and their effects on flow rates
  • Experience with positive displacement pumps and their operational principles
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the design and operation of static mixers for reactive materials
  • Learn about fluid dynamics principles, focusing on viscosity and pressure differentials
  • Explore options for backflow prevention valves suitable for air and liquid mixtures
  • Investigate cost-effective alternatives to flowmeters for monitoring fluid flow
USEFUL FOR

Chemists in R&D, process engineers, and anyone involved in the formulation and mixing of reactive materials in industrial applications.

dtwright03
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I work in R&D for coatings and have a bit of a plumbing problem on my pilot coater. I've formulated a very reactive mix that, once mixed, increases in viscosity by 3000cP an hour. This makes it very difficult to get a constant roll of sample material to send to customers with the equipment that I have available.

SO, I want to get a 1/2"x11" static mixer and use two feed streams to resolve this issue. My question should be simple to a trained professional. If I have one air line feeding a pressure pot 10psi and another feeding a second pressure pot 20psi, would you expect that converging these lines into a static mixer would create significant backflow at a final flow rate around 0.01gpm venting to atmosphere? Both mixes differ in viscosity by 5000cP. Alternatively, is there a valve that prevents backflow of both air and liquid to give me peace of mind that the proportions are being fed correctly?

I sadly don't have $1000 for a couple of flowmeters...Here's a handy dandy picture.

upload_2017-5-22_16-56-24.png
 
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Found an old positive displacement pump to replace the air lines and problem solved..
 
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