
Having the correct Inline Static Mixer can make all the difference when it comes to production value and durability. Static mixers are used to mix 2 materials into 1 flowing, homogeneous adhesive material. These mixers provide a much superior degree of control when mixing and dispensing the materials, which, in turn, produces less wasted material, saving your money on both production and material costs.
How do you know what kind of Inline Static Mixer you need for your specific project?
Defining the right Inline Static Mixer Design is vital to the outcome of your project. You will know you are using an appropriate Inline Static Mixer if your materials are properly mixed and have the desired flow rate and pressure drop. Improperly mixed materials give the impression as striated due to the fact that they have not been properly mixed, resulting in a sloppy material surface and a slow set time.
But how do you know what Inline Static Mixer will work best with the materials you need?
To help you narrow down your choices from our large selection, we recommend you start by answering following five questions regarding each specific feature of the Inline Static Mixer you need.
1. What is the dispensing technique?
How you need to have your materials dispensed is a big factor in defining which Inline Static Mixer Design will work best for you. The materials you are using will help to choose your mixer based on the pressure limitation of the nozzle, the acceptable back-pressure/retained volume, and the expected or desired flow rate.
Cartridge applications automatically limit the volume you can work with, so reserved volume will play an important role in your determination. This means you will also need to be easy handling back-pressure, unless you are using a pneumatic dispenser, in which this is less of an issue. Meter Mix machine applications can be used when mixing higher amounts of material. This also makes reserved volume less of an issue owing to the larger size of the mixer.
2. What materials are you willing to mix?
The materials you are mixing directly determine the range of elements needed to mix the materials into a similar material. Some materials are substantially more difficult to mix than others, so it is crucial that you have the appropriate amount of components in your mixer to get the mix you need.
There are two factors that can point out you should use a number towards the higher range. The first is the viscosity of the resources; if the two components have very different viscosities (i.e. material A is 5,000cps and material B is 150,000cps), you will probably need to use the higher number of elements. The second is the substantial ratio; if you are dealing with a mixing ratio of 7:1, for example, a higher number of components will be needed to achieve a pure, homogenous mix.
3. What is the viscosity of the resources being mixed, and what flow rate would you like to achieve?
Knowing the viscosity of the resources you need to have mixed also helps you determine the span of the elements you need to use. The thinner the resources you are working with, the smaller the diameter is required in order to get a proper mix. That say, thicker resources require a larger diameter in order to achieve the same degree of homogeneous mix.
4. What will you attach the Inline Static Mixer to?
This question will help you decide what connection style/inlet you will use with your Inline Static Mixer. There are three key connection types: bayonet, bell, and integral nut (threaded). Bayonet mixers feature a simple twist-and-lock system, and are suggested for 9-50mL cartridges. Bell mixers come in a little larger variety, with options for round, square, and rotary connections. Usually bell mixers are used for 200mL cartridges, or larger. Inline, or threaded mixers, are also for larger cartridge sizes, but do not require the use of a retaining nut.
5. How do you want to apply the substantial?
Your purpose or application for using a Inline Static Mixer is the last step in determining what kind of mixer outlet you need for your specific project, or business. Note, if you are not using a cartridge application, this question is irrelevant.