Homogeneity of multilayers produced with a static mixer

A multiflux static mixer can be used to produce multilayered structures. The flow is repeatedly cut, stretched and stacked by mixing elements in the channel of such a device. In the std. design, however, the obtained layer thicknesses are inhomogeneous. The causes for the multiflux static mixer's deviation from ideal behavior are identified by 3D numerical simulations as unequal pressure drops in the sepg. flows. Changes in the arrangement of the elements are proposed and their effects are verified by simulations and expts. A significant improvement of the layer homogeneity is achieved by introducing addnl. elements with sepg. walls at the inlets and at the outlets of the mixing elements.