Static mixers

What is a static mixer? It is a stirrer with which we can easily mix two components of a given product so that it is uniform. We don't have to mix by hand - just like you still mix liquid resins. These are disposable mixers, so after they are finished, we throw them away and do not have to clean them, and the low price starting from PLN 3 allows you to reduce the costs and losses associated with possible rinsing and time-consuming cleaning. Reusable mixers are most often made of metal, which can react with the components of adhesives and resins - disposable ones are made of PP or POM, neutral and not reactive with the surface. Types: static mixers - the adhesive is squeezed with pressure, which we take out from the cartridge or the dosing head, the elements do not move, dynamic - the spiral in the form of a mixer turns constantly, which takes the product from the outlet, e.g. a cartridge, and throws it outside while stirring. How to choose the right mixer? We have such variables as: input - here we know immediately which version we need the number of mixing elements - the more, the better mixed glue, but the greater resistance basic rule - the thinner the product, the more elements the diameter of the mixer needs - the thicker the glue we want to squeeze, the thicker the diameter of the mixer . Mixer inputs and outputs. There are 3 entry (fixing) systems on the market - the older one is a cone, screwed with a nut or immediately with a thread. They are often compatible with each other, eg 9-13 special or newer - eliminating the transition of the component between each other, that is, all mixers for Acralock What do we use? These types of mixers are used for adhesives, resins and two-component pastes, and in a special case even three-component, but it should be borne in mind that not every product is suitable for mixing in this way. If the difference in viscosity of the components is greater than 25: 1 and more , there may be a need for a dynamic mixer or mixing with centrifugal agitators, or very thick paste products above 2-3 million cPs. How is a static mixer built? The construction is very simple, because the extruded product has to squeeze between the next row of "rungs". It mixes twice with each such transition, i.e. having 4 levels, that is 16 mixes. Very little, but we count it as a square and the smallest has about 12 elements or 12 to the 12. So you get a lot of hash. There are basically 3 types of construction on the market: spiral - the most common type and the longest on the market - lower adhesive resistance than in the next versions, e.g. for Acralock cc 10-12 glue, the so-called square - quattro - rung construction more resistance, but the stirrers are shorter and minimally less glue is left inside. Considered as a newer type, e.g. for Acralock SA 1-15 adhesives, lattice construction - only for rare adhesives and resins due to very high resistance. It allows you to reduce the mixer by half compared to the above, e.g. 9-13 special, i.e. 13 elements mix the glue even better than 24 or even 32 spiral or square elements with a viscosity of 500-1000cps, e.g. for ATK 45 CLR glue. Is a dynamic mixer better to a static one? It depends on the glue and the application. They work better with very thick products or where the base and reactor have a large difference in density. It should be remembered that they are more expensive to use, because apart from the mixer itself, we need a special head that will drive the auger. An additional disadvantage is the frequent aeration of the mixtures.