Static Mixer (Sulzer or Kenics)

[Mike4chemic]

Hi,

For a pH control application, we recieved a quotations for the 16" Hastelloy C static mixer. The purpose of the mixer is to mix the 1% diluted sulfuric acid with the
geothermal brine in order to achieve the targeted brine's pH level.
The quotations have been recieved from Sulzer and Chemineer (Kenics).
Sulzer proposed the SMI type static mixer with 2 mixing elements and Chemineer recommended the 4 element HEV mixer.
The both mixers present almost the same characteristics such as a mixing quality, length and a pressure drop.
I would like to ask you, which type of the static mixer would be preferable ?

Thanks, Mike

 

[Artisi]

The one that is supplied by the company who buys the best lunch.

 

[cheute79]

Mike:

Both Chemineer and Sulzer supply excellent equipment. Sulzer puts a lot of money into research, and outside the USA they are often the "gold standard". Within the US, often Chemineer's service is better - but with changes in some long-standing Sulzer sales rep contracts, I know Sulzer is improving their presence.

I would go with the experience and availability (often that equates with proximity) of the local rep. If they are about the same, Artisi is probably correct.

 

[unclesyd]

I agree with all the above.
We mainly use Chemineer's products on our polymer lines but have moved to using a lot of Komax mixers in our Intermediates plant.

We have 3 of this type installed injecting acid is process lines and waste streams. You might want take a look at the wafer mixer by Komax.

http://www.komax.com/products/wafer_mixer.htm

PS:
Something that big in Hastelloy C is in the Justin Boot or Rolex category.

 

[jmw]

Just pick one.

You said:

Both mixers present almost the same characteristics such as a mixing quality, length and a pressure drop

I assume the prices are similar too.
What else are you looking for?

Most engineers would be happy, on the first pass, to get a product that meets 90-95% of the ideal spec. and if the main criteria are met would decide then and there. You could spend a lot of time and money looking for something better and may find that the cost of the search is more than the result warrants.

Of course, you could simply mark both as technically approved and allow purchasing to make the choice - they'll be your friends for life.


JMW

http://www.ViscoAnalyser.com

 

[gr2vessels]

Mike,
My experience with both manufacturers is that Sulzer was always in front with the mixing performance, particularly when the by-product (un-mixed components) was restricted (say less than 0.05% for high temp explosive gases or very toxic fluids contaminating the final product). However, for mixing hot water with cold one, both are the same.
I found also that the price is much higher for the Sulzer product when high mixing performance is required. Few years ago, I have retrieved from Sulzer archives design and fabrication details for a 18 years old mixer supplied by them. I also found their after-sales support is at the highest standard, including one recent set of evaluation calculations for a modified process at no additional cost, after years of operation of their mixer. If you'll have a chance, take up their offer and visit their place at Winterthur in Swiss (as I did), you might learn a thing or two of Sulzer technology.
Cheers,
gr2vessels

 

[waterexpert]

What has not been remarked on by other posters is that the Chemineer HEV has superior performance against blockages, as the mixing elements are secured to the walls of the pipe, leaving a clear void down the centre.

Regards
Sean

http://www.seanmoran.co.uk