Feel the force of the fluid mixing

The technology, which makes use of a process known as fractal flow, offers several advantages over existing systems, including energy saving and more controlled and effective mixing.

A fractal is a geometrical concept in which each fractal or shape that it comprises can be split into parts, each of which is a reduced-size copy of the whole.

Imperial's Fractal Flow Control (FFC) grids are fractal-patterned meshes which are designed to be immersed in any fluid flow - eg in pipes, tunnels, tanks - where controlled mixing of fluids is necessary. The grids generate a bespoke turbulence, providing predefined, specified mixing properties, with low blockage ratio and minimal drag. The FFC grids are claimed to increase both mixing efficiency and controllability. The technology and system size can be re-scaled simply from small to large diameter pipes, allowing system miniaturisation or up-scaling.

The critical flow control mixing parameters that can be predicted and controlled by an FFC grid include: flow homogeneity; pressure drop across the grid (minimising the power required to run the system); downstream turbulence intensity, independence from the pressure drop; turbulence intensity at a given distance from the grids; and the distance from the grid over which the turbulence builds up and decays.

Imperial's fractal technology is said to allow simple, cost-effective and easy-to-install control over a wide variety of flow parameters, providing control versatility for energy-efficient, effective mixing in various process applications.

A proof of concept project development programme has been approved and is now underway. The project is being led by Professor Christos Vassilicos of the Department of Aeronautics at Imperial.

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