The treatment of raw water entering a water treatment plant through a rectangular channel can seem like a daunting task. That is especially true when you take into account additional factors, such as low allowable pressure drop, injection of chemicals, and the desired homogenous blend of output downstream. However, Komax Systems, a manufacturer of in-line static mixers, has made the task easier.

The Komax Systems channel mixer consists of a series of interlocking left- and right-hand mixing elements, which under turbulent flow, produce elliptical vortices rotating in opposite directions of either side of each element. The axis of each vortex is at right angles to the axis of the main water flow, producing a back-mixing effect that disperses the chemicals evenly. Chemicals are added through several spargers connected at the upstream end of the mixer. Low-pressure drop designs for chlorinating can be supplied as complete assemblies or in component form for on-site assembly where access is difficult.

“Our customers are municipal water treatment plants that either want to treat the raw water coming into the water treatment plants for drinking or other purposes, or the effluent water being discharged to the rivers and creeks,” says Sameer Kshirsagar, senior application specialist. “The chemicals being injected are chlorine, ammonia, sodium bisulphite, coagulants and flocculants to achieve various treatment objectives. The types of channels are either closed underground channels or open (to atmosphere) channels. They can also be small channels inside the water treatment plants.”

The City of Denver installed a channel mixer from Komax Systems as their chlorine-contacting mixer. Assembled and installed in less than eight man-hours, later testing discovered a mixing efficiency of 0.02 COV. It was also quickly discovered that the installation meant a 50 percent reduction in chlorine consumption over the previous system. Completely customizable, the mixer is ideal for both new installations and those looking to retrofit older facilities.

“We have a dedicated engineer who will work with you from project inception to installation,” says Tory Turner, sales support and marketing manager. “We can also provide in-house CFD analysis for peace of mind when you know the in-line static mixer results before installation. We take the time, understand our client’s individual needs through industry-specific application engineers who will handle your project through the entire process.” 800-826-0760; www.komax.com