Thomas Grütter

Title: Thomas Grütter: Innovator in Static Mixer Technology

Introduction

Thomas Grütter is a notable inventor based in Oberduernten, Switzerland. He has made significant contributions to the field of static mixer technology, holding 2 patents that showcase his innovative approach to fluid mixing solutions. His work is characterized by a focus on enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of mixing processes.

Latest Patents

Grütter's latest patents include a "Component for a Static Mixer" and a "Static Mixer with Profiled Layers." The component for a static mixer is manufactured by cutting and forming or by stamping out of a planar material strip. It extends in a longitudinal direction defined by the material strip. The component features transverse segments arranged at intervals transversely to the longitudinal direction, lying in a central plane of the component after forming or stamping. Strip fields are located between the transverse segments, corresponding to a line pattern made by the cutting or stamping, and include longitudinal strips extending in a longitudinal direction. The transverse widths of the strips can be variable, and for each strip, half-strips can be distinguished with respect to the central region of the strip field. The half-strips are bent out of the central plane by the forming or stamping, creating a bending edge with respect to the transverse segments at the base lines.

The static mixer with profiled layers includes profiled layers arranged in a ring space, containing mutually crossing flow channels inclined relative to a central axis. A fluid mixture is transported in the axial direction while mixing occurs. Each layer extends over a surface that forms a closed or largely closed periphery transverse to the axis. Each layer comprises equivalent channels that extend on an inner or outer side of the layer over approximately equal distances from a first to a second cross-section of the ring space. This design ensures that each channel imposes a substantially equal azimuthal velocity component onto the fluid mixture flowing through it.

Career Highlights

Grütter is currently associated with Sulzer Chemtech AG, a company known for its expertise in chemical engineering and process technology. His work at Sulzer Chemtech AG has allowed him to apply his innovative ideas in practical applications, contributing to advancements in the industry.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, Thomas Grütter has collaborated with notable colleagues, including Rolf Heusser and Markus Fleischli. These collaborations have fostered a creative environment that encourages the development of