ARi is the world leader in the research, development, and implementation of fluid control using fractal technology. ARi patented the first industrial fractal fluid distributor in 1994, and our scope of applications has broadened to include fractal-based mixers, reactors, aerators, distillation distributors, combustion devices, and more. Fractals provide a functional alternative to turbulence and have been shown to improve process efficiency, reduce equipment size, and increase accuracy during scale-up.
About Fractals
Fractals are self-similar structures, exhibiting a repeated pattern at many scales. The pattern becomes smaller with each repetition, as shown in the image progression below. The “H” pattern is repeated through three iterations, decreasing in size at each scale.
Scaling and distribution are common fluid handling requirements in processes that require mixing or geometry transitions. The self-similar and deeply scaled structure of fractals allow them to directly and efficiently address uniformity of flow and process scale-up.
An engineered fractal can be an effective substitute for turbulence. Turbulent fluid control can cause properties such as flow uniformity, eddy size, bubble size, velocity, pressure, temperature, and concentration to be distributed in a random or uncontrolled manner. With the use of fractals, the random characteristics of the turbulent cascade can be replaced with symmetries, providing precise control of fluid scaling and distribution. This results in energy savings, process size reduction and reaction homogeneity.
ARi’s fractal technology can be used for a diverse range of applications, including:
- Chromatography
- Mixing
- Reaction
- Extraction
- Settling
- Ion exchange
- Distillation
- Scrubbing
- Fluidized beds
- Aeration
- Adsorption
- Combustion
- Membranes
- Absorption
See more ARi technologies.
