Stabilizer for plurality of mixing tubes of micromixer and related method

A stabilizer for a plurality of mixing tubes of a micromixer, the stabilizer comprising:

• a first member including a plurality of first openings defined therein, each first opening configured to receive a respective one of the plurality of mixing tubes;
• a second member including a plurality of second openings defined therein, each second opening configured to receive a respective one of the plurality of mixing tubes;
• a tube engagement element positioned between the first member and the second member and configured to selectively engage an outer surface of at least one of the plurality of mixing tubes, wherein the tube engagement element includes one of:
• a) an elastomeric member including a plurality of third openings defined therein, each third opening configured to receive a respective one of the plurality of mixing tubes therein, or
• b) a collet positioned around each of the plurality of mixing tubes;
• and
• a linear actuator configured to selectively move the second member and the first member between an operative position in which the tube engagement element is forced to engage with an outer surface of the plurality of mixing tubes to stabilize the plurality of mixing tubes and an inoperative position in which the tube engagement element is disengaged with the outer surface of the plurality of mixing tubes.

A method for stabilizing a plurality of mixing tubes of a micromixer, the method comprising:

• positioning a first member including a plurality of first openings defined therein over the plurality of mixing tubes, each first opening configured to receive a respective one of the plurality of mixing tubes;
• positioning a tube engagement element relative to the first member, the tube engagement element configured to selectively engage an outer surface of each of the plurality of mixing tubes;
• positioning a second member including a plurality of second openings defined therein over the plurality of mixing tubes, each second opening configured to receive a respective one of the plurality of mixing tubes;
• and
• moving the second member and the first member together using a linear actuator to force the tube engagement element therebetween to engage with an outer surface of the plurality of mixing tubes to stabilize the plurality of mixing tubes.