Static mixer and method of mixing fluids

An element for a static mixer for mixing fluids comprising:

• at least two banks of stationary baffle plates arranged around an axis which is parallel to the overall direction of flow of the fluids to be mixed,
• each bank abutting each adjacent bank along an interface extending from said axis so as to form interfacial apertures through which fluids may flow from one bank to an adjacent bank,
• the plane of each baffle plate being inclined at an angle to said axis and being inclined at an angle to the planes of the baffle plates of each adjacent bank,
• each bank having a first set comprising a plurality of baffle plates spaced along said axis with their planes substantially parallel to each other,
• at least one of said banks having a second set comprising a plurality of baffle plates with their planes substantially parallel to each other spaced along said axis and being similarly inclined to said axis as the baffle plates of said first set but at an angle different from the angle at which the baffle plates of said first set are inclined to the axis,
• the baffle plates of said second set in said at least one bank being interspersed with the baffle plates of the first set in that bank, and
• the plane of each plate in said second set intersecting the plane of at least one plate in said first set in the same bank at an intersection near the outer edges of said plates.