One of the most persistent and damaging invisible problems is HVAC stratification. When unmixed hot and cold air streams attack your coils and sensors, the system’s health is at risk. At Blender Products, Inc., we’ve built our reputation on solving this problem. The solution is the Channel Blender, and its effectiveness is rooted in proven fluid-dynamic science. Contact us today.
The Physics of the Problem: Laminar Flow
First, let’s look at the science of the problem. Temperature stratification in buildings is a direct result of physics. When your AHU draws in 0°F winter air, it is far denser and heavier than the 70°F return air. Without intervention, these two air streams will not mix on their own. They will flow side-by-side in distinct layers, a phenomenon known as laminar flow.
Why Simple Baffles and Open Plenums Fail
Many believe that a long enough duct run or a few simple baffles will solve the problem. This is incorrect. Air streams have momentum. A simple baffle might split the stratified air, but it doesn’t create the necessary turbulence to force the streams to mix. The air simply re-layers a few feet downstream.
The Science of the Channel Blender: Forced Vortices
This is where our science comes in. A Channel Blender is not a passive baffle; it is purpose-built air mixing equipment. Its patented design uses a series of precisely angled, overlapping fins. As the parallel air streams enter, the fins “slice” them and then “channel” them into powerful, counter-rotating vortices. This aggressive, forced-vortex action is the key.
The Measurable Result: Total Airflow Uniformity
The result of this forced mixing isn’t just “better”—it’s measurable and total. Instead of two distinct streams (0°F and 70°F), the outlet of the Channel Blender delivers one single, uniform air stream (e.g., 35°F) across the entire face of the duct. This uniformity—often within +/- 5°F—is what solves the HVAC stratification problem.
More Than a Mixer: An Engineered Air Stratification Mixing Box
It’s important to differentiate between a simple plenum and an engineered air stratification mixing box. A “box” is just empty space. Our solution is an engineered component, factory-designed and tested to guarantee a specific performance outcome. When you need reliable air mixing to prevent stratification, you need more than a guess.
CONTACT US TODAY
Temperature stratification in buildings is a physics problem that demands a scientific solution. You cannot fight the principles of density and laminar flow with an empty box. You need engineered air mixing equipment designed to actively disrupt and mix the air. The air stratification mixing box from Blender Products, Inc. is a proven solution. It applies the science of forced-vortex mixing to deliver the airflow uniformity you need to protect your coils, ensure sensor accuracy, and maximize the longevity of your HVAC system. Contact us today.