3D hydrodynamics involving multiple eccentric impellers in unbaffled cylindrical tank

In this paper, the numerical predictions of 3D hydrodynamics and power consumption in a vessel stirred by multiple eccentrically located impellers are presented. The vessel is a flat-bottomed cylindrical one equipped with six-curved bladed impellers. Aqueous solutions of xanthan gum are used, which have a shear thinning behavior with yield stress. The influence of several parameters on the mixing efficiency has been investigated, namely: the stirring rate, fluid rheology, impeller number and impeller clearance from the tank bottom. Our predicted results are compared with other experimental data and a satisfactory agreement is found.

Figure: Flow fields for Rey = 2000, No. 2 solution.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide