An experimental and numerical analysis of the fluid flow in a mechanically agitated vessel

¹ AGH University of Science and Technology, Faculty of Energy and Fuels, A. Mickiewicza 30, 30-059 Kraków, Poland
² University of Cagliari, Department of Ingegneria Civile, Ambientale e Architettura, Via Marengo 2, 09123   Cagliari, Italy

^* Corresponding author: jaszczur@agh.edu.pl

Abstract

The mixing process is a widespread phenomenon, which plays an essential role among a large number of industrial processes. The effectiveness of mixing depends on the state of mixed phases, temperature, viscosity and density of liquids, mutual solubility of mixed fluids, type of stirrer, a what is the most critical - the shape of the impeller. In the present research, the objective is to analyse the process of the fluid flow in the mechanically agitated vessel with new impeller type. Velocity field values were determined using computer simulation and experimental particle image velocimetry method. The basis for the assessment of the intensity degree and efficiency of mixing was the analysis of velocity vectors distribution and power number. An experimental and numerical study was carried out for various stirred process parameters to determine optimal conditions for the mixing process.