组合浆搅拌器搅拌特性的研究

为使聚合釜内搅拌介质在湍流，过渡流及层流域都能达到良好的混合，对锚－三叶推进器，锚－内外单螺带，正交双三角桨－单螺带，正交双层三角桨－内外单螺带等４种组合桨搅拌器，于φ３００ｍｍ的有机玻璃釜中，测定了在牛顿流体和假塑性流体中的搅拌功率和循环特性。实验结果表明，４种组合桨中，含正交双层三角桨的２种组合桨功率消耗小，循环能力明显较强，具有较好的循环性能和剪切能力，能在粘度变化范围宽广的介质中获得良好的     

组合桨聚合釜内非牛顿流体的混合特性

在φ476mm的椭圆底有机玻璃聚合釜中,以羧甲基纤维素-甘油水溶液(前者质量分数为1.3％)为实验物系。利用酸碱中和法测定了9种不同的搅拌桨直径与聚合釜直径比接近于1的组合搅拌桨沿聚合釜轴向及径向的混合特性。结果表明：内外螺带-锚式组合桨的轴向混合最强,但径向混合较差。框板式搅拌桨的轴向混合较内外螺带-锚式组合桨弱,但比改进偏框式桨强,其径向混合较后者弱。改进偏框桨的7种不同组合方式沿径向的混合良好,多数组合桨沿轴向的混合较前2种组合桨弱,更接近于平推流。     

组合桨的混合性能研究

用模拟合成橡胶的粘稠介质研究了组合桨的宏观与微观混合性能，以及组合桨的匹配，提出组合桨（螺带／透平）是改善粘稠介质快速混合的有效途径。     

组合桨搅拌器的宏观混合特性

分别以浓度为１％，２％，３％，３．５％的羧甲基纤维素溶液为实验，采用测温法，测定了正交双层三角桨－单螺带桨，正交双层三角桨－内外单螺带桨．锚式桨－三叶推进器．锚式桨－内外单螺带４种组合桨拌器的宏观混合时间，无量钢数Ｃ１，Ｃ２，Ｃ３，Ｃ４综合评判了它们的宏观混合性能，实验证明，前２种组合桨搅拌器在不同流域内都使搅拌介质达到良好的宏观混合，且功率消耗低，混合效率高，具有明显的节能优势，对搅拌变粘度体系     

桨式搅拌器功率准数三种取得方法的对比

在有挡板条件下,对常用的桨式搅拌器(单层二叶平桨、二叶斜桨、四叶斜桨及双层四叶斜桨),桨槽径比为0.5—0.6,进行搅拌功率曲线的测绘。利用经验公式对功率准数进行了计算,通过关联值与实验值的对比发现,Nagata关联式在层流状态时关联值与实验值相差较小,在湍流时二者相差较大,而Kamei和Hiraoka关联式则在过渡流和湍流区与实验值比较吻合,在层流区的偏差比较大。利用计算流体力学模拟了搅拌器各种状态的功率准数值,模拟值与实验值对比发现,模拟值在不同的雷诺数时都与实验值吻合较好。     

多叶片组合式搅拌桨釜内流动特性和混合性能研究

开发可适用于较宽黏度范围的搅拌桨，强化釜内的流体流动和混合过程对于搅拌釜的节能增效具有重要的意义。实验与数值模拟相结合，在大涡模拟层面研究了多叶片组合式搅拌桨（MBC桨）从层流到湍流状态下，釜内的功率特性、流场分布、湍流特性和混合性能。结果表明：预测的功率曲线与实验结果一致；层流状态下釜内以切向流动为主，随着Reynolds数（Re）的增大，釜内轴向和径向流动逐渐增强，当Re达到486时，速度场分布与湍流状态下基本一致；在相同的能耗水平下，MBC桨对高黏度流体的混合性能优于商业Maxblend桨。桨叶的分散组合布置，强化了釜内的轴向和径向流动，使得MBC搅拌桨在从过渡流到湍流状态下均可实现较大的轴径向流动，湍动能分布较为均匀，混合过程显著加快。     

刚柔组合搅拌桨与刚性桨调控流场结构的对比

高黏度流体处于层流状态时,普遍存在的混合隔离区,降低了流体的混合效率。减小或消除隔离区,是实现流体高效混合的基本途径。采用实验研究与数值模拟相结合的方法,对刚性六直叶涡轮桨(刚性桨)和刚柔组合六直叶涡轮桨(组合桨)的流场结构进行研究,对比分析了两种桨叶在相同功耗(3 kW·m-3)时的轴向、径向和切向的速度矢量图、速度云图以及速度分布散点图。结果表明,刚性桨的能量集中在桨叶尖端部分,远离桨叶区域的流体速度很小甚至为0 m·s-1;而组合桨可将能量从桨叶尖端扩散至全槽,使槽内流体均具有一定的流速,提高了混合效率,且显色实验与数值模拟结果一致,组合桨体系的混合隔离区在短时间内就可消除,混合良好,而刚性桨体系的混合隔离区始终存在,混合效果不佳。     

刚柔组合搅拌桨与刚性桨调控流场结构的对比

高黏度流体处于层流状态时,普遍存在的混合隔离区,降低了流体的混合效率。减小或消除隔离区,是实现流体高效混合的基本途径。采用实验研究与数值模拟相结合的方法,对刚性六直叶涡轮桨（刚性桨）和刚柔组合六直叶涡轮桨（组合桨）的流场结构进行研究,对比分析了两种桨叶在相同功耗（3 kW·m^-3）时的轴向、径向和切向的速度矢量图、速度云图以及速度分布散点图。结果表明,刚性桨的能量集中在桨叶尖端部分,远离桨叶区域的流体速度很小甚至为0 m·s^-1;而组合桨可将能量从桨叶尖端扩散至全槽,使槽内流体均具有一定的流速,提高了混合效率,且显色实验与数值模拟结果一致,组合桨体系的混合隔离区在短时间内就可消除,混合良好,而刚性桨体系的混合隔离区始终存在,混合效果不佳。     

双层桨搅拌假塑性流体混合特性的数值模拟

在直径为0.21 m的搅拌槽内,采用计算流体力学的方法,工作介质为质量分数1.0%的假塑性流体和1.5%的黄原胶水溶液,分别对错位六弯叶桨、六弯叶桨与45°三斜叶桨组成的双层桨混合性能进行了数值模拟,并做了对比分析,考察了层间距对搅拌流场的影响,探讨了不同形式的组合桨对混合特性的影响,确定了不同搅拌转速下较为适宜的层间距,并将错位六弯叶组合桨形式应用于FCC催化剂成胶搅拌过程。结果表明:在层流状态下,6PBT组合桨层间距为时可形成层间连接流,在过渡流区域时,层间距保持在左右比较适宜;6PBT组合桨在混合速率和混合效率方面都有一定优势。根据中试实验结果,催化剂颗粒耐磨损指数由2.6提高到了1.9,产品质量得到进一步提高,且节能在15%左右,因此是一种值得推广的双层组合搅拌器形式。     

三种新型桨搅拌特性比较

在直径为２４０ｍｍ的搅拌釜内,考察了最大叶片式桨、泛能式桨和叶片组合式桨的功率消耗、传热及混合特性,并与螺带桨及三叶后掠式桨进行了比较,实验表明,在中低粘度范围内,３种新型桨的传热和混合性能优于螺带桨及三叶后掠式桨。     

Hydrodynamics Characterization of an Ellipse Gate Impeller by Experimental and Numerical Studies

Hydrodynamics characteristics like flow pattern, shear rate distribution, power consumption, axial pumping capacity, mixing time, and mixing efficiency of an ellipse gate (EG) impeller were investigated by experimental and numerical methods. The numerical simulation results were validated by experimental data of power consumption and mixing time. Results indicate that the axial pumping number of the EG impeller is larger than that of any other reported large‐scale impeller under laminar regime, and that the shear rate formed by this impeller is less sensitive to Reynolds numbers. In‐depth analysis reveals the different function of each part of the EG impeller under different flow regimes. This impeller provides an almost similar mixing efficiency like the double‐helical ribbon impeller under laminar regime, but much higher mixing efficiency both under transitional and turbulent flow regimes.     

An analytical model for the prediction of power consumption for shear-thinning fluids with helical ribbon and helical screw ribbon impellers

An approximate analytical model has been developed to predict power consumption for the mixing of shear-thinning fluids with helical ribbon and helical screw ribbon impellers in the laminar flow regime. Extensive data on power input measurements embracing a wide range of flow behaviour index, with strong (n<0.4) and weak (0.4<n<1) shear-thinning fluid characteristics, available in the literature have been used to demonstrate the applicability of the present model for a wide range of helical ribbon mixer configurations. The model is able to explain the differences in the data reported in the existing literature and to successfully predict the complex dependence of power consumption on the fluid properties and the system geometry. Finally, the proposed correlation only requires a knowledge of the flow behaviour index of the fluid and of the geometrical parameters of the mixing systems (wall clearance, number of ribbons, pitch and width of the ribbons) and one characteristic parameter K_p of the mixing system which can be obtained from a single measurement of power for Newtonian liquids in the laminar regime.     

Numerical investigation of the mixing efficiency of the Ekato Paravisc impeller

The viscous mixing characteristics of the Ekato Paravisc are compared with those of an anchor and a double helical ribbon. The methodology is based on 3D CFD finite element-based simulations. The predictions are first validated by comparing the Newtonian and non-Newtonian power consumptions and mixing times against literature experimental data. Then, the computed 3D laminar flow patterns and several mixing performance criteria (power consumption, pumping capability, intensity of segregation, mixing time, mixing efficiency and specific energy) of the impellers are investigated. It is shown that the Paravisc mixer characteristics lie between that of the other impellers at low Reynolds number.     

Power consumption and flow field characteristics of a coaxial mixer with a double inner impeller

A coaxial mixer meeting the actual demand of a system with high and variable viscosity is investigated. It has an outer wal-scraping frame and a double inner impeller consisting of a four-pitched-blade turbine and Rushton turbine. The power consumption and flow field characteristics of the coaxial mixer in laminar and transitional flow are simulated numerically, and then the distribution of velocity field, shear rate and mass flow rate are analyzed. The simulation results indicate that the outer frame has little effect on the power consumption of the double inner impeller whether in laminar or transitional flow, whereas the inner combined impeller has a great effect on the power consumption of the outer frame. Compared with the single rotation mode, the power consumption of the outer frame will decrease in co-rotation mode and increase in counter-rotation mode. The velocity, shear rate and mass flow rate are relatively high near the inner impeller in all operating modes, and only under double-shaft agitation wil the mixing performance near the free surface be improved. In addition, these distributions in the co-rotation and counter-rotation modes show little difference, but the co-rotation mode is recommended for the advantage of low power consumption.     

Finite element modeling of the laminar and transition flow of the Superblend dual shaft coaxial mixer on parallel computers

The macro-mixing mechanisms of the Superblend coaxial mixer consisting of a Maxblend impeller and a double helical ribbon agitator mounted on two independent coaxial shafts rotating at different speeds are numerically investigated. The simulations are based on the resolution of the Navier-Stokes equations with help of a parallel three-dimensional finite element solver exploiting the capabilities of high performance computers. To model the rotation of agitators a hybrid approach based on a novel finite element sliding mesh and fictitious domain method is used. The power consumption, the flow patterns, the shear rate distribution, the pumping capacity and the mixing time of the Superblend mixer are calculated from the simulated hydrodynamics. The simulations allow observing the flow as it evolves from deep laminar (Re=0.1) to transition (Re=520) regime. As Reynolds number increases, several recirculation zones above and below the middle of the tank are formed. It is found that operating the agitators in co-rotation mode requires less power consumption and exhibits equal or shorter mixing time than counter-rotation mode. The larger power consumption in counter-rotating mode is caused by the presence of high shear vortices generated between the two coaxial agitators. Furthermore it is shown that the shear distribution throughout the Superblend coaxial mixer operating in co-rotation mode is almost homogenous, which is highly desirable for shear sensitive products. In view of the results obtained in this work, the Superblend coaxial mixer is found as a good alternative for tough mixing applications.     

Which impeller should be chosen for efficient solid–liquid mixing in the laminar and transitional regime?

The vast majority of solid–liquid mixing studies have focused on high Reynolds number applications with configurations and impeller geometries adapted to this type of regime. However, the mixing of particles in a viscous fluid is an essential element of many contemporary industries. We used the computational fluid dynamics-discrete element method model previously developed in our group to investigate solid–liquid mixing with close-clearance impellers in the laminar regime of operation. We compared different geometries, that is, the double helical ribbon, anchor, Paravisc™, and Maxblend™ impellers. We investigated the impact of fluid viscosity and compared the results with those obtained with the pitched blade turbine, a more commonly used impeller, based on power consumption for equivalent mixing states. This study highlights that the higher the viscosity of the fluid, the more interesting it is to use close-clearance impellers for their ability to generate a strong shear stress and a strong bulk flow in the entire vessel.     

Assessment of Mixing Performance and Power Consumption of a Novel Polymerization Reactor System

A melt‐phase polymerization reactor with the novel geometry of two helical solid‐tube impellers rotating within a tank, consisting of two intersecting cylinders, was designed and constructed. In order to evaluate the performance of the system, mixing times and power consumption were measured using a viscous Newtonian model fluid (glucose syrup) in place of the polymer melt. The mixing regime was laminar in all runs. The mixing time at various impeller speeds was estimated by injection of a tracer dye (crystal violet), followed by fluid sampling and visible spectrophotometric analysis. A dimensionless mixing time of k_m = 104 ± 36 was obtained. The power draw required to move each impeller through the fluid at various impeller speeds was measured, and a power constant of k_p = 1156 ± 70 was obtained. The system appeared to outperform the conventional single helical ribbon impeller in terms of mixing time, but was less energy‐efficient, as indicated by the larger power constant. The power constant value lies between values previously reported in the literature for conventional helical impellers and values reported for other types of polymerization reactors with different geometries.     

Effect of Impeller Spacing on the Flow Field of Yield-Pseudoplastic Fluids Generated by a Coaxial Mixing System Composed of Two Central Impellers and an Anchor

The three-dimensional flow field generated by a coaxial mixer composed of double Scaba impellers and an anchor in the mixing of the xanthan gum solution, a non-Newtonian yield-pseudoplastic fluid was investigated using the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) technique. The mixing time measurements were performed by a non-intrusive flow visualization technique called electrical resistance tomography (ERT). To evaluate the influence of the impeller spacing on the hydrodynamics of the double Scaba-anchor coaxial mixer, the upper impeller submergence was set to 0.140?m while the lower impeller clearance and the spacing between two central impellers were changed within a wide range. The experiments and simulations were conducted for both co-rotating and counter-rotating regimes at different impeller spacing. The analysis of the collected data with respect to the power number, flow number, mixing time, and pumping effectiveness proved that the co-rotating mode had superiority over the counter-rotating regime. Furthermore, the impact of the impeller spacing in the co-rotating mode was assessed with respect to the mixing time, power number, and mixing energy. The results demonstrated that a coaxial mixer with the impeller spacing of almost equal to the central impeller diameter (C₂?=?0.175?m) and the impeller clearance of C₃?=?0.185?m was the most efficient configuration compared to the other cases. Additionally, the influence of the impeller spacing on the flow pattern was assessed in terms of the radial velocity, tangential velocity, axial velocity, shear rate, and apparent viscosity profiles. When the impeller spacing (C₂) was varied, the merging flow and parallel flow patterns were observed.     

Using CFD and Ultrasonic velocimetry to Study the Mixing of Pseudoplastic Fluids with a Helical Ribbon Impeller

A commercial CFD package was used to simulate the 3D flow field generated in a cylindrical tank by a helical ribbon impeller. The study was carried out using a pseudoplastic fluid with yield stress in the laminar mixing region. Ultrasonic Doppler velocimetry (UDV), a noninvasive fluid flow measurement technique for opaque systems, was used to measure xanthan gum velocity. From flow field calculations and tracer homogenization simulations, power consumption and mixing time results were obtained. The torque and power characteristics remain the same for upward and downward pumping of the impeller, but the mixing times are considerably longer for the downward pumping mode. Overall, the numerical results showed good agreement with experimental results and correlations developed by other researchers. From the power and mixing time results, two efficiency criteria were utilized to determine the best pumping mode of the impeller.     

Mixing in the transition flow regime with helical ribbon agitators

The effects of the non-Newtonian properties on the effective deformation rate, mixing and circulation times and flow behaviour have been investigated in the transition flow regime of mixing systems. Based on the equivalent Couette flow, three models are proposed and are shown to predict similar and drastic increases of the effective deformation rate with the impeller rotational speed in the transition regime. The predictions are shown to fit very well data obtained for various non-Newtonian fluids mixed with helical ribbon agitators, and with literature data for anchor, blade turbine and flat disc agitators. The elasticity along with shear-thinning properties appear to have slight effects on the dimensionless mixing and circulation times in the transition regime, whereas their effects in the laminar regime are quite drastic, as reported by others.