Design and operation of unbaffled aerated agitated vessels with unsteadily forward–reverse rotating impellers handling viscous Newtonian liquids

Design and operation of unbaffled aerated agitated vessels with multiple unsteadily forward–reverse rotating impellers (AJITERs) for viscous Newtonian liquids were studied. The effects of operating conditions such as gas sparging rate, agitation rate and the number of impeller stages, geometrical conditions such as the diameters of vessel and impeller, and the physical properties of liquids on the drag and added moment of inertia coefficients, necessary to predict the average and maximum power consumptions of the impellers in AJITERs, were evaluated and the empirical relationships which estimate values of each of these coefficients are presented. The effects of operating conditions, geometrical conditions and liquid physical properties on the gas hold‐up, ?_gD, and volumetric oxygen transfer coefficient, k_La_D, were evaluated in relation to the total power input which is the sum of the average power consumption of impellers, ie average agitation power input, and aeration power input. Empirical relationships, useful for design and operation of AJITERs, were obtained for each viscosity range, where the dependences of ?_gD and k_La_D on the specific total power input and superficial gas velocity differed, to predict ?_gD and k_La_D respectively as a function of the specific total power input, superficial gas velocity and liquid physical properties. © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry     

Unsteady Mixing Characteristics in a Vessel with Forward‐Reverse Rotating Impeller

Usually, mixing is carried out in a vessel with four baffles and a single impeller. In some applications, however, the use of a baffled vessel is not recommended. One of the stirring methods used instead is unsteady agitation with forward‐reverse rotating impellers. The aim of this work was to characterize the agitation characteristics in a baffled and an unbaffled vessel with a turbine impeller. Mixing time and mixing power were evaluated in relation to the presence of baffles and the frequency of forward‐reverse rotation. It was found that the frequency of oscillation does not affect either the mixing time and mixing power values or the drag and added mass coefficients. Power requirements and mixing time were higher compared to the steady mixing conditions in a baffled vessel. The results showed that it is not recommended to use baffles because they have no influence on unsteady mixing.     

Flow and mass transfer in aerated viscous Newtonian liquids in an unbaffled agitated vessel having alternating forward–reverse rotating impellers

Flow and mass transfer characteristics in aerated viscous Newtonian liquids were studied for an unbaffled aerated agitated vessel with alternating rotating impellers (AAVAI), ie with multiple forward–reverse rotating impellers having four delta blades. The effects of operating conditions such as gas sparging rate, agitation rate and the number of impeller stages, and the liquid physical properties (viscosity) on the gas hold‐up, ?_gD, and volumetric oxygen transfer coefficient, k_La_D were evaluated experimentally. The dependences of ?_gD and k_La_D on the specific total power input and superficial gas velocity differed, depending on the ranges of liquid viscosity. Empirical relationships are presented for each viscosity range to predict ?_gD and k_La_D as a function of the specific total power input, superficial gas velocity and viscosity of liquid. Based on a comparative investigation of the volumetric coefficient in terms of the specific total power input between the AAVAI and conventional aerated agitated vessels (CAAVs) having unidirectionally rotating impellers, the usefulness of AAVAI as a gas–liquid agitator treating viscous Newtonian liquids is also discussed. © 2001 Society of Chemical Industry     

Turbulent forward–reverse mixing characteristics in vessel with multiple‐turbine impellers

BACKGROUND: Mixing in unbaffled vessel with multiple‐turbine impellers was studied. The mixing time and mixing power were evaluated in relation to the distance between impellers and the number of impellers. RESULTS: It has been confirmed that frequency of oscillation has no influence on the mixing time and mixing power values or on drag and added mass coefficients. The coefficients were greater when distance between impellers was smaller. Moreover added mass coefficient was dependent on Reynolds number (n_i > 2). Compared with unidirectional mixing conditions, for systems with one type of impeller, the power requirement was about 38% higher for forward‐reverse mixing. Despite the fact that the power demand was greater, the mixing time was not shorter, but about 30% higher than unidirectional mixing in a baffled vessel. However, the forward‐reverse mixing mode exhibits a higher level of homogeneity which it achieved faster than unidirectional mixing. CONCLUSION: The power requirements and mixing time for forward‐reverse mixing mode were higher in comparison with unidirectional mixing. Despite this, higher values of homogeneity were achieved faster. Higher levels of shear rate and better homogeneity indicate that forward‐reverse mixing can be beneficial for multi‐phase mixing in vessels with multiple impellers. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry     

Gas hold-up and volumetric oxygen transfer coefficient in an aerated agitated vessel without baffles having forward-reverse rotating impellers

Gas hold-up and volumetric oxygen transfer coefficient were studied in a gas-liquid contactor without baffles, containing multiple impellers with four delta-type blades. The blades of each adjacent impeller were offset by 45° in an alternating manner. The direction of rotation of the impellers periodically was reversed. This new type of agitated gas-liquid contactor was denoted as “AJITER”. The effects of the gas sparging rate, the forward-reverse agitation rate and the number of impellers on the gas hold-up and volumetric oxygen transfer coefficient in the AJITER when different types of gas spargers were used were evaluated experimentally for an air-water system. Empirical relationships are presented to predict the gas hold-up and volumetric oxygen transfer coefficient. The differences in performance between the AJITER and existing types of gas-liquid contactors are discussed in terms of the differences in the gas hold-up and volumetric oxygen transfer coefficient due to changes in the superficial gas velocity.     

Liquid flow circulating within an unbaffled vessel agitated with an unsteady forward–reverse rotating impeller

Liquid‐phase mixing is a common operation, often performed in vessels using mechanically rotating impellers. To enhance axial mixing the vessels are generally equipped with baffles; however, in industries where cleaning the vessel interior is a major concern, i.e. food and pharmaceuticals, and crystallization, where baffles can disturb particle growth, unbaffled vessels are preferred. One method of agitation in unbaffled vessels is an impeller that periodically changes either the direction or rate of rotation: so‐called unsteady rotation. For use in an enhanced agitation vessel, an agitation technology using an unsteady forward–reverse rotating impeller in an unbaffled vessel was investigated. Such unsteady agitation is expected to enhance mixing. However, knowledge of the liquid flows in such an apparatus remains elusive. Thus an aim of this work was to characterize the circulation flow in such a system. Circulation by a disk turbine impeller with six flat blades was studied through examination of tracer particle trajectories. Images showing flow patterns with the forward–reverse rotating impeller resembled those obtained with a unidirectionally rotating impeller in a baffled vessel. The pattern was characterized by a circulation loop whose pathway exits from the impeller rotational region and returns to that region past the wall and bottom of the vessel. Time‐series particle tracking velocimetry (PTV) images obtained during one forward–reverse rotation of the impeller showed that the flow near the vessel wall reduced the periodic fluctuation downstream and that a flow that was almost independent of time was induced near the vessel bottom. For the flow from the bottom to the impeller, unsteadiness was provided by proximity to the impeller. Based on the intensity distribution of the unsteady flow produced by this type of forward–reverse rotating impeller within the vessel, the unsteady flow was shown to have the potential to reach the region near the vessel wall. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry     

Behaviour of gas–liquid mixtures in an unbaffled reactor with unsteadily forward–reverse rotating impellers

The behaviour of gas–liquid mixtures in the vicinity of the blades of an unsteadily rotating impeller in an unbaffled agitated vessel was studied by observations made with a rotating camera. The impellers used were a disk turbine impeller with six flat blades (DT) and a novel cross‐type impeller with four delta blades (CD). The behaviour of gas–liquid mixtures near the blades of the forward–reverse rotating impeller was unsteady in terms of the formation of cavities behind the blades and their dispersion into gas bubbles, and differed from that near the blades of a unidirectionally, steadily rotating impeller. The differences in relative power consumption between the forward–reverse rotating impellers in the unbaffled vessel and the steadily rotating impellers in the baffled vessel are discussed in relation to the differences in the behaviour of gas–liquid mixtures near the blades of each rotating impeller. © 2002 Society of Chemical Industry     

Agitation requirements for complete solid suspension in an unbaffled agitated vessel with an unsteadily forward–reverse rotating impeller

Background: To develop a new type of solid–liquid apparatus, we have proposed the application of an agitation system with an impeller whose rotation alternates direction unsteadily, i.e., a forward–reverse rotating impeller. For an unbaffled agitated vessel fitted with this system, the suspension of solid particles in a liquid was studied using a disk turbine impeller with six flat blades. Results: The effects of the solid–liquid conditions and geometrical conditions of the apparatus on the minimum rotation rate and the corresponding impeller power consumption were evaluated experimentally for a completely suspended solid. The power consumption for a just suspended solid with this type of vessel was comparable with that for a baffled vessel with a unidirectionally rotating impeller, taking the liquid flow along the vessel bottom into consideration. Conclusion: Empirical relationships to predict the parameters of agitation requirements were found. A comparative investigation demonstrated the usefulness of the forward–reverse rotation mode of the impeller for off‐bottom suspension of solid particles. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry     

Coaxial Mixer Hydrodynamics with Newtonian and non‐Newtonian Fluids

The performance of several combinations of a wall scraping impeller and dispersing impellers in a coaxial mixer operated in counter‐ and co‐rotating mode were assessed with Newtonian and non‐Newtonian fluids. Using the power consumption and the mixing time as the efficiency criteria, impellers in co‐rotating mode were found to be a better choice for Newtonian and non‐Newtonian fluids. The hybrid impeller‐anchor combination was found to be the most efficient for mixing in counter‐rotating or co‐rotating mode regardless of the fluid rheology. For both rotating modes, it was shown that the anchor speed does not have any effect on the power draw of the dispersing turbines. However, the impeller speed was shown to affect the anchor power consumption. The determination of the minimum agitation conditions to achieve the just suspended state of solid particles (N_js) was also determined. It was found that N_js had lower values with the impellers having the best axial pumping capabilities.     

PARTICLE-LIQUID MASS TRANSFER IN MULTIIMPELLER MECHANICALLY AGITATED CONTACTORS

The mass transfer coefficients between solid particles and liquids in high aspect ratio contactors agitated by multiple impellers have been reported. Two vessel sizes i.e., 0.15 m and 0.30m I.D. each with a length of 1.0 m were used. The effects of particle size, liquid viscosity and agitation speed were studied using two types of impellers, i.e., disc turbine (DT) and pitched turbine downflow (PTD). The spacings between two impellers were maintained at tank diameter. A simple mass transfer correlation based on critical suspension speed is proposed.     

Solid–liquid mass transfer characteristics of an unbaffled agitated vessel with an unsteadily forward–reverse rotating impeller

To develop an enhanced form of solid‐liquid apparatus, an unbaffled agitated vessel has been constructed, fitted with an agitation system using an impeller whose rotation alternates unsteadily in direction, i.e. a forward‐reverse rotating impeller. In this vessel, solid‐liquid mass transfer was studied using a disc turbine impeller with six flat blades. The effect of impeller rotation rate as an operating variable on the mass transfer coefficient was evaluated experimentally using various geometrical conditions of the apparatus, such as impeller diameter and height, in relation to the impeller power consumption. Mixing of gas above the free surface into the bulk liquid, i.e. surface aeration, which accompanied the solid‐liquid agitation, was also investigated. Comparison of the mass transfer characteristics between this type of vessel and a baffled vessel with a unidirectional rotating impeller underscored the sufficient solid‐liquid contact for prevention of gas mixing in the forward‐reverse rotation mode of the impeller. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry     

Effect of impeller clearance on liquid flow within an unbaffled vessel agitated with a forward–reverse rotating impeller

For an unbaffled agitated vessel with an unsteadily forward–reverse rotating impeller whose rotation proceeds with repeated acceleration, deceleration, and stop–reverse processes, liquid flow was studied through visualisation and measurement using particle tracking velocimetry (PTV). A disk turbine impeller with six flat blades was used with varied height settings. The impeller clearance and its forward–reverse rotation cycle characterised the impeller region flow: the radially outward flow in the deceleration process for the larger clearance relative to the vessel diameter of 1/3, and the axially downward flow in the acceleration process for the smaller clearance relative to the vessel diameter of 1/8. The flow patterns within the vessel resulting from the impeller's larger and smaller clearances were outlined, respectively, by double loops and a single loop of circulation, resembling the pattern produced by unidirectionally rotating turbine‐type impellers. The discharge flow was revealed to contain a comparable level of periodic circumferential velocity component, irrespective of the impeller clearance.     

搅拌槽内粘稠物系的混合过程

以发酵罐中通气搅拌下的混合为背景，考察了搅拌形式，物系流变性质及通气速率等因素，对搅拌槽内粘稠物质系中混合过程的影响，轴向流翼型混合效率高于涡轮桨，通气有助于改善粘稠物系中的混合粘度变化主要改变槽内流动状态和桨叶泵送能力，从而改变混合效率，当物系为中等粘度假塑性流体时，混合速率由桨叶泵送流动的流量和形态所决定，多层搅拌下分区现象限制了混合速率。     

The effect of flow reversal on solids suspension in agitated vessels

Flow patterns in agitated vessels are influenced by geometry, particularly impeller diameter and impeller off-bottom clearance. Large impellers and/or high off-bottom clearances lead to reversed flow in which the flow at the base of the vessel is radially-inward as opposed to radially-outward as expected with axial-flow impellers. Reversed flow is detrimental in solids suspension agitation because inordinately high torque and power are required to achieve suspension. This work experimentally characterizes the effect of flow reversal on solids suspension performance, including guidelines for avoiding flow reversal with straight-blade turbines, pitched-blade turbines, and high-efficiency impellers.     

Performance Evaluation of Two High‐Shear Impellers in an Unbaffled Stirred Tank

High‐shear impellers (HSIs) are mixers used in industrial stirred tanks to incorporate powders into liquids and break down particle agglomerates. A detailed numerical study of two commercial ring‐style HSIs of laboratory scale was carried out and their performance was compared with the Rushton turbine (RT). It was found that power and pumping numbers or their ratio cannot be simply connected for properly selecting an impeller in applications where highly localized viscous dissipation is desirable. The ratio of the average viscous dissipation in the impeller swept volume to the mean in the entire volume at two constant values of power input turned out to be lower for HSIs compared to that evaluated for RT. However, at higher power input, the dimensionless average viscous dissipation in the blade swept volume was found to be similar for the HSI of two rings and the RT, corroborating the high local viscous dissipation of this HSI when operated at higher speeds.     

粉体搅拌扭矩的试验及关联式

在直径为480mm的平底搅拌槽内,采用平均直径为4.89μm的氢氧化铝粉体进行搅拌扭矩的试验。通过扭矩传感器测量3种不同型式（开启涡轮XCK、二叶直桨PJ和管形桨GXJ）的6个搅拌器（XCK348、XCK290、PJ348、PJ232、GXJ348和GXJ232）的扭矩。试验结果表明：针对不同的搅拌器型式,搅拌器的扭矩增加幅度从高到低的排序是XCK348＞GXJ348＞PJ348＞XCK290。随着粉体高度的增加,GXJ348搅动效果相对较好。相同工况下搅拌的扭矩随着转速增加而有所下降。搅拌的扭矩大小主要是和搅拌器离粉体表面的高度和搅拌的Froude数有关。对于搅拌器组合,当间距较大时各层搅拌器互相不影响;当层间距与搅拌器直径之比小于0.32时,各层搅拌器存在相互作用。通过扭矩的量纲分析和搅拌粉体的受力分析,分别获得了3种搅拌器型式的扭矩关联式。     

Determination and correlation of diffusion coefficients of some dyes in organic solvents of high viscosity

Diffusion coefficients of three dyes at low concentrations in a range of liquids of different viscosities have been measured by a capillary method, and the validity of various empirical equations for predicting diffusion coefficients has been assessed. The inverse relationship between diffusion coefficient and viscosity was found to apply only in mobile liquids, the product Dη being greater in viscous liquids. For a given viscosity, the difference between predicted and experimental values was greatest for hydrogen-bonded liquids. Comparison with other results suggests that the diffusivity varies inversely as some power of the molar volume of the solute, the exponent varying from about 0.7 for mobile liquids, through 1.1 to 1.4 for viscous liquids, to a literature value of 1.7 for solid rubber.     

挡板对搅拌特性影响的研究

在内径为400mm的试验釜内,测定了不同挡板条件下的搅拌功率消耗、混合时间、固体回转部半径及桨叶的排出次数等,研究了挡板对搅拌体系的动力特性、混合特性和循环特性的影响,并提出相应的关联式,为搅拌装置的设计和改造提供依据.     

New Turbine Impellers for Viscous Mixing

New open impellers developed for viscous mixing applications were characterized experimentally in terms of power consumption and mixing times, and their performance was compared to that of standard turbines. Their design is based on a nonsymmetry of revolution principle contrary to standard impellers. A color‐discoloration technique based on a fast acid‐base indicator reaction and image analysis were used to evaluate the mixing efficiency. Experimental results show that the segregated, torus‐shaped regions, always observed above and below standard turbine impellers, can be significantly reduced using the new turbine designs generating a well‐balanced axial‐radial flow field.     

搅拌槽内中高黏物系的气液分散特性研究进展

从实验和数值模拟两方面对搅拌槽内中高黏物系条件下的气含率、气泡尺寸大小和传质特性等进行综述。讨论了搅拌桨型、操作条件、黏度或非牛顿性对气液分散特性的影响。阐明了径流式搅拌桨和上翻式轴流桨的组合能减小气穴,更适合中低黏物系的搅拌;搅拌转速比通气量的影响效果更明显,转速增加使气泡的分布均匀性变好,而提高通气速度会产生大气泡,使气泡分布不均匀程度增加;黏度或非牛顿性的增加可以改变气泡的碰撞频率,气泡平均尺寸减小。最后讨论了针对中高黏物系的计算流体力学模型的修正方法,并且展望了此领域的研究发展方向。