Techniques for visualization of cavern boundaries in opaque industrial mixing systems |
| |
| Authors: | M. J. H. Simmons I. Edwards J. F. Hall X. Fan D. J. Parker E. H. Stitt |
| |
| Affiliation: | 1. Johnson Matthey Technology Centre, PO Box 1, Belasis Avenue, Billingham, Cleveland TS23 1LB, United Kingdom;2. School of Chemical Engineering, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom;3. School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom |
| |
| Abstract: | In the agitation of complex fluids, the avoidance of caverns is essential for successful blending. Electrical resistance tomography (ERT) and positron emission projection imaging, which can both image within opaque fluids, have been assessed for visualization of cavern boundaries. A vessel of diameter, T = 154 mm, equipped with a single 57 mm diameter six bladed 45° down pumping pitched blade disc turbine formed the test system. The fluid used was aqueous solution of carbopol 940. Both techniques were used to detect and image caverns at Re from 20–86.6 and compared with optical images. Reasonable agreement on the maximum cavern heights and widths were obtained, with the taller and narrower caverns obtained via 3D ERT measurements being attributed to artifacts of the method and interactions between the polymer and tracer. Caverns were also detectable using a robust linear ERT array, which has potential for use within industrial systems. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2009 |
| |
| Keywords: | electrical resistance tomography positron emission tomography caverns stirred tanks non‐Newtonian fluids |
|
|
