Flow characteristics in a column agitated by blade impellers

Flow characteristics, axial dispersion coefficients in the continuous phase, and holdup of the dispersed phase were studied in a 4.66 cm inside diameter and 100 cm height column agitated by blade impellers. Flow characteristics were analyzed by residence time distribution using impulse input of a tracer. The best reasonable values of Peclet number and holding time were able to obtain by using the response surface method. The axial dispersion coefficients in the single phase flow, and in the two-phase countercurrent flow have been correlated within a confidence level of ±10% when impeller diameter, impeller speed and compartment height, were used as variables. The holdup of the dispersed phase was also correlated in terms of impeller diameter and the operating variables.