Abstract
Abstract The impeller geometry is a determining factor for mixing efficiency in a stirred vessel. In this study, the effect of disc-blade intercepting angle on power number, just suspended speed and mass transfer coefficient was investigated in a multiphase system under turbulent conditions. The impellers used in this study were fabricated with 3D printing. The interactions between the experimental parameters were analysed using Response Surface Methodology (RSM). The impeller power number was found to have a linear positive relation with disc-blade intercepting angle from 30° to 90°. Beyond 90°, the impeller power number became lower with increment in the disc-blade intercepting angle. The results confirmed better suspension efficiency in the angle range of 50° to 120° in 5 wt% solid suspensions. The lowest specific power requirement (Ɛjs) at just suspension condition was observed in the angle range of 30° to 80°. The highest mass transfer coefficient was obtained for the impellers with disc-blade intercepting angle in the middle range. Two models were established on power number and mass transfer coefficient for various disc-blade intercepting angles. The study confirmed that the hydrodynamic and mass transfer performance of disc blade impellers could be maximized by changing the disc-blade intercepting angle for a selected system.
Highlights
Mixing operations are one of the important industrial processes for homogenization, suspension, dispersion and heat transfer intensification applications (Zlokarnik, 2008)
The power number of the Rushton turbine found in this work was 5.47, which is in close agreement with those published in the literature (Bates et al, 1963; Houcine et al, 2000; Nienow et al, 1995; Wu et al, 2001)
The results proved that changing the disc-blade intercepting angle could reduce the power consumption of the conventional Rushton design
Summary
Mixing operations are one of the important industrial processes for homogenization, suspension, dispersion and heat transfer intensification applications (Zlokarnik, 2008). Many studies have shown the significance of impeller geometry in mixing quality. Impeller geometry has been broadly studied to optimize mixing performance. Many works have been accomplished on impeller design and the effect of various geometries such as blade number, blade thickness, blade width, pitch angle, blade twist, blade curvature angle, and blade shape on impeller efficiencies. The requirement of mixing quality varies over different applications. Mixing quality can be characterised by various parameters such as power consumption, just suspended speed, and mass transfer coefficient. The knowledge of these parameters is essential due to direct impact on the product quality, process productivity and cost
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