Effect of turbulence models on prediction of fluid flow in an Outotec flotation cell

Abstract

The present paper describes a comparative study of three turbulence models in predicting flows in an Outotec flotation cell. Detailed flow performance and pressure distributions are presented. Results show that two main recirculation zones are formed in the cell. It is revealed that the relatively high pressure coefficient appears on the top zone of stator blades and in the outer rim of rotor blades. A toroidal recirculation zone occurs behind each rotor blade. It is found that the velocity in the toroidal zone is higher than that of the rotor tip speed. These predictions are consistent with experimental observation. It is shown that turbulence model has obvious effect on the prediction of flow. Although similar flow patterns are revealed by different turbulence models, the differences in local variables are observed.