Abstract
The mixing process greatly influence the mixing efficiency, as well as the quality and the price of the intermediate and/or the final product. Static mixer is used for premixing action before the main mixing process, for significant reduction of mixing time and energy consumption. This type of premixing action is not investigated in detail in the open literature. In this article, the novel numerical approach called Discrete Element Method is used for modelling of granular flow in multiple static mixer applications (1 - 3 Komax or Ross mixing elements were utilized), while the Computational Fluid Dynamic method was chosen for fluid flow modelling, using the Eulerian multiphase model. The main aim of this article is to predict the behaviour of granules being gravitationally transported in different mixer configuration and to choose the best configuration of the mixer taking into account the total particle path, the number of mixing elements and the quality of the obtained mixture. The results of the numerical simulations in the static mixers were compared to experimental results, the mixing quality is examined by RSD (relative standard deviation) criterion, and the effects on the mixer type and the number of mixing elements on mixing process were studied. The effects of the mixer type and the number of mixing elements on mixing process were studied using analysis of variance (ANOVA). Mathematical modelling is used for optimization of number of Ross and Komax segments in mixer in order to gain desirable mixing results.
Highlights
The mixing process greatly influences the mixing efficiency, as well as the quality and the price of the intermediate and/or the final product
The main aim of this study was to demonstrate the use of Discrete Element Method (DEM)/Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) simulation coupling in planning the number of Komax or Ross elements in order to gain desirable mixing results
This paper studies the flow in two types of twisted-blade static mixers (Komax or Ross mixing elements, linked in a series of 1–3 pieces)
Summary
The mixing process greatly influences the mixing efficiency, as well as the quality and the price of the intermediate and/or the final product. Static mixer is used for premixing action before the main mixing process, for significant reduction of mixing time and energy consumption This type of premixing action is not investigated in detail in the open literature. Mathematical modelling is used for optimization of number of Ross and Komax segments in mixer in order to gain desirable mixing results. The soft-sphere method originally developed by Cundall and Strack [7], was the first granular dynamics simulation technique published in the open literature They developed the linear spring and the dashpot model whereby the magnitude of the normal force between two particles was the sum of spring force and damping force. Komax and Ross are commercial products, with known geometry, used widely in various branches of industry
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