Hydrodynamics, power consumption and bubble size distribution in gas-liquid stirred tanks

Abstract

In this work, we present the results collected in a gas-liquid stirred tank by a combination of experimental and computational methods, with the aim of presenting original data on the bubbles size distribution and contributing to the development of fully predictive methods for the design and the scale-up of chemical and biochemical gas-liquid reactors. Basic variables which affect mass transfer and consequently the performances of industrial aerobic fermentations are discussed, with special focus on the bubble size distribution, the gassed power consumption and the gas cavities. The current developments of Two Fluid and Population Balance models for obtaining fully predictive results on gas-liquid mixing in stirred tanks are discussed. The results confirm that the correct prediction of the bubble size in the impeller zone is a crucial prerequisite for obtaining reliable results of the hydrodynamics of aerated stirred tanks.