Mixing Characteristics and Parameter Effects on the Mixing Efficiency of High-Viscosity Solid–Liquid Mixtures under High-Intensity Acoustic Vibration

Abstract

High-intensity acoustic vibration is a new technology for solving the problem of uniform dispersion of highly viscous materials. In this study, we investigate the mixing characteristics of high-viscosity solid–liquid phases under high-intensity acoustic vibration and explore the effect of vibration parameters on the mixing efficiency. A numerical simulation model of solid–liquid–gas multiphase flow, employing the volume of fluid (VOF) and discrete phase model (DPM), was developed and subsequently validated through experimental verification. The results show that the movement and deformation of the gas–liquid surface over the entire field are critical for achieving rapid and uniform mixing of the solid–liquid phases under acoustic vibration. Increasing the amplitude or frequency of vibration can intensify the movement and deformation of the free surface of gas and liquid, improve the mixing efficiency, and shorten the mixing time. Under the condition of constant acceleration, the mixing efficiency of materials is higher at low frequency and high amplitude. Further, we define a relationship that predicts desirable mixing conditions as a function of amplitude and frequency. This serves as a valuable reference guide for evaluating the minimum requirements when selecting operating parameters.