Numerical simulation of mixing in a jet agitated horizontal cylindrical tank

Abstract

Mixing in a fluid jet agitated large horizontal cylindrical tank is simulated using computational fluid dynamics. A known volume of hot fluid is mixed with a cooler main fluid in a large tank. Temperature measurements are used to quantify mixing. Results show that the blending time is largely dependent on the flow patterns generated inside the tank. These flow patterns are a function of the tank geometry, the location of the jet and the angle at which the jet is injected. The role played by the length of the jet in determining the blending time is not as great as was thought by earlier workers. A significant reduction in blending times, ranging from 600% at a Reynolds number of 40,000 to 350% at a Reynolds number of 60,000, is achieved by changing the location and/or the angle of the incoming jet in a way that results in a better flow circulation.