Nusselt number correlation for a jacketed stirred tank using computational fluid dynamics

Abstract

AbstractThe heat exchange in stirred tanks occurs mainly due to the impeller rotation and overall circulation of the fluid that promotes a more effective heat transfer between fluid and heat transfer surfaces. The type of impeller used and the size of the vessel (that affects the relation heat transfer area and volume of the vessel) have significant effects on the heat transfer. The heat transfer coefficient is very much dependent on the impeller and the speed of rotation. Empirical correlations are usually used to estimate the process side heat transfer coefficient. However, its dependence on the geometrical parameters restricts the use of those correlations to specific tank configurations. In this respect, the use of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) has recently emerged as an alternative to experimental studies. The procedure proved to be faster and lower cost, and the results proved to be accurate. In this study, CFD was applied to obtain a Nusselt number correlation for a jacketed stirred tank equipped with a six‐blade Rushton turbine impeller. The Nusselt number correlation obtained from the simulated model agrees with experimental data providing a reliable representation of the heat transfer in the tank.