Tracer studies and breakage testing in pilot-scale stirred mills

Abstract

A tracer technique is used to provide parameters that describe mixing and breakage in stirred mills. The results are also used to test the accuracy of mixing and breakage models. Tracer studies have been undertaken using a 39-litre vertical Sala agitated mill and a 4-litre horizontal Netzsch mill. The experimental residence time distribution (RTD) of the mills is analysed both in terms of a single mean residence time and a non-linear least squares fit to an optimal number of perf ect mixers of unequal size in series. Results show a strong dependence of RTD on flow rate, minimal dependence on stirrer speed, and support the concept that the RTD's of liquid tracers and solid tracers subject to breakage are similar. A very accurate match to the experimental RTD curves car be achieved with the multiple uneven mixers in series model. Size distribution results from solid tracer tests are used to determine the breakage characteristics of the pilot-scale Sala mill. The population balance model for a single perfect mixer with steady state hold-up is used as the basis for solution of a constrained non-linear optimisation inverse problem for mill breakage rate and breakage function. Experimental results indicate that the breakage rate is first order as hypothesised. The population balance model using optimal breakage parameters provides a reasonable fit to experimental data for cumulative passing percentage as a function of particle size for discrete times. Both the breakage rates and cumulative breakage functions are roughly power law dependent on particle size. Analysis of the size distribution of breakage products indicates that the mode of particle breakage, as indicated by the tracer breakage parameters, is a function of time. This demonstrates that the assumption of time independent breakage parameters in the population balance model may not be valid. Accurate determination of breakage parameters is strongly influenced by the transport characteristics of the slurry through the mill. The work shows that particle breakage in pilot-scale stirred mills is a complex function of both particle and specific mill characteristics. Therefore, in order to gain insight into the appropriate physical processes at work in an industrial scale mill, it is important to perform experiments with and analyse a system that matches the real mill as closely as possible.