Computational modeling of hydrodynamics and mixing in a batch stirred vessel

Abstract

In this work, the hydrodynamics, mixing and sedimentation is numerically investigated in the batch stirred vessel through CFD. The flow field obtained by performing transient CFD simulations using multiple reference frame (MRF) and sliding mesh approach along with standard k-ε turbulence model. The velocity field is investigated spatially and temporally and liquid circulation is quantified at various impeller speeds to find an optimum impeller speed. The importance of geometry of the draft tube baffles is investigated by quantifying the vorticity, mixing time, power requirement and quality of suspension in the batch stirred vessel. It is found that suspension quantity in a batch stirred vessel is strongly dependent on the hydrodynamics. The role of the draft tube and the inner baffles is further analyzed and found that proper positioning and length of the baffles is necessary to improve the turbulence characteristics and the quality of the suspension.

Keywords:

• CFD
• hydrodynamics
• mixing
• sedimentation
• stirred vessel