Mechanical Mixing in Technological Processes – Experimental Verification of Rotor Shape Prototyping

Abstract

Mechanical mixing is a common process in technological systems across many industries. It is a key operation in a large number of engineering systems, including chemical reactions, gas dispersion in liquids, the formation of suspensions and mixtures, and the prevention of sediment aggregation. This seemingly simple process depends on the physical and chemical properties of the substances being mixed, the geometry of the tank and impeller, and the hydrodynamic conditions generated during mixer operation. This paper presents examples of research results for the developed methodology, which enables the prototyping of mixers, particularly the impeller shape. It is based on numerical calculations (CFD – Calculated Fluid Dynamics) and computer simulation using the ANSYS Fluent package, analysis of velocity vector distribution (PIV – Particle Image Velocity method), and the determination of criteria numbers characterizing flow, such as the power number (Np), the pumping number (Kc), and the mixing efficiency (E).