FLUID DYNAMICS ANALYSIS AND SCALE MODELLING OF MIXING AND AGITATING VESSELS
Wu, J., Bandopadhayay, P.C., Pullum, L. and Shepherd, I.
Mixing and agitation with impellers in a vessel is a common technique found in the alumina industry. The fluid flow in the vessel is primarily a function of the slurry rheology, and the design and operation of the impellers. In general, the fluid flow in a vessel determines the homogeneity of mixing, mixing time, solids residence time, suspension of solids, rate of mass transfer.
Techniques have been developed at CSIRO Advanced Fluid Dynamics Laboratory to investigate slurry fluid flow in mixing vessels using small-scale physical models. Software has been developed using theoretical analysis and experimental data to predict the pumping performance of impellers, suspension of solids and tank flow parameters.