Abstract
A conductivity probe was developed in the Fluid Mixing Processes group (FMP) of BHR Group Ltd to measure the local solids concentration in stirred vessels. This instrument offers a convenient means of measuring local solids concentration in large-scale stirred vessels. As part of the FMP generic research programme experiments have been conducted covering the measurement of power, solids suspension and solids distribution in 0.61 and 1.83 m diameter geometrically similar vessels. Each system consisted of a downward pumping 45° 4-bladed pitch bladed turbine mounted at T/4 clearance. Mixtures of sand and water at concentrations up to 30% by weight were used as test media. Results indicate that at least equal power per unit volume is required to achieve the same degree of homogeneity for solids distribution on scale-up, in agreement with experimental results reported by other workers. The frequently reported theoretical criterion of constant tip speed underestimates the impeller speed and power required at large scale.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 379-395 |
| Number of pages | 17 |
| Journal | Institution of Chemical Engineers Symposium Series |
| Issue number | 121 |
| Publication status | Published - 1990 |
| Externally published | Yes |
| Event | Fluid Mixing IV - Bradford, Engl Duration: 11 Sept 1990 → 13 Sept 1990 |