Finite-element simulation of mixing: 2. Three-dimensional flow through a kenics mixer

Numerical tools for the analysis of complex 3‐D mixing devices were developed. Calculations are based on the finite‐element method. The flow calculation is combined with that of pathlines for a fairly large number of material points; along these pathlines, relevant kinematic variables, which are the...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:AIChE journal 1997-03, Vol.43 (3), p.588-597
Main Authors: Avalosse, Th, Crochet, M. J.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Applied sciences
Chemical engineering
Exact sciences and technology
Mixing
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Summary:Numerical tools for the analysis of complex 3‐D mixing devices were developed. Calculations are based on the finite‐element method. The flow calculation is combined with that of pathlines for a fairly large number of material points; along these pathlines, relevant kinematic variables, which are then subjected to a statistical treatment, are evaluated. These numerical techniques are applied to the analysis of a Kenics mixer. It is assumed that the geometry is periodic in the axial direction, that is, that the mixer contains an infinite number of blades; the finite‐element analysis may then be completed on a single wavelength of the geometry. To test the accuracy of the three‐dimensional calculation, a Kenics device was mounted in order to mix clays of different colors, and photographs of experimental cross‐sections were compared with numerical results showing concentration maps. A statistical treatment was performed on some 8,000 material points crossing the entry section to evaluate mixing quality.
ISSN:0001-1541
1547-5905
DOI:10.1002/aic.690430304