CFD simulation of liquid-phase mixing in solid–liquid stirred reactor

• Published in: Chemical engineering science 2008-08, Vol.63 (15), p.3877-3885
• Main Authors: Kasat, G.R., Khopkar, A.R., Ranade, V.V., Pandit, A.B.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied sciences; CFD; Chemical engineering; Exact sciences and technology; Hydrodynamics of contact apparatus; Mixing; Reactors; Solid suspension; Stirred reactor
• ISSN: 0009-2509; 1873-4405
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ces.2008.04.018

A comprehensive CFD model was developed to gain an insight into solid suspension and its implications on the liquid-phase mixing process in a solid–liquid stirred reactor. The turbulent solid–liquid flow in a stirred reactor was simulated using a two-fluid model with the standard k – ε turbulence model with mixture properties. The multiple reference frames (MRFs) approach was used to simulate impeller rotation in a fully baffled reactor. The computational model with necessary sub-models was mapped on to a commercial solver FLUENT 6.2 (of Fluent Inc., USA). The predicted solid concentration distribution was compared with the experimental data of Yamazaki et al. [1986. Concentration profiles of solids suspended in a stirred tank. Powder Technology 48, 205–216]. The computational model was then further extended to simulate and understand the implications of the suspension quality on liquid-phase mixing process. The computational model and the predicted results discussed here will be useful for understanding the liquid-phase mixing process in stirred slurry reactors in various stages of solid suspension.