Computational fluid dynamics modelling of complex fluid flow in stirred vessels

Liu, Li (2014). Computational fluid dynamics modelling of complex fluid flow in stirred vessels. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

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Abstract

Fluid mixing in stirred vessels is widely encountered in a number of industries. In this work, different experimental techniques and the CFD modelling approach are used to measure the mixing of a wide range of fluids in stirred vessels. As the detailed validation is essential for CFD modelling, CFD predictions are compared in detail with different experimental measurements. The capability of CFD modelling of the 3D spatial distribution of velocity and solid concentration within opaque concentrated solid-liquid suspensions with the mean solid concentration up to 40 wt% is assessed by comparing with the experimental data obtained from positron emission particle tracking (PEPT) measurements. Because the impeller configuration is of significant importance to the flow pattern, the performance of different impellers for single-phase mixing of Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids in stirred vessels is compared. CFD predictions of flow fields generated from different impellers are compared with those measured by the well-established particle image velocimetry (PIV) technique. The capability of CFD modelling of different mixing features of non-Newtonian fluids in stirred vessels are verified by comparing with experimental data obtained from PIV, PEPT, and planar laser induced fluorescence (PLIF) measurements.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

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