ID 36

An Enhanced method for evaluating uniformity of a time dependent mixing system in fluid-filled tanks.

 

Abstract:

Industrial chemicals are often complex mixtures of materials requiring homogenization or blending. Industrial systems use eductors or mixing jets to blend storage tanks ranging from 10 m3 to 50,000 m3 . Design of such systems is based on 30 year-old correlations, which include limited data and no CFD modeling. Moreover, the use of eductors has not been fully described and the limitations of the correlations necessitates overdesign to assure the desired mixing time.

This study reports on analysis methods, based on scalar transport, to quantify the mixing rate. Unique to this study is using multiple conductivity measurements coupled with an impulse injection of saline solution to spatially and temporally resolve the uniformity. The methodology of measurements and analysis of the results provide a global perspective of mixing unsteadily from a statistical perspective. CFD modeling provides complementary information on flow pattern and turbulence quantities in addition to a comparing mixing measures. The methodology and results may provide insight into other complex mixing systems.