EFFECT OF DISC-BLADE INTERCEPTING ANGLE ON MIXING PERFORMANCE IN A MULTIPHASE STIRRED VESSEL

Abstract The impeller geometry is a determining factor for mixing efficiency in a stirred vessel. In this study, the effect of disc-blade intercepting angle on power number, just suspended speed and mass transfer coefficient was investigated in a multiphase system under turbulent conditions. The impellers used in this study were fabricated with 3D printing. The interactions between the experimental parameters were analysed using Response Surface Methodology (RSM). The impeller power number was found to have a linear positive relation with disc-blade intercepting angle from 30° to 90°. Beyond 90°, the impeller power number became lower with increment in the disc-blade intercepting angle. The results confirmed better suspension efficiency in the angle range of 50° to 120° in 5 wt% solid suspensions. The lowest specific power requirement (Ɛjs) at just suspension condition was observed in the angle range of 30° to 80°. The highest mass transfer coefficient was obtained for the impellers with disc-blade intercepting angle in the middle range. Two models were established on power number and mass transfer coefficient for various disc-blade intercepting angles. The study confirmed that the hydrodynamic and mass transfer performance of disc blade impellers could be maximized by changing the disc-blade intercepting angle for a selected system.