THE EFFECT OF IMPELLER BLADE GEOMETRY/INCLINATION ON MIXING/EMULSION

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of impeller blade geometry/inclination on mixing/emulsion. This study was conducted using a Gunt CE 320 Liquid mixing unit. The power consumption and mixing time were the two main focus in this research study using a relationship of Power Number to Reynolds Number and the Fox and Gex Equation respectively. Four different types of impellers were used: Impeller Type 1 (100mm, 3 Blade), Impeller Type 2 (100mm, 2 Blade), Impeller Type 3 (100mm, 10 Hole) and Impeller Type 4 (70mm, 3 Blade) The torque readings were taken at different impeller speeds for the power consumption part for all impeller types at four different positions experimented with (Centre, 5cm offset from the centre, at an inclined angle of 20 degrees and at the top). The conductivity method was used in obtaining the mixing time using a solution of potassium chloride (KCl) and water as the tracer in an open vessel system. This methodology was used for two mixtures, Mixture Type 1 (Tap Water Only) and Mixture Type 2 (Oil and Water).