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In situ characterization of mixing and sedimentation dynamics in an impinging jet ballast tank via acoustic backscatter
Author(s) -
Bux Jaiyana,
Paul Neepa,
Hunter Timothy N.,
Peakall Jeffrey,
Dodds Jonathan M.,
Biggs Simon
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
aiche journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.958
H-Index - 167
eISSN - 1547-5905
pISSN - 0001-1541
DOI - 10.1002/aic.15683
Subject(s) - settling , sedimentation , backscatter (email) , flocculation , erosion , mixing (physics) , particulates , attenuation , jet (fluid) , sediment , mechanics , dispersion (optics) , materials science , environmental science , geology , optics , environmental engineering , chemistry , physics , engineering , geomorphology , telecommunications , quantum mechanics , wireless , organic chemistry
Impinging jets are utilized in numerous applications, including nuclear waste treatment, for both the erosion of sediment beds and maintaining particulates in suspension. Pulse‐echo ultrasonic methods offer great potential for the in situ monitoring of critical mixing and settling dynamics, in concentrated dispersions. A non‐active scaled version of a Highly Active Storage Tank at Sellafield, UK, was profiled with an acoustic backscatter system under various jet firing conditions. An advanced analysis technique enabled the direct quantification of dispersion concentration changes from the converted backscatter attenuation. Hence, the erosion and mixing capability of the jets, and settling kinetics were characterized. It was found that jet operation alone provided inadequate localized mixing of eroded sediment. An additional air‐lift process operation was required to hinder the rapid re‐settling of dispersed particulates. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J , 63: 2618–2629, 2017