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Flow Compartments in Viscoelastic Fluids Using Radial Impellers in Stirred Tanks
Author(s) -
Kolano Markus,
Kraume Matthias
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
chemical engineering and technology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.403
H-Index - 81
eISSN - 1521-4125
pISSN - 0930-7516
DOI - 10.1002/ceat.201900122
Subject(s) - impeller , viscoelasticity , mechanics , flow (mathematics) , elasticity (physics) , rotational speed , centrifugal pump , mixing (physics) , materials science , fluid dynamics , physics , classical mechanics , composite material , quantum mechanics
The influence of viscoelastic flow properties on fluid dynamics using radial impellers is investigated. The use of transparent model fluids allows for the optical measurement of general flow behavior with a fluorescence dying technique. By varying viscoelastic flow properties, size of agitators and rotational frequency, the impact of these parameters on fluid dynamics is analyzed. Toroidally shaped, cavern‐like flow compartments form around the agitators in all fluids in specific rotational frequency ranges, preventing an efficient mixing. By balancing elastic with centrifugal forces, a simple model is developed with which compartment sizes can be predicted with good accuracy. The results indicate a good suitability of the elasticity number as a scale‐up criterion.