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A Unified Model for the Mixing of Non‐Newtonian Fluids in the Laminar, Transition, and Turbulent Region
Author(s) -
Wassmer KarlHeinz,
Hungenberg KlausDieter
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
macromolecular materials and engineering
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.913
H-Index - 96
eISSN - 1439-2054
pISSN - 1438-7492
DOI - 10.1002/mame.200400328
Subject(s) - laminar flow , turbulence , newtonian fluid , mixing (physics) , mechanics , thermodynamics , heat transfer , materials science , non newtonian fluid , flow (mathematics) , physics , quantum mechanics
Summary: Non‐Newtonian fluid behavior has significant influence on quantities in chemical engineering like power input, mixing time, heat transfer etc. In the laminar flow region, the concept of effective viscosity by Metzner and Otto is well established. In the transition region between laminar and turbulent flow, the existing concepts use three and even more empirical parameters to determine the specific power input. Here, a unified and general but simple approach is introduced to calculate the power input for shear thinning fluids over the whole flow region using just one empirical parameter. The Metzner‐Otto relation is obtained as a limiting case for the laminar region. The empirical parameter of the new approach is related to the Metzner‐Otto constant. The concept is validated for eight different stirrer systems. Mixing time and maximum shear rate and heat transfer can also be calculated using this approach. The new concept presented should also be applicable for other apparatuses, e.g., static mixers.Comparison of experimental data and a curve calculated according to the new method (solid line).