CFD predictions of flow near impeller blades in baffled stirred vessels: Assessment of computational snapshot approach

The present article summarizes simulations of turbulent flow generated by a Rushton turbine (six blades with disc) and a downflow pitched blade turbine (four blades, 45° inclined) using a computational snapshot approach. The computational snapshot approach proposed by Ranade and Dommeti was extended and generalized to suit impellers of any shape. The approach was implemented using a commercial CFD code, FLUENT (Fluent Inc., USA). Mean flow and turbulence characteristics were computed by solving the Reynolds averaged Navier-Stokes equations combined with the standard k - l turbulence model. The QUICK discretization scheme (with SUPERBEE limiter function) was used to discretize all the governing equations. Preliminary numerical experiments were carried out to identify adequate grid resolution. The predicted results were compared with the comprehensive data set available in the literature. Simulated results show a pair of trailing vortex behind the blades of a turbine. The results were also compared quantitatively in the near-impeller region with the published experimental data and published simulated results using other approaches. The simulations have captured most of the key features of near-impeller flows with sufficient accuracy. The results and conclusions drawn from this study will have important implications for extending the applicability of CFD models to simulate complex stirred reactors.

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