Transport Phenomena and Fluid Mechanics

Impeller characterization and selection: Balancing efficient hydrodynamics with process mixing requirements

  1. Márcio B. Machado1,*,
  2. José Roberto Nunhez2,
  3. David Nobes3,
  4. Suzanne M. Kresta1

Article first published online: 21 OCT 2011

DOI: 10.1002/aic.12758

Issue

AIChE Journal

AIChE Journal

Volume 58, Issue 8, pages 2573–2588, August 2012

Additional Information

How to Cite

Machado, M. B., Nunhez, J. R., Nobes, D. and Kresta, S. M. (2012), Impeller characterization and selection: Balancing efficient hydrodynamics with process mixing requirements. AIChE J., 58: 2573–2588. doi: 10.1002/aic.12758

Author Information

  1. 1

    Dept. of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T6G 2G6

  2. 2

    School of Chemical Engineering, State University of Campinas, UNICAMP, Campinas, SP, Brazil

  3. 3

    Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T6G 2G8

*Dept. of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T6G 2G6

Publication History

  1. Issue published online: 5 JUL 2012
  2. Article first published online: 21 OCT 2011
  3. Accepted manuscript online: 18 AUG 2011 10:38AM EST
  4. Manuscript Revised: 18 JUL 2011
  5. Manuscript Received: 8 APR 2011

Funded by

  • CNPq (Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico - Brazil)
  • Alberta Ingenuity Fund
  • Natural Sciences and Research Council (NSERC) of Canada
  • Canadian Foundation for Innovation

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Keywords:

  • mixing;
  • impeller performance;
  • power number;
  • momentum number;
  • micromixing

Abstract

Current literature relies almost exclusively on the power number to compare and characterize impellers. Industrial mixing requirements may rely on conditions far away from the impeller. A protocol is proposed to compare impellers designed for turbulent mixing on the basis of impeller hydrodynamic performance and mixing process objectives. A hydrofoil impeller (KPC), and a mixed-flow impeller (45° down-pumping PBT), each at two diameters, were used to test the protocol. Fourteen measures were considered. Five are recommended for full characterization: power number, momentum number, and peak rate of dissipation of turbulent kinetic energy to characterize conditions at the impeller; power at just-suspended speed to compare the efficiency of solids suspension at the bottom of the tank; and point of air entrainment as a measure of turbulence penetration to the free surface. These five measures provide complete information about mixing performance and good differentiation between the impellers and geometries. © 2011 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 58: 2573–2588, 2012

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