Computational fluid dynamics modeling of a bench-scale pump-mixer: Head, power and residence time distribution

Abstract

The present work involves several single-phase computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations of a continuous-flow bench-scale pump-mixer that uses a top-shrouded turbine with trapezoidal blades. Baffle-impeller interaction has been modeled using the sliding-mesh approach. The standard k-epsilon model has been used for turbulence modeling. CFD simulations have been used to predict power consumption and the head generated by the pump-mix impeller, as well as to conduct virtual tracer experiments. Results from CFD simulations have been validated with the experimental data obtained on a physical counterpart. Virtual residence time distribution (RTD) curves have been used to perform compartment modeling of the pump-mixer. A significant difference in the hydrodynamic behavior between the low clearance design and the high clearance design has been observed.