Experiments and CFD predictions of solid particle distribution in a vessel agitated with four pitched blade turbines

The distribution of solid particles in a high aspect-ratio baffled tank agitated with four 45° pitched blade turbines (PBT) was investigated using both experimental measurements and CFD simulations. Dilute suspensions of glass beads in water and moderately viscous liquids were considered. The measurement of axial particle concentration profiles was conducted by means of a light attenuation technique. Fully predictive simulations of solid-liquid suspensions were performed using a Sliding-Grid approach coupled with the Eulerian-Eulerian Two Fluid Model and the 'homogeneous' two-phase k-ε turbulence model. The simulated particle axial concentration profiles were compared with the experimental data and good agreement was found.