INTRODUCTION Mixing of liquid-liquid or solid-liquid system is a complex operation to analyze and subject to many variables.

The choice of mixer for a particular application depends on the degree of bulk movement or shear mixing required by the process. In order to predict full-scale requirements, it is usual to model the system and apply dimensional analysis. Before the dimensional analysis can be used, three conditions must apply: 1. Geometric similarity This will define the boundary conditions, corresponding dimensions will have the same ratio. 2. Kinematics similarity This requires that velocities at corresponding points must have the same ratio ac those at other corresponding points. 3. Dynamic similarity This requires that the ratio of forces at corresponding points is equal to that at other corresponding points.

The modes of flow behavior exist in a mixer laminar and turbulent flow. Both these flow conditions may be described dimensionally but for turbulent flow its behavior is less significant. In particular, the power number becomes independent of Reynolds number beyond a certain turbulence range. A further factor to consider is surface waves, which are, describe by the Froude number group. In a mixer this phenomena is usually function of the height of the vortex, which forms. Arm field have developed a model mixer, which can be used to predict the power consumption of a full-sized mixer by equating Reynolds number and Froude number. The effect of placing baffles in the mixer vessel is also investigated.

OBJECTIVES Experiment 1 : The objective of this experiment is to observe the flow patterns that can be achieved by the use of different impellers with and without the use of baffles. Experiment 2 : The objective of this experiment is to show how the power consumed by a mixer varies with speed, types of impeller and with the inclusion of baffles.

THEORY An impeller is a rotating component of a centrifugal pump which transfer energy from the motor that drives the pump to the fluid being pumped by accelerating the fluid outwards from the center of rotation. The velocity achieved by the impeller transfers into pressure when the outward movement of the fluid is confined by the pump casing. Impeller are usually short cylinders with an open inlet (called an eye) to accept incoming fluid, vanes to push the fluid radially, and splined center to accept a driveshaft. There are three types of mixing flow patterns that are markedly different. The so-called axial-flow turbines actually give a flow coming off the impeller of approximately 45 degree and therefore have a recirculation pattern coming back into the impeller at the hub region of the blades. Axial flow impellers include all impellers in which the blade makes an angle of less than 90 degree with the plane of rotation. They run at the highest efficiency and they have the lowest NPSH requirement. They require the highest power requirement at shut off, so they are normally started with the discharge valve open. Axial flow impellers may also be mounted near the bottom of the cylindrical wall of the vessel. Radial flow impellers have blades which are parallel to the axis of the drive shaft. The smaller multiblade ones are known as turbines; larger, slower-speed impeller with two or four blades are often called paddles. The diameter f a turbines is normally between 0.3 and 0.6 of the tank diameter. They should be specified for high head and low flow conditions. As we know, baffles are needed to stop the swirl in a mixing tank. Almost all the impeller rotate in the clockwise or counter clockwise direction. Without baffles, the tangential velocity coming from any impeller causes the entire fluid mass to spin. Most common baffles are straight flat plate of metal that run along the straight side of vertically oriented cylindrical tank or vessel. For unbaffles tank, there is a tendency for a swirling flow pattern to develop regardless of the type of impeller. A vortex is produced owing to centrifugal force acting on the rotating liquid. However, there is a limit to the rotational speed that may be used, since one the vortex reaches the impeller, severe air entrainment may occur. In addition, the swirling mass of liquid often generates an oscilating surge in the tank, which coupled with the deep vortex may create a large fluctuating force acting on the mixer shaft.

For baffles tank, for vigorous agitation of thin suspensions, the tank is provided with baffles which flat vertical strips set radially along the tanks wall as shown in figure 1. Four baffles are almost always adequate. A common baffle width is 1:10 to 1:12 of the tanks diameter. For Reynolds number greater than 10,000, baffles are commonly used with turbine impellers and with on-centerline axial-flow impellers. In the transition region (Reynolds number, from 10 to 10,000), the width of the baffles may be reduced, often to of standard width. If the circulation pattern is satisfactory when the tank is unbaffled but a vortex creates a problem, partial length baffles may be used. These are standard width and extend downward from the surface into about 1/3 of the liquid volume. In the region of laminar flow (NRe< 10), the same power is consumed by the impeller whether baffles are present or not, and they are seldom required. The flow pattern may be affected by the baffles but not always advantageously. When they are need, the baffles are usually placed one or two widths radially, to allow fluid to circulate behind them and at same time produce some axial deflection of flow.

PROCEDURES General Start-up procedure 1. The power outlet is switched on. 2. All the tightening screws is fastened. 3. The working surrounding area is ensured to be dry and clean. 4. The shaft is lifted up using lifting chain attached to the shaft. 5. The experiment is carried out. General shut-down procedure 1. Any liquid inside the tank is removed by opening the outlet valve 2. The tank is washed and rinsed to make sure no oil residue after the experiment. 3. The paddle/impeller inside the tank is removed and washed after use. 4. The power outlet is shut down. Experiment 1 1. The tank is filled with water up to a depth of 30L. 2. Flat paddle is attached with the end of the shaft. 3. A small quantity of plastic pellet is added to the tank. 3. The speed of the impeller is turned up in small increments: 50 rpm, 100 rpm, 150m rpm and 200 rpm. The pellets are seen to swirl around in the water showing flow patterns. 4. The movement of the pellets and the flow pattern is observed and drawn. 5. The procedures are repeated by replacing the flat paddle with other impellers : turbine impeller and screw propeller.

6. The procedures are also repeated with the baffles fitted in the tank with each flat paddle, turbine impeller and screw propeller.

Experiment 2 1. The tank filled with coagulant up to a depth of 30 L 2. Flat paddle is attached with the end of the shaft. 3. The speed of the impeller is turned up to 50 rpm and the reading of force is recorded. 4. The speed is then turned up to 100 rpm, 150 rpm and 200 rpm with the force recorded at the respective speed. 5. Step 3-4 is repeated with the baffles fitted in the tank. 6. The power consumed for each of the speed is calculated.

APPARATUS Fluid mixing apparatus

Force indicator Speed controller Flat paddle Screw propeller Turbine Impeller
[Type [Type

Tank

Baffle

Water Coagulant Plastic pellets

RESULTS

WITHOUT BAFFLES Flat paddles blade. Angular speed (rpm) 50 100 150 200 Angular speed (rad-1) Force F (N) Torque T (Nm) Power W (watts)

WITH BAFFLES Flat paddles blade Angular speed (rpm) 50 100 150 200 Angular speed (rad-1) Force F (N) Torque T (Nm) Power W (watts)

Formulas:
Power (P) = Torque (T) x Angular Speed (rads ) Torque (T) = Force recorded on spring balance (F) x length of torque arm(0.11m)(r) Torque arm (r) = 0.11m Angular speed () = N (r.p.m.) x 2 = rads 60
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