Investigation of Mixing in Tanks of a Special Geometry

Abstract

Mixing is one of the most crucial processes in the chemical industry. Homogeneity is a requirement for all feedstocks and industrial products. The degree of mixing depends on the hydrodynamic properties of the fluid in the units. The Residence Time Distribution (RTD) was investigated in a tank of a special geometry. Mixing was investigated using various geometries of the tank by applying the Heaviside function in step-response experiments. After obtaining experimental results, the RTD function was calculated. The flow structure in the tank was approximated by fitting black-box transfer function models onto the RTD function of the system. Two general model structures were defined and their fitness compared. By evaluating the fitted models, a relationship was established between the flow structure in the tank and its geometry.