Particle mixing processes and homogeneity are of great significance in multiple industries, where they govern product quality and processing efficiency. To investigate the flow behavior and mixing performance of particle systems in vertical bladed mixers, Computed Tomography (CT) scanning tests were performed on samples mixed with different paddle types under a combined rotation and axial reciprocation mode, a mode widely applied in industrial mixing processes to enhance axial homogeneity. Tracer particles in the tests were reconstructed in three dimensions utilizing an image computing platform to visualize their distribution. Mixing indices, i.e., particle area ratios, inhomogeneous distribution coefficients, and fluctuation coefficients, were calculated based on an equal-area polar grid method to evaluate mixing homogeneity. The results show that, in the vertical direction, tracer particles initially located in the central region exhibited a net downward migration resulting from incomplete flow reversal, i.e., the upward paddle stroke did not fully return particles displaced downward during the preceding stroke. In the horizontal direction, the overall homogeneity of scanned cross-sections followed a three-stage trapezoidal distribution. Among the tested paddle types, 35° four-bladed paddles achieved a more homogeneous horizontal distribution. Axial reciprocation promoted vertical redistribution and particle recirculation, thereby improving horizontal homogeneity. These findings demonstrate the potential of CT-based analysis for revealing particle-scale mixing mechanisms and support the optimization of particle mixing operations.
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