Flow generated by pitched blade turbines II: Simulation using k-ε model

Abstract

Experimental data on average velocity and turbulence intensity generated by pitched blade downflow turbines (PTD) were presented in Part I of this paper. Part II presents the results of the simulation of flow generated by PTD. The standard k-ε model along with the boundary conditions developed in the Part 1 have been employed to predict the flow generated by PTD in cylindrical baffled vessel. This part describes the new software FIAT (Flow In Agitated Tanks) for the prediction of three dimensional flow in stirred tanks. The basis of this software has been described adequately. The influence of grid size, impeller boundary conditions and values of model parameters on the predicted flow have been analysed. The model predictions successfully reproduce the three dimensionality and the other essential characteristics of the flow. The model can be used to improve the overall understanding about the relative distribution of turbulence by PTD in the agitated tank.