Enhancing Impeller Power Efficiency and Solid-Liquid Mass Transfer in an Agitated Vessel with Dual Impellers through Process Intensification

Abstract

The effects of high volumetric solids concentration (CV), impeller type, and baffles on the impeller power input required for solids suspension and dispersion and the solid-liquid mass transfer coefficient (kSL) were studied in this work using an agitated vessel with dual impellers for the purpose of process intensification. It was found that at CV = 0.2 (v/v), the impeller power consumption required for solids suspension per unit mass solids (εJS = PJS/MS) is minimized while at the same time achieving maximum kSL values. Overall, it was observed that process intensification could be achieved using two radial flow impellers in a taller vessel under unbaffled conditions. A case study highlighting the benefits of adopting some of this study's recommendations is presented. Mathematical correlations proposed to estimate εJS, impeller power consumption for solids dispersion, and kSL as a function of CV were found to fit experimental data reasonably well.