NEWLY SUGGESTED SHAPES OF IMPELLERS FOR STIRRING HIGHLY VISCOUS FLUIDS IN VESSELS

Abstract

The power consumption and flow patterns generated in a cylindrical stirred tank are determined. The anchor impeller is used to ensure the agitation of highly viscous fluids. New modifications in the impeller design are introduced to improve the stirring rates. Firstly, the lower corner of the conventional anchor is replaced by an inclined segment to obtain Case No. 1. The number of segments was then increased to reach a closed circular shape (Case No. 2). Further increase in the number of segments was introduced to reach a perfect circular blade (Case No. 3) in the vertical direction. Finally, another circular horizontal blade was added to obtain Case No. 4. From the obtained results, Case No. 4 provided a great improvement in the circulation of fluid particles inside the vessel and generated the widest well-stirred region.