CCB 2092 Unit Operation

Laboratory 1
May 2012
Experiment

8: Fluid Mixing

Group

Group Members

Cheng Yee Yin

14213
Chua Lin Kiat
14384
Debra Adelina Chia Siew Fen
15261
Derek Lai Chai Zern
14233

Kew Wen Ting

14317

Lab Instructor :

Nguyen Van ThienDuc

Date of Experiment: 12/07/2012

1.0 ABSTRACT
For the fluid mixing experiment, we have done six sub experiments to study
the flow patterns under various conditions and the objectives for the six sub
experiments are stated according:
a. To determine various flow patterns exhibited by different type of
impellers. (mixing tank without baffle)
b. To determine various flow patterns exhibited by different type of
impellers. (mixing tank with baffle)
c. To determine the influence of impeller position to rate of dispersion of
solid in liquid. (tank without baffle)
d. To determine the influence of impeller position to rate of dispersion of
solid in liquid. (tank with baffle)
e. To determine the power consumed by a mixer at different operation
speed, using different impeller, with or without baffles.
f. To determine power consumed by a mixer at different operating speed,
using different impeller, with or without baffles.
Basically, we are to determine the flow patterns based on two different
choices of flow patterns which are axial and radial. The flow patterns are
determined by observing how the mixture is flowing in the tank, either
flowing parallel to the axis turbine or along the radii of rotation in the tank.
These flow patterns depend on the type of impellers used and their position.
Besides determining the flow patterns, we are required to calculated the
rate of dispersion of solid in liquid first in the presence of baffle and secondly,
without. In addition to that, power consumed at different operating speed,
using different impeller, in the presence and absence of baffle is also
calculated. The power can be calculated in the form of power number which
will further be discussed.
For experiments a, b, c and d, we have determined that different impellers
indeed exhibit different flow patterns. The presence or absence of baffle in

the mixing tank also influences the flow pattern. Pictures showing the
differences in flow patterns are attached in the results section of the report.
For experiment e, the power consumed by the mixer is calculated whereas
for experiment f, the respective Reynolds number is calculated. The results
obtained for these two sub-experiments are interpreted in the form of graphs.
For experiment e, we are able to see the relation between power and the
angular speed. On the other hand, the graphs for experiment f portray the
relationship between the power and the Reynolds number.
As we all know, there will still be errors in the experiments. The results
obtained are definitely not a 100% accurate. Therefore, we also added
suggestions and recommendations to further improve the accuracy of the
experiments in order to avoid errors as much as possible.
2.0 INTRODUCTION AND THEORY
2.1

Basic Concept

Fluid is mixed for numerous purposes; it depends on the objectives of

the processing steps. The purposes could be the suspending solid particles,
blending miscible liquids, dispersing a gas through the liquid in the form of
small bubbles, dispersing a second liquid, immiscible with the first, to form an
emulsion or suspension of fine drops, and promoting heat transfer between
the liquid and a coil or jacket.
The result of mixing process is highly influenced by the impeller flow
patterns. The flow pattern depends on the impeller type. Various flow
patterns are exhibited by different type of impellers. The presence of baffle in
the mixing tank would influence the flow pattern as well. It can increase the
amount of top to bottom circulation. It contributes to turbulence by
preventing swirl of the contents as a whole and elimination of vortexes.
There are mainly two types of flow patterns with top-entering mixers, which
are axial and radial. The differences in the flow patterns can cause variations
in distribution of shear rate and energy dissipation rate within the mixing
tank.
In this experiment, not only the flow patterns of the fluid is determined,
but also the rate of dispersion of solid in liquid and the power consumed by a
mixer at different operating speed, using different impeller and with or
without baffles. The position of the impeller is a factor that influences the rate
of dispersion of solid in liquid.

Figure above shows some commonly used impellers: (a) Flat-blade

turbine, (b) Pitched-blade impeller, (c) Marine-type propeller, (d) Paddle,
(e)
Anchor
impeller,
(f)
Helical
impeller.
2.1.1 Axial flow
Axial flow is the pattern that the fluid or gas is flowing parallel to the
axis turbine. There are many impellers that produce axial flow. They include
propeller, pitched blade turbines, and hydrofoils. An axial flow propeller
produces a flow pattern throughout the entire tank volume as a single stage.
It imposes essentially bulk motion, and is used on homogenization processes,
in which increased fluid volumetric flow rate is essential.
2.1.2 Radial flow
Radial flow is the pattern that the working fluid flowing mainly along
the radii of rotation in the tank. Radial flow impellers produce two circulating
loops, one below and one above the impeller. Mixing occurs between the two
loops but less intensely than within each loop. These impellers impose
essentially shear stress to the fluid, and are used to mix immiscible liquids or
in general when there is a deformable interface to break. Besides, they are
used for the mixing of very viscous fluids.

Figure above shows the axial flow impeller (left) and radial flow
impeller (right).

2.1.3 Power consumed

The power input is influenced by the geometry of the equipment and
also the properties of the fluid. The flow pattern and the degree of turbulence
are key aspects of the quality of mixing. The power input P to an impeller of
diameter D driven at a rotational speed N in a fluid of density and viscosity
can be expressed in terms of a dimensionless Power number,

P
N D5 .
3

This is a form of drag coefficient and is a function of the mixing Reynolds

number

N =

N D2

. The

Po

vs. Re function is always in the same form

for a given pattern of impeller.

2.2 Relevant Equations

Power(P)=Torque ( )x Angular Speed (rads1)

Torque ( T )=Force recorded on spring balance( F) x length of torque arm(0.11 m)(r)

Torque arm( r)=0.11 m

Angular speed ()=N (r . p . m.) x

2
1
=rads
60

2.2.1

Nomenclature

D = Diameter of impeller
F = Force recorded on spring balance
N = Rotational speed, rpm

= Reynolds number of agitator

P = Power consumed by the motor

Po

= Power number

r = Length of torque arm

2.2.2

Greek Letters

= Absolute viscosity of liquid

= Density of liquid
= Rotational speed,

= Torque

2.3

rads1

Industrial Application

Use in paint mixer industrial.

Use in washing machine where the impellers are used in it to agitate the
laundry.
Use in wastewater treatment
Use in drilling oil and gas as a drilling mud mixer

3.0 METHODOLOGY
Experiment 8a: Determination of various flow patterns exhibited by
different type of impellers (Mixing tank without baffle)
1. The mixing tank is filled up to without baffle with water (up to 250mm
height).

2. A small quantity of yellow beads is added into the tank.

3. The impeller is attached on the end of the shaft. It is tighten using the
chucky key.
4. The impeller is set to 123mm from the based. (It is measured from the
bottom of the scale on the mixing tank to the bottom of the impeller.)
5. The MIXER CONTROLLER is switched on. (Switch is at the back of the
apparatus.) The meter light turns on.
6. RPM is pressed and the initial speed is set to 100 rpm y pressing either
up or down button.
7. START button is pressed. The impeller is started to rotate.
8. The impeller speed is increased to 50-rpm increment. Always press the
RMP button to increase the RPM.(Notice that the up or down button is
pushed without pressing the "RPM" first, the reading will not change).
[NOTE: BEWARE OF RJGOROUS MIXING! Ensure the mixing is not too
rigorous that could damage the equipment and induce splashing of
liquid].
9. The movement of the particles and flow pattern are observed.
10.The experiment is stopped by pressing the "STOP" button on the "MIXER
CONTROLLER",
11.Step 5to 10 are repeated by using different type of impeller.
12.The flow pattern from front view and top view is drawled.
Experiment 8b: Determination of various flow patterns exhibited by
different type of impellers (Mixing tank with baffle)
Procedures:
1. The baffle is installed into the mixing tank.
2. Step 1-12 are repeated from Experiment 8a.
Experiment 8c: Determination the influence of impeller position to
rate of dispersion of solid in liquid (tank without baffle)
Procedures:
1. The mixing tank is filled up to without baffle with water (up to
2500mm height).
2. A layer of particles is sprinkled (example: green peas) on the base of the
tank to approximately 10 mm thickness.
3. Step 3-10 from experiment 8a is repeated.
4. The lifting capacity, dead spots and movements of the sand particles are
observed.
5. The experiment is repeated at the setting as follows:
a. Lower impeller height.
b. Higher impeller height.
c. Impeller install at right-hand-side/left-hand side of the original
position.
d. Impeller inclined at an angle.

6. The experiment is repeated using different type of impeller.

7. The effectiveness of each configuration of impeller is discussed.
8. The best configuration for this application and at what recommended
speed are determined.
Experiment 8d: Determination the influence of impeller position to
rate of dispersion of solid in liquid (tank with baffle)
Procedures:
1. The baffle is installed into the mixing tank.
2. Step 1-8are repeated from Experiment 8c.
Experiment 8e: Determination of the power consumed by a mixer at
different operating speed, using different impeller, with or without
baffles.
Procedures:
1. The mixing tank is filled up to without baffle with water (up to 250mm
height).
2. A layer of particles is sprinkled (example: green peas) on the base of the
tank to approximately 10 mm thickness.
3. The impeller is attached on the end of the shaft. It is tighten using the
chucky key.
4. The impeller is set to 123mm from the based. (It is measured from the
bottom of the scale on the mixing tank to the bottom of the impeller.)
5. The MIXER CONTROLLER is switched on. (Switch is at the back of the
apparatus.) The meter light turns on.
6. RPM is pressed and the initial speed is set to 100 rpm y pressing either
up or down button.
7. START button is pressed. The impeller is started to rotate.
8. The impeller speed is increased to 50-rpm increment.
9. The movement of the articles and flow pattern are observed.
10.While the experiment is running, TORQUE button is pressed and the
reading is recorded (kg-cm). [NOTE: BEWARE OF RJGOROUS MIXING!
Ensure the mixing is not too rigorous that could damage the equipment
and induce splashing of liquid].
11.The speed and torque value from the computer is recorded.
12.The "RPM" button is pressed again to increase the speed.
13.The experiment is stopped by pressing the "STOP" button on the "MIXER
CONTROLLER.
14.Step 3 to 13 is repeated by using different type of impeller.
15.The experiment is repeated with baffles installed in position.
16.The graph of Power vs. Angular speed (RPM) is plot as instructed by the
Lab Instructor.

NOTE: Some impeller usage will give zero torque reading. This is normal
operating condition considering the decimal point of the METER
CONTROLLER is limited to one decimal point. However, for record
purposes, zero reading is considered valid.
Experiment 8f: Determination of the power consumed by a mixer at
different operating speed, using different impeller, with or without
baffles.
Procedures:
1. The mixing tank is filled up to without baffle with water (up to 250mm
height).
2. The impeller is attached on the end of the shaft. It is tighten using the
chucky key.
3. The impeller is set to 123mm from the based. (It is measured from the
bottom of the scale on the mixing tank to the bottom of the impeller.)
4. The MIXER CONTROLLER is switched on. (Switch is at the back of the
apparatus.) The meter light turns on.
5. RPM is pressed and the initial speed is set to 100 rpm y pressing either
up or down button.
6. START button is pressed. The impeller is started to rotate.
7. The impeller speed is increased to 100-rpm increment.
8. The movement of the articles and flow pattern are observed.
9. While the experiment is running, TORQUE button is pressed and the
reading is recorded (kg-cm). [NOTE: BEWARE OF RJGOROUS MIXING!
Ensure the mixing is not too rigorous that could damage the equipment
and induce splashing of liquid].
10.The speed and torque value is recorded.
11.The "RPM" button is pressed again to increase the speed.
12.The experiment is stopped by pressing the "STOP" button on the "MIXER
CONTROLLER.
13.Step 2 to 11 is repeated until air is entrained at the center of the paddle
or the liquid gets near to the top of the tank.
14.The graph Power number, Po, vs. Reynolds number, Re, for all
configurations of impeller and baffles are plotted.
15.The experiment by using different type of impeller is repeated.
16.The experiment with baffles installed in position is repeated.
NOTE: Some impeller usage will give zero torque reading. This is normal
operating condition considering the decimal point of the METER
CONTROLLER is limited to one decimal point. However, for record
purposes, zero reading is considered valid.

4.0 RESULTS
Impeller used: Disc Mounted Flat Blade Impeller
Experiment 8e: Determining the power consumed at different
operating speed, using different impeller and without baffle
experiment 8e (without baffles)
Angular Speed,
torque(kg(rotation/sec)
cm)
1.66
0.00
5.00
0.11
8.33
0.80

Angular
Speed(rpm)
100
300
500

Torque(N
m)
0.00
0.01
0.08

Power(
W)
0.00
0.06
0.67

Power VS. Angular speed

0.8
0.7
0.6
0.5
Power(W)

0.4
0.3
0.2
0.1
0
50

100

150

200

250

300

350

400

450

500

550

Angular speed(rpm)

Graph 4.1: Graph of Power (W) against Angular speed (rpm), without
baffle fixed

Experiment 8e: Determining the power consumed at different

operating speed, using different impeller and with baffle
experiment 8e(with baffle)
Angular Speed,
torque(kg(rotation/sec)
cm)
1.75
0.30
5.20
1.00
8.33
3.20

Angular
Speed(rpm)
100
300
500

Torque(N
m)
0.03
0.10
0.32

Power(W)
0.05
0.52
2.67

Power VS. Angular speed

3
2.5
2
Power(W)

1.5
1
0.5
0
50

100

150

200

250

300

350

400

450

500

550

Angular speed(rpm)

Graph 4.2: Graph of Power (W) against Angular speed (rpm), with
baffle fixed

Experiment 8f: Determining the power consumed at different

operating speed, using different impeller and without baffle
experiment 8f (without baffles)
Angular
Torqu Powe
Torque
Speed,
e
r
(kg-cm)
(rotation/sec)
(Nm)
(W)

Angular
Speed
(rpm)
100

1.71

0.00

0.00

0.00

300

5.01

0.10

0.01

0.05

500

8.33

0.70

0.07

0.58

Po

Re

0.0
0
0.0
4
0.1
0

52000.
00
157000
.00
262000
.00

Veloc
ity
(m/s)
0.52
1.57
2.62

Po Vs Re
0.12
0.1
0.08
Po

0.06
0.04
0.02
0
0

50000

100000

150000

200000

250000

300000

Re

Graph 4.3: Graph of P o against Reynold number, Re, without baffle

fixed

Experiment 8f: Determining the power consumed at different

operating speed, using different impeller and with baffle

Angular
Speed
(rpm)

experiment 8f(with baffles)

Angular
Speed,
Torque
Torque Power
(rotation/
(kg-cm)
(Nm)
(W)
sec)

100

1.71

0.20

0.02

0.03

300

5.01

1.00

0.10

0.50

500

8.33

3.30

0.33

2.75

Veloci
ty
(m/s)

Po

Re

0.6
4
0.4
0
0.5
0

52000.
00
157000
.00
262000
.00

0.52
1.57
2.62

Po Vs. Re
0.7
0.6
0.5
0.4
Po

0.3
0.2
0.1
0
0

50000

100000

150000

200000

250000

300000

Re

Graph 4.4: Graph of P o against Reynold number, Re, with baffle

fixed

Impeller used: Hub Mounted Flat Blade Impeller

Experiment 8e: Determining the power consumed at different
operating speed, using different impeller and without baffle
experiment 8e(without baffles)
Angular
Speed(rpm)
100
300
500

Angular Speed,
(rotation/sec)
1.71
5.01
8.33

torque(kgcm)
0.20
0.00
0.00

Torque(N
m)
0.02
0.00
0.00

Power(
W)
0.03
0.00
0.00

Power vs. Angular speed

0.04
0.03
0.03
0.02
Power(W) 0.02
0.01
0.01
0
50

100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 500 550
Angular speed(rpm)

Graph 4.5: Graph of Power (W) against Angular speed (RPM), without
baffle fixed

Experiment 8e: Determining the power consumed at different

operating speed, using different impeller and with baffle
experiment 8e(with baffles)
Angular Speed,
torque(kg(rotation/sec)
cm)
1.71
0.20
5.01
0.00
8.33
0.10

Angular
Speed(rpm)
100
300
500

Torque(N
m)
0.02
0.00
0.01

Power vs. Angular speed

0.09
0.08
0.07
0.06
0.05
Power(W) 0.04
0.03
0.02
0.01
0
50

100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 500 550
Angular speed (rpm)

Graph 4.6: Graph of Power (W) against Angular speed (RPM), with
baffle fixed

Power(
W)
0.03
0.00
0.08

Experiment 8f: Determining the power consumed at different

operating speed, using different impeller and without baffle

Angular
Speed(rp
m)

Experiment 8f(without baffles)

Angular
Speed,
Torque
Torque Power(
(rotation/s (kg-cm)
(Nm)
W)
ec)

100

1.71

0.10

0.01

0.02

300

5.01

0.00

0.00

0.00

500

8.33

0.00

0.00

0.00

Po

Re

1.9
4
0.0
0
0.0
0

28860.0
0
85840.0
0
143560.
00

Veloci
ty
(m/s)
0.39
1.16
1.94

Po Vs Re
2.5
2
1.5
Po

1
0.5
0
20000

40000

60000

80000

100000 120000 140000 160000

Re

Graph 4.7: Graph of P o against Reynold number, Re, with baffle

fixed

Experiment 8f: Determining the power consumed at different

operating speed, using different impeller and with baffle

Angular
Speed(rpm)

experiment 8f(with baffles)

Angular
Speed,
torque(k Torque( Power
(rotation/s
g-cm)
Nm)
(W)
ec)

100.00

1.71

0.20

0.02

0.03

300.00

5.01

0.00

0.00

0.00

Po

Re

2.
90
0.

28860
.00
85840

Velo
city
(m/s)
0.39
1.16

500.00

8.33

0.10

0.01

0.08

00
0.
06

.00
14356
0.00

1.94

Po Vs. Re
3.5
3
2.5
2
Po 1.5
1
0.5
0
20000

40000

60000

80000

100000 120000 140000 160000

Re

Graph 4.8: Graph of P o against Reynold number, Re, with baffle

fixed

5.0 DISCUSSION
In general, when the hub-mounted flat blade impeller and discmounted flat blade impeller are placed vertically in the middle of the tank, it
produces a swirling flow pattern, where the flow swirls radially.

At 100 rpm and 200 rpm, there is not much of movement of beads is
observed. The beads accumulate at the circumference of the mixing tanks
bottom. This is due to the radially swirling flow pushes away the beads far to
the circumference of the tank. The movement of the agitator does not
produce significant mixing of the fluid. There is also no significant lifting
capacity at lower RPM of the impeller. However, as the RPM increases, the
beads will concentrate at the bottom middle of the mixing tank. This is
because the current is most intensified at the centre of the tank. At 300 to
600 rpm, the flow of water and the movement of beads start to increase. This
shows that when the speed increases, the flow will also increase. The
patterns of the beads movements starting to be change slowly from radial
pattern flows to axial pattern flows.
While collecting the data, some torque value gives zero reading. For
the value of torque that equal to zero, the actual value of it is not absolute
zero, but approaching to zero. Due to the low sensitivity of Meter Controller,
the values only take up to only one decimal point. Thus, the reading zero is
considered valid.
For Impeller 1 - Disc mounted flat blade impeller, Graphs 4.1 and 4.2
show that, when the baffle is present as well as when there is no baffle, the
power increases as the angular speed increases. The presence of baffle
increases the power of the system compared to the system without baffle.
Graph 4.3 shows that when there is no baffle, as the Re increases, the P o
increases. However, Graph 4.4 shows that when the baffle is present, P o
decreases from 100 to 300 rpm and then increases from 300 to 500 rpm.
For Impeller 2 - Hub mounted flat blade impeller, Graph 4.5 shows that
when there is no baffle present, the power decreases from 0.02 Watts to 0
Watts, when from 100 to 300 rpm. At 300 rpm, the power reaches 0 Watts. No
power is used for the angular speed above 300 rpm. Graph 4.6 shows that
when the baffle is present, the power decreases from 100 to 300 rpm. At 300
rpm, the power reaches 0 Watts. The power then increases from the angular
speed of 300 to 500 rpm, which is from 0 Watts to 0.8 Watts. When the power
is 0W, it is because torque is 0Nm due to no moment of force as the beads
are just lumped together without displacement. Graph 4.7 and 4.8 show that
when the baffle is present as well as when there is no baffle, the value of Po
decreases as the Re increases. This is because the impeller required energy
to exert power to move beads inside the tank to move. Po reaches 0 when Re
= 85840. There is a slight increase in Po as the value of Re increases after
that.

Recommendation
The following recommendations can be taken into consideration while
conducting the experiment:
1. Ensure that the position of the impeller is being situated at the centre of
the mixing tank.
2. Ensure that the beads used to study the flow pattern are be
accumulated in the middle of the tank. These would ensure that the
observation can be made more easily. By putting the beads randomly at
the bottom of the mixing tank, the formation is unclear especially at low
rotational speed.
3. Fix the agitator properly at the intended position. Avoid parallax error
while fixing the agitators position. This would ensure that the agitator is
fixed properly and the intended positioning of the impeller is achieved.
4. Make sure that at least 25 cm of the tank is filled with water. This would
ensure that the flow of the water (beads) can easily be seen.
5. Make sure that for each of the experiments, the beads are arranged
back accordingly on the bottom layer of the tank. This would ensure that
the flow pattern of the beads are not due to the previous experiments
final position and is solely due to the observed flow pattern.
6. Ensure that the rotations of the impellers are not too high. This will
damage the equipment and induce splashing of liquid.

6.0 CONCLUSION
From this experiment, we can conclude that the pattern flow of water is
affected by the type of impellers used as well as the numbers of rotation per
minute of the impellers itself. The angular speed is affected the value of
torque and later will affected the value of power consumed by the mixer. The
presence of baffles will also affect the flow pattern of water. The yellow beads
spread throughout the tank when baffle is present. The values of Reynolds
Number justify the type of the flow of the water whether it is laminar or
turbulent.

7.0 REFERENCES
Cremer, H. W., Chemical Engineering Practice, Vol. 8, Butterworths Scientific
Publications, London, 1965.
Kirk-Othmer, Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology, 3rd edition, Vol. 19, John
Wiley & Sons, USA, 1982.
Paul, E.L., Atiemo-Obeng, V.A. and Krest, S.M., Handbook of Industrial Mixing,
John Wiley & Sons, INC., Publication, 2003.
Perry, R. H. and D. Green., Perrys Chemical Engineers Handbook, 6th
edition, McGraw Hill, 1987.
Smith, J. M., Chemical Engineering Kinetics, 3rd edition, McGraw-Hill, 1987.
Petersen, E. E., Chemical Reaction Analysis, Prentice Hall Inc., USA, 1965.
Mixing
and
Agitation.
(n.d.).
Retrieved
28
July,
2012
http://www.pacontrol.com/process-information-book/Mixing%20and
%20Agitation%2093851_10.pdf

from

Mixing of Fluid. (n.d). Retrieved 28 July, 2012 from

http://chemical.eng.usm.my/ekc291/exp_manuals/EKC%20291_12_mixing
%20characteristics.pdf
Smith, J.M. (2011). Agitation Devices. Retrieved July 28, 2012 from
http://www.thermopedia.com/content/549/

8.0 APPENDICES
Experiment 8a: Determination of various flow patterns exhibited by
different type of impellers (mixing tank without baffle)
Impeller used: Shromed flat blade
Speed: 100 rpm

Speed: 200 rpm

Speed: 300 rpm

Speed: 400 rpm

Speed: 500 rpm

Speed: 600 rpm

Impeller used: Hub mounted flat blade impeller

Speed: 100 rpm

Speed: 200 rpm

Speed: 300 rpm

Speed: 400 rpm

Speed: 500 rpm

Speed: 600 rpm

Experiment 8b: Determination of various flow patterns exhibited by

different type of impellers (mixing tank with baffle)
Impeller used: Shromed flat blade
Speed: 100 rpm

Speed: 200 rpm

Speed: 300 rpm

Speed: 400 rpm

Speed: 500 rpm

Speed: 600 rpm

Impeller used: Hub mounted flat blade impeller

Speed: 100 rpm

Speed: 200 rpm

Speed: 300 rpm

Speed: 400 rpm

Speed: 500 rpm

Speed: 600 rpm