1.

0 ABSTRACT
This experiment is fluid mixing. Generally, when we said mixing there is
type [A] fluid will mix with type [B] fluid in a tank but in this experiment, we
used two types of fluid with different viscosity separately. The objective of
this experiment is to observe the flow patterns that can be achieved by the use
of different impellers with and without the use of baffles. Next is to show how
the power consumed by a mixer varies with speed,types of impeller and with
the inclusion of baffles.
First of all, we need to do the general start-up procedures. The power was
switched on and tightening screws were fastened. Then, shaft was lifted up and
brought down by using lifting chain attached to the shaft before the experiment was
carried out.
For experiment 1, we start with filling the tank with 30 liters of water. Then, a
flat paddle impeller was attached at the end of the shaft. After that, the angular speed
of the impeller was adjusted to 50 rpm, 100 rpm, 150 rpm and 200 rpm and the flow
pattern of the water at every angular speed was observed and the torque was recorded.
The following step is to replace the flat paddle with turbine impeller and work with
same process. Lastly, a baffle were placed inside the tank with each flat paddle
impeller and turbine impeller and take reading as before.For experiment 2, repeat the
steps at experiment 1 by using hydraulic oil.Use the formula force=torque/radius, the
force(N) value was obtained. By using the formula angular speed , = angular speed
2
(rpm) x 60 , the angular speed ,(rad/s) value was obtained. By using the formula
power=torque x angular speed, , the power(W) value was obtained.
Secondly, the experiment of water without baffles was done. The result obtained for
torque value of water using the turbine impeller were 0Nm for all different angular
speed(rpm) which were 50rpm, 100rpm, 150rpm, and 200rpm. The result obtained for
torque value of water using the flat paddle impeller were 0.9Nm, 1.4Nm, 2.5Nm, and
1
3.9
Nm for different angular speed(rpm) which were 50rpm, 100rpm, 150rpm, and

200rpm.

Second experiment consist of water hydraulic oil with baffle and without baffle.
The tank was filled with 30 litre of oil. Firstly, the experiment of oil with baffle was
done. The result obtained for torque value of oil using the turbine impeller were
0.1Nm, 2.6Nm, 5.9Nm, and 10.8Nm for different angular speed(rpm) which were
100rpm, 200rpm, 300rpm, and 400rpm. The result obtained for torque value of oil
using flat paddle impeller were 9Nm, 16.6Nm, 22.7Nm, and 27.2Nm for different
angular speed(rpm) which were 100rpm, 200rpm, 300rpm and 400rpm.
As conclusion, for water without baffle using flat paddle, the water moves in circular
motion (clockwise) with high velocity and created a deep whirlpool at the centre of
the tank where the impeller is being inserted in.For turbine impeller,The water moves
in circular motion (clockwise) with high velocity and creates a whirlpool at the centre
of the tank where the impeller is being inserted in. Next, for the water with baffle by
using flat paddle, the water circulates in an uneven clockwise moving in scatter with
high velocity and for the turbine impeller, the water circulates in an uneven circular
motion with high velocity.
Mixing of liquid-liquid or solid-liquid system is a difficult process to
analyze and relate to variables[1]. Fluid mixing is most easiest mixing process
by rotating an agitator in the liquid confined tank. But it is possible to waste
much of input energy if the wrong kind of agitator is used.

2.0 INTRODUCTION
Mixing of liquid-liquid or solid-liquid system is a difficult process to
analyze and relate to variables[1]. Fluid mixing is most easiest mixing process
by rotating an agitator in the liquid confined tank. But it is possible to waste
much of input energy if the wrong kind of agitator is used.
Generally, the basic concept of fluid mixing is simply put as mixing fluid X
into fluid Y where the liquids are soluble to one another and form a homogeneous
mixture. Mixing impeller specially designed to pump fluid through the impeller and
produce turbulence which this effect is vital in mixing operations. These produces
2

fluid velocity and fluid shear respectively. Fluid velocity produces movement
throughout the mixing vessel, intermixing material in one part of the tank with
another, prevents solids from setting out and produces flows. Fluid shear in the form

of turbulent eddies is essential to micro-mixing within the large velocity streams

breaking up gas bubbles or immiscible liquids into small droplets. All mixing
impellers produce both fluid velocity and fluid shear but different types of impellers
produce different degrees of flow turbulence.
The impeller flow patterns give impact to the result of mixing process. The
flow pattern depends on the impeller type which gives variation in flow patterns
resulting from different impeller types. The presence of baffle in mixing tank would
influence the flow patterns as well. It can increase the amount of top to bottom
circulation which contributes to turbulence by giving out some obstacles for the
mixture to swirl as a whole and elimination of vortexes. The two main types of the
flow patterns are axial 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 fluid patterns of the fluid are determined, but also to show
how the power consume by a mixer varies with speed, type of impeller, and with and
without baffle.
There are varies type of agitator for example propeller and turbine. They
have their own pros and cons. Propeller is usually used for low to medium
viscosity of fluid[2]. Turbine operates in low speed and usually used for
chemical reactions, suspension solid and miscible liquid mixing due to
excellent feature in designing the flow pattern where a change in design can
divert the flow pattern of fluid by radial flow or axial flow in the reactor
vessel[2].

3.0 OBJECTIVES
Experiment 1 :
The objective of this experiment is to observe the flow patterns that can be achieved
by the use of different impellers with and without the use of baffles.
Experiment 2 :
3

The objective of this experiment is to show how the power consumed by a mixer
varies with speed, types of impeller and with the inclusion of baffles.

4.0 THEORY
Technically, matter in liquid or gas state is known as fluid. Impellers in
agitated tanks are used to mix fluids or slurry in the tank. This can be used to
combine materials in the form of solids, liquids and gas[3]. Many type of
impeller were used in this experiment such as turbine impeller and the flat
paddle. It is because to achieve the objective of fluid mixing experiment which
is- to observe the flow patterns of two fluids with various viscosity when
different impellers used with and without baffle in liquid tank and also to
study how power affect the force, torque, angular speed and flow pattern by
changing the speed of mixer. Turbine impeller is a rotating component which
transfer energy from motor to the fluid. The velocity that achieved by impeller
is transfer into pressure when the outward movement of fluid is confined by
the container.[4].
As mention in the objective, various viscosity were used which is water and
hydraulic oil. In this experiment, we also observe the flow pattern of these
various material if we put the baffle inside the stirred tank or without the
baffle. Most of common baffle used are straight flat plate of metal that run
along the straight sides of vertically oriented cylindrical tank, are also used in
this experiment.

FIGURE 1- Geometric specification for a stirred tank

Baffles are attached to the inside vertical walls of the tank by means of welded
brackets. Four equally spaced baffles are usually sufficient to prevent liquid
swirling and vortex formation. The optimum baffle width WBF depends on the
impeller design and fluid viscosity, but is of the order 1/10 to 1/12 the tank
diameter. For clean, low-viscosity liquids, baffles are attached perpendicular to
the wall as illustrated in Figure 8.4(a).[5].
For the unbaffle tank, tendency for swirling flow pattern to develop rotating liquid.
[4].

FIGURE 2- Baffle attached to the wall for low viscosity liquid

5

In the laminar flow (Re<10), the power imparted either baffle or unbaffle tank. While
in the turbulent flow (Re>10000), the power imparted in the baffle tank. Power

imparted in an unbaffled tank is equal to 1/6 of the power imparted in the same tank
withbaffle [6].
P k n 2 D 3
Where,
P = power (W)
k = impeller constant
= dynamic viscosity (Ns/m2)
D = diameter impeller

5.0 APPARATUS AND MATERIALS

Figure 3: Fluid Mixing apparatus

Figure 4: Flat paddle impeller

Figure 6: Impellers holder

Figure 8: Hydraulic oil

Figure 5: Turbine impeller

Figure 7: Fluid mixing apparatus

Figure 9: Water inside the tank inside the tank

Figure 10: Speed controller and force indicator

6.0 PROCEDURE
5.1 General start-up procedure
7

1) The power was switch on.

2) The tightening screws were fastened.

Figure 11: Baffle

3) The shaft was lifted up and down by using lifting chain and attached it to the
shaft before started the experiment.
5.2 Experiment 1
1)
2)
3)
4)

The general start up procedure was performed.

The tank was filled with 30 liters of water.
A flat paddle impeller was attached at the end of the shaft.
The angular speed of the impeller was set up to 50 rpm,100 rpm,150 rpm and

200 rpm.
5) The flow pattern of the water was observed at every angular speeds and the
torque was recorded.
6) Step 4 and 5 was repeated by replacing the flat paddle impeller with turbine
impeller.
7) Step 3 to 5 was also
8) repeated by replacing baffles inside the tank with each flat paddle impeller
and turbine impeller.
9) The angular speed,force and power consumed for each speed were calculated.
5.3 Experiment 2
1)
2)
3)
4)

The general start up procedure was performed.

The tank was filled with 30 liters of hydraulic oil.
A flat paddle impeller was attached at the end of the shaft.
The angular speed of the impeller was set up to 70 rpm,140 rpm,210 rpm and

280 rpm.
5) The flow pattern of the water was observed at every angular speeds and the
torque was recorded.
6) Step 4 and 5 was repeated by replacing the flat paddle impeller with turbine
impeller.
7) Step 3 to 5 was also repeated by replacing baffles inside the tank with each flat
paddle impeller and turbine impeller.
8) The angular speed,force and power consumed for each speed were calculated.
5.4 General shut-down procedure.
1) Liquid inside the tank was removed through the outlet valve.
2) The tank was washed and rinsed several times until no oil residue left in the
8

tank.
3) The impeller was removed,washed and placed at the right place after used it.
4) The power was shut down.

7.0 RESULTS
Experiment 1:
A) Water flow pattern without baffle inside the tank.
Types of impeller

Flow pattern

Observations

The water moves in

circular motion

Flat paddle

(clockwise) with high

velocity and created a
deep whirlpool at the
centre of the tank where
the impeller is being
inserted in.

The water moves in

circular motion
(clockwise) with high

Turbine impeller

velocity and creates a

whirlpool at the centre of
the tank where the
impeller is being inserted
in.

Table 1: the water flow pattern without baffle inside the tank.
9

B) Water flow pattern with baffle inside the tank.

Types of impeller

Flow pattern

Observations

The water circulates in an

uneven clockwise
Moving in scatter with
high velocity

Flat paddle

The water circulates in an

uneven circular motion
with high velocity.

Turbine impeller

Table 2 shows the water flow pattern with baffle inside the tank.
10

Experiment 2
Table 3 : Water with baffle inside the tank.
Type of
impeller

Turbine
Impeller

Flat paddle
Impeller

Angular
speed (rpm)

Force (N)

Torque
(N.m)

Power
(watts)

50

Angular
speed,
(rad/s)
5.24

4.55

0.5

2.62

100

10.42

19.09

2.1

21.88

150
200
50
100
150
200

15.71
20.94
5.24
10.47
15.71
20.94

31.82
47.27
36.36
83.64
142.73
170.91

3.5
5.2
4.0
9.2
15.7
18.8

54.99
108.81
20.96
96.32
246.65
393.67

Graph 1: Power against speed with baffle by using water

11

Table 4: Water without baffle inside the tank.

Type of
impeller

Angular
speed (rpm)

Angular
speed,

Force (N)

Torque
(N.m)

Power
(watts)

Turbine
Impeller

Flat paddle
Impeller

50

(rad/s)
5.24

0.00

0.00

0.00

100

10.42

0.00

0.00

0.00

150
200
50
100
150
200

15.71
20.94
5.24
10.47
15.71
20.94

0.00
0.00
10.91
31.82
47.27
58.18

0.00
0.00
1.2
3.5
5.2
6.4

0.00
0.00
6.29
36.65
81.69
134.02

Graph 2: Power against speed without baffle by using water.

Table 5 : Oil with baffle inside the tank.

12

Type of
impeller

Angular
speed (rpm)
70

Angular
speed,
(rad/s)
7.33

Force (N)

Torque
(N.m)

Power
(watts)

4.55

0.5

3.67

Turbine
Impeller

Flat paddle
Impeller

140

14.66

15.45

1.7

24.92

210
280
70
140
210
280

21.99
29.32
7.33
14.66
21.99
29.32

61.82
83.64
40.91
100.00
170.91
222.73

6.8
9.2
4.5
11.0
18.8
24.5

149.53
269.74
32.99
161.26
413.41
718.34

Graph 3: Power against speed with baffle by using oil.

Table 6 : Oil without baffle inside the tank.

13

Type of
impeller

Angular
speed (rpm)
70

Angular
speed,
(rad/s)
7.33

Force (N)

Torque
(N.m)

Power
(watts)

0.00

0.00

0.00

Turbine
Impeller

Flat paddle
Impeller

140

14.66

13.64

1.5

22.00

210
280
70
140
210
280

21.99
29.32
7.33
14.66
21.99
29.32

29.09
36.36
11.82
48.18
123.64
204.55

3.2
4.0
1.3
5.3
13.6
22.5

70.37
117.28
9.53
77.70
299.06
659.7

Graph 4: Power against speed without baffle by using oil.

8.0 CALCULATION
9.0 DISCUSSION
14

In this fluid mixing experiment, consists two part of experiments 1 and 2. For
experiment 1, the material used is hydraulic oil and the manipulated variable is the
mixing tank with baffle or without baffle. The tank were filled with 3.0 liter oil.

Firstly, for the oil using flat paddle and with baffle experiment, the result of torque,T
(Nm-2) value were 4.5, 11, 18.8, and 24.5 when the angular speed (rpm) was 70, 140,
210 and 280 respectively. The value of force,F were obtained by calculating using

formula

T
d , where T is torque and d is diameter impeller which is 0.11m.

Therefore, the value of force,F (N) were 40.91, 100, 170 and 222.73 when the angular
speed (rpm) 70, 140, 210, and 280 respectively. The value of power,P were obtained
by calculating using formula P T ,where T is torque and is angular speed in
(rad/s). For the convection unit angular speed from (rpm) to (rad/s) by using this
2
60 . Therefore, the value of power,P (W) were 32.99,
formula
161.26, 413.41 and 718.34 when the angular speed, (rad/s) is 7.33, 14.66, 21.99 and

(rad/s) (rpm)

29.32 respectively. For the oil using flat paddle and without baffle experiment, the
result of torque,T (Nm-2) value were 1.3, 5.3, 13.6 and 22.5 when the angular speed
(rpm) is 70, 140, 210 and 280 respectively. The value of force,F (N) that have been
calculated were 11.82, 48.18, 123.64 and 204.55 when the angular speed (rpm) 70,
140, 210, and 280 respectively. Then, the value of power,P (W) that have been
calculated were 9.53, 77.70, 299.06 and 659.70 when the angular speed, (rad/s) is
7.33, 14.66, 21.99 and 29.32 respectively.

Secondly, experiment oil using turbine impeller and with baffle was done. The
resulting torque,T (Nm-2) were obtained as 0.5, 1.7, 6.8 and 9.2 when the angular
speed (rpm) was 70, 140, 210 and 280 respectively. Next, the value of force,F (N)
were obtained by calculation as 4.55, 15.45, 61.82 and 83.64 when the angular speed
(rpm) 70, 140, 210, and 280 respectively. Then, the value of power,P (W) that have
been calculated were 3.67, 24.92, 149.53 and 269.74 when the angular speed, (rad/s)
is 7.33, 14.66, 21.99 and 29.32 respectively. For the oil using turbine impeller and
without baffle experiment, the result of torque,T (Nm-2) value were 0, 1.5, 3.2 and 4.0
when
the angular speed (rpm) is 70, 140, 210 and 280 respectively. The value of
15
force,F (N) that have been calculated were 0, 13.64, 29.09 and 36.36 when the angular
speed (rpm) 70, 140, 210, and 280 respectively. Next, the value of power,P (W) that
have been calculated were 0, 22, 70.37 and 117.28 when the angular speed, (rad/s)

is 7.33, 14.66, 21.99 and 29.32 respectively. The graph of power (W) against speed
(rad/s) is also plotted to give a clearer understanding of all of the relationships
involved. From the results and the graph obtained, it can be seen that the power
consumed increases as the speed increases. It also can be seen that the power
consumed in a baffled tank is higher than without using baffled tank. This is because
with the use of baffles in an agitation process, vortex does not occur thus proper
mixing is achieved.
In the experiment part 2, material that has been used is water. For experiment using
flat paddle and with baffle, the result of torque,T (Nm -2) were 4, 9.2, 15.7 and 18.8
when the angular speed (rpm) is 50, 100, 150 and 200 respectively. The value of
force,F (N) that have been calculated were 36.36, 83.64, 142.73 and 170.91 when the
angular speed (rpm) 50, 100, 150 and 200 respectively. Then, the value of power,P
(W) that have been calculated were 20.96, 96.32, 246.65 and 393.67 when the angular
speed, (rad/s) is 5.24, 10.47, 15.71 and 20.94 respectively. For the water using flat
paddle and without baffle experiment, the result of torque,T (Nm-2) value were 1.2,
3.5, 5.2 and 6.4 when the angular speed (rpm) is 50, 100, 150 and 200 respectively.
The value of force,F (N) that have been calculated were 10.91, 31.82, 47.27 and 58.18
when the angular speed (rpm) 50, 100, 150 and 200 respectively. Then, the value of
power,P (W) that have been calculated were 6.29, 36.65, 81.69 and 134.02 when the
angular speed, (rad/s) is 5.24, 10.47, 15.71 and 20.94 respectively.
For experiment using turbine impeller and with baffle, the result of torque,T (Nm -2)
were 0.5, 2.1, 3.5 and 5.2 when the angular speed (rpm) is 50, 100, 150 and 200
respectively. The value of force,F (N) that have been calculated were 4.55, 19.09,
31.82 and 47.27 when the angular speed (rpm) 50, 100, 150 and 200 respectively.
Then, the value of power,P (W) that have been calculated were 2.62, 21.88, 54.99 and
108.89 when the angular speed, (rad/s) is 5.24, 10.47, 15.71 and 20.94 respectively.
The graph of power (W) against speed, (rad/s) is also plotted to give a clearer
understanding of all of the relationships involved. From the results and the graph
obtained, it can be seen that the power consumed increases as the speed increases.
Moreover
,for the water using turbine impeller and without baffle experiment, the
16
result of torque,T (Nm-2) value was all zero value when the angular speed (rpm) is 50,
100, 150 and 200 respectively. The value of force,F (N) also give zero value when the
angular speed (rpm) 50, 100, 150 and 200 respectively. Then, the value of power,P

(W) also give zero value when the angular speed, (rad/s) is 5.24, 10.47, 15.71 and
20.94 respectively. Therefore, from the plotted graph power,P (W) against angular
speed, (rad/s) it can seen that when the power increase, the value angular speed are
constant at zero.

The flow patterns of water with different types of impeller are observed. Four set of
flow patterns are shown in Section 7.0 with the use of two different impellers with
and without the baffle. Based on the observation, we can know that flow pattern of the
water is depend on the type of impeller used. This experiment has been conducted
using the same speed which is 200 rpm. Therefore, we can see that the flow patterns
produced are circular pattern and rotary motion when using two types of impellers
without the inclusion of baffles. Another observation that can be seen is the
production of the deep vortex in the without inclusion baffled tank. By using flat
paddle, it created a deeper whirlpool than turbine impeller at the center of the tank.
With the inclusion of baffle, the use of flat paddle and turbine impeller produced the
same flow pattern which is uneven. By comparing all the result that obtained, the
effectiveness of different impeller,with or without baffle and low or high viscosity
material, based on observation and calculation, the effective is by using turbine
impeller because required low power, with baffle because can limit the vortex
produced and low viscosity because if compare by using turbine impeller and with
baffle, the power required are lower because water is less viscous that the hydraulic
oil. Then, it can easy to mix.

10.0 CONCLUSION
17

In this experiment,the first objective is to observe the flow patterns that can be
achieved by the use of different impellers with and without baffles.The flow of fluid

when baffle is inserted in the tank is the fluid flow in random motion especially in
hydraulic oil and the fluid flow smoothly in circular motion when baffle is not
inserted in the tank.Water has low viscosity compared to oil.The higher the viscosity
of fluid,the more uneven circular motion of the flow.The flow of oil also slow when
the viscosity is higher.
The second objective is to show the power consumed by a mixer varies with
speed,types of impeller and with the inclusion of baffles.When water is used as the
fluid in the tank,the values of force,torque and power calculated is higher with baffle
compared to water without baffle.Same goes to the hydraulic oil,the values of
force,torque and power calculated is higher with baffle compared to hydraulic oil
without baffle.This experiment is success because the objectives stated are achieved.

11.0 RECOMMENDATIONS
Due to the experiment that has been done, there are few recommendations that
should be considered to get the best results needed throughout in this experiment.
First and the foremost, ensure that the equipment is in a proper operating good
condition. It is suggested to repair and always do some maintenance for this
equipment when the unit has been used at many times.
Since this experiment should be done with water source and coagulant or oil
as a fluid, the tank should be cleaned thoroughly especially after conducting the
experiment with oil. This is because to prevent the high concentration of coagulant or
oil to be attached the wall of the tank. This is also to prevent the oil and water from
mixing. Therefore, the tank can be used again when conducting the next experiment.
Other than that, it is necessary to make sure the balance is operating in a good
condition. If the balance is not operating very well, it will affect the reading for the
force balance regarding to each speed of impellers. It is not the right way to measure
the force by operating the tension spring manually, it is much better to use the tension
spring
that operated by computer itself. Indirectly, the accurate readings can be
18
obtained as the best results needed.

Furthermore, ensure that the eyes must be perpendicular to the scale of the
tank during refill the tank with water to avoid parallax error. Besides that, always
make sure that the water does not spill over the side of the tank by increasing the
speed too much. In addition, several different colors of plastic pallets can be used, so
the flow pattern can be detected easily. Because of that, the movement of the plastic
pellets can be seen clearly.
Last but not least, it is much better to suggest that two tanks should be
provided by the laboratory. One of them is for water and the remaining one for
coagulant or oil. This is to ensure that the water and oil can be prevented from mixing.
The mixture between water and oil can be happened if only one tank provided and
used the same tank to conduct the experiment. This will affect the data as well as
inaccurate readings when conducting this experiment.

12.0 REFERENCES
1.

https://www.coursehero.com/file/8491168/L8-Fluid-Mixing/. Retrieved on 29th

2.

October 2016
http://enggyd.blogspot.my/2011/06/types-of-agitators-used-in-chemical.html.

3.
4.
5.

Retrieved on 29th October 2016.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Impeller. Retrieved on 24th October 2016
http:docslide.us_thermofluids-lab-fluid-mixing. Retrieved on 24th October 2016
http://hejri.iauq.ac.ir/assets/subdomains/hejri/files/Books/mixing.pdf.Retrieved

6.

on 24th October 2016

http://mimoza.marmara.edu.tr/~bilge.alpaslan/enve301/Lectures/Chp_6.pdf.
Retrieved on 24th October 2016

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