CFD modeling of pump-mix action in continuous flow stirred tank

Investigation of aqueous phase dynamics in a uranium stripping unit using radioactive tracer

Mixer-setters units are widely used in uranium purification processes. For efficient operations of mixer-settler units, it is essential to measure the hydrodynamics parameters of the different phases involved. The residence time distribution (RTD) measurement is commonly used method to estimate the hydrodynamics parameters of process reactors. In the present study, RTD of the aqueous phase was measured in different stages mixer-settler unit (mixers, settlers and mixer-settler units) used for stripping operation using Iodine-131 as a radiotracer. For the RTD measurements, radiotracer was injected as an impulse in aqueous phase feed line and its movement was monitored at different locations in the stripping unit using NaI(Tl) detectors. The mean residence times (MRTs) of the aqueous phase were estimated from measured RTD curves. For quantification of the degree of mixing, suitable flow models were proposed based on design and nature of the measured RTD curves and subsequently used for simulation. Based on the results of the RTD study, the mixing of aqueous phase was characterized and design of the stripping unit and its sub-units were validated. The optimum conditions were identified for efficient for the operation of the stripping unit.

PIV Measurement and CFD Simulation of Liquid-Liquid Mixing in Mixer Settler with Rigid-Flexible Impeller

Particle image velocimetry (PIV) was used to measure the flow field in the mixing chamber of a mixer settler. An Eulerian-Eulerian approach, standard k-ε turbulence model, and multiple reference frames (MRF) technique were employed to simulate liquid-liquid two-phase flow, turbulent flow, and impeller rotation in the mixer settler, respectively. The effects of impeller type, impeller clearance and baffle configuration on the flow field were analyzed. Results showed that rigid-flexible impeller can spread the impeller energy more uniformly in the mixing chamber and increase the velocity of the continuous phase through the multi-body motion of flexible sheet compared with rigid impeller. The flow numbers of RF-RT, RF-PBT and RF-CBT systems were increased by 46 %, 54 % and 43 %, respectively, compared with RT, PBT and CBT systems. Meanwhile, the suction capacity of impeller was enhanced with a decreased impeller clearance, and the backflow was eliminated by the installation of baffles.