CHEMICAL AND PROCESS ENGINEERING

29, 437–452 (2008)

LUBOMIRA BRONIARZ-PRESS*, SZYMON WOZIWODZKI

THE MIXING TIME OF POWER-LAW FLUIDS IN A VESSEL

EQUIPPED WITH SINGLE AND DUAL TURBINE IMPELLERS
Department of Chemical Engineering and Equipment, Poznań University of Technology,
pl. M. Skłodowskiej-Curie 2, 60-965 Poznań, Poland

The results of experiments on mixing phenomena in a vessel with various impellers have been pre-
sented. A flat-bottomed vessel was equipped with Rushton turbines, six flat blade turbines and six pitched
down blade turbines. The mixing time related both to the vessel construction and rheological properties of
the liquid stirred, has been analyzed. The best impeller-tank system, taking into account the process effi-
ciency, has been proposed.
Podjęto próbę analizy procesu mieszania w niestandardowym, płaskodennym zbiorniku, zaopatrzo-
nym w kilka mieszadeł. Zastosowano turbiny Rushtona oraz mieszadła turbinowe z sześcioma łopatkami
prostymi i pochylonymi. Analizowano czas mieszania w zależności od typu mieszalnika oraz właściwości
reologicznych mieszanych cieczy. Na podstawie uzyskanych danych zaproponowano najbardziej efek-
tywny układ mieszadło–zbiornik.

1. INTRODUCTION

Mechanically agitated vessels are generally used in many industries, e.g., chemical
and biochemical industry, environmental remediation, etc. In biochemical processes,
vessels with multiple impellers are used because of such advantages as a longer resi-
dence time, lower decrease of the heat exchange area in scale-up treatment, a smaller
area occupied per unit volume, lower power consumption per an impeller compared to
single-impeller systems [1, 2]. Several parameters describe mixing processes, the mix-
ing time being, among others, useful to describe the mixing effectiveness. The mixing
time is defined as a time necessary to achieve a given homogeneity from the non-
equilibrium level, after injection of a small volume of a tracer into the vessel. The
values of power consumption and the mixing time are needed for better design and
operation of agitated vessels equipped with multiple impellers.
In multiple impeller systems, a number of independent circulation loops occur
with mass exchange between them. Each loop can be considered to be a single tank,
___________
*
Corresponding author, e-mail: lubomira.broniarz-press@put.poznan.pl
438 L. BRONIARZ-PRESS, S. WOZIWODZKI

the mixing time being dependent mainly on the exchange flow rate between the tanks.
For a single impeller system, the mixing time tm is proportional to the circulation time
divided by the circulation flow rate. Abardi et al. [3] showed that in double impeller
systems, the exchange flow rate between loops is proportional to ND3. Similar results
have been obtained by Nocentini [4]. These authors have shown that the mixing time
for single impeller systems is lower than that for double impeller systems. Komori and
Murakami [5] found about 100% lower mixing efficiency for a dual impeller in com-
parison with a single impeller system. They defined the mixing efficiency as the low-
est energy (the mixing time and power consumption) to reach a given technological
aim. Vasconcelos [6] has shown that the mixing time of 95% homogeneity for single
impeller systems is comparable to the mixing time of 92% homogeneity for dual im-
peller system. The mixing efficiency was found to increase upon increase in the impel-
ler spacing which may be explained by the fact that the flow fields of impellers be-
come more independent of each other. By reason of rheological behaviour of the
systems, the accuracy of the proposed models is limited. Most of them predict the
mixing times for turbulent flows in stirred vessels (Re > 10 000). The power law flu-
ids, especially solutions of carboxymethylcellulose sodium salt (Na-CMC), are widely
used in broths simulations in biotechnology. The rheological properties of these liq-
uids can be determined using the power law equation:
τ = Kγ m (1)

while

η p = K γ m −1 (2)

logη p = log K + ( m − 1) log γ (3)

γ = kMO N (4)
where K is the consistency factor, m – the flow index, γ – the shear rate, τ – the shear
stress, ηp – the apparent viscosity and kMO is the Metzner and Otto [7] constant. Mix-
ing of such fluids [7, 8] is very complicated. It has been already reported that their
elasticity increases with the torque required for mixing [9]. It was found that fluids
with pseudoplastic behaviour create small circulation paths around blades and the
circulation flow rate decreases [10]. A number of studies on the mixing of shear
-thinning fluids have been carried out [11–18]. For single impeller systems, the mixing
time is higher than in double systems. This may be interpreted by the formation of
pure mixing regions [19–26] in a vessel equipped with a single impeller. In double
impeller systems, the mixing time depends on the distance between impellers. Inter-
ferences between circulation loops cause reduction or enlargement of the mixing time.
Because of the latter effect, an optimal distance Δh/D exists between two stirrers on
 The mixing time in a vessel equipped with single and dual turbine impellers 439

a common shaft. Below the optimal value, the mixing time increases upon decreasing
Δh/D and upon increasing of the impeller clearance.
The aim of this paper was to analyse the dependence of the mixing time on the
impeller bottom clearance for a single impeller, and on the distance between impellers
for dual impeller non-aerated systems.

2. DESCRIPTION OF THE EXPERIMENTS

The experimental set-up (Fig. 1) consisted of a motor, an inverter, a speed sensor,

PC computers, an interface, a torquemeter, a conductivity probe (kp = 0.54 cm–1),
a conductometer and an injection device (Eppendorf EDOS 5222). The vessel with the
diameter T = 0.19 m was equipped with a flat bottom. Four baffles of the 0.1T width
were used and the clearance from the vessel wall was 0.02T. The height of the liquid
level was taken 2.3T. Three types of impellers were used: a Rushton turbine (RT),
a six flat blade turbine (FBT) and a six pitched down blade turbine (PBT). The impel-
lers were mounted on a common shaft (DS = 0.012 m) in one or two combinations
for one type of the impeller. The ratio of the impeller diameter (D = 0.065 m) to the
vessel diameter D/T was 0.342. The dimensions of impellers used are given in Ta-
ble 1. The impeller spacings for particular systems are presented in Table 2.

Fig. 1. Measurement set-up: 1 - motor, 2 – inverter, 3 – turning sensor, 4 – IBM PC computer,

5 – transmitter, 6 – torquemeter, 7 – conductivity probe, 8 – conductometer, 9 – injection device

As a Newtonian fluid, distilled water was used while the non-Newtonian fluids
were aqueous solutions of carboxymethylcellulose sodium salt (Na-CMC, delivered
by Sigma-Aldrich Company). The characteristics of the non-Newtonian fluids are
440 L. BRONIARZ-PRESS, S. WOZIWODZKI

presented in Table 3. In the studies, the conductometric method was used. A small part
(10 ml) of NaCl solution has been injected (under the lower impeller) into the vessel
containing water or Na-CMC solution and the conductivity of the solution was meas-
ured.

Table 1. Geometric parameters of the impellers

Height Length Angle or pitch

Diameter D of the blade
Type of the blade of the blade
[m]
[m] [m] [deg]
RT 0.065 0.013 0.016 90
FBT 0.065 0.008 0.025 90
PBT 0.065 0.008 0.025 45

Table 2. Impeller configurations in vessels

System h/D
Number of impellers
1 2
on a common shaft
1
2
Single impeller –
3
4
2
3
Double impellers 1
4
5

Table 3. Characteristics of the non-Newtonian fluids

Concentration Consistency
Molecular Temperature Flow Density
Medium of the solution Cp coefficient K
weight T [K] behaviour index m [kg/m3]
[%] [Pa·sm]
0.5 0.71 0.15 996.2
0.8 0.68 0.44 999
250 000
1.1 0.63 0.73 1004.8
Na-CMC 293
1.4 0.62 1.16 1007.4
0.1 0.72 0.11 994
700 000
0.15 0.62 0.18 997

The injection device (Eppendorf EDOS 5222) allowed injection of reproducible

amounts of NaCl solutions during the experiments. The impeller speed was changed
from 2 to 20 1/s (Rem between 108 and 4586)
 The mixing time in a vessel equipped
e with single and dual turbine impellers 4441

3. EXPERIMENTA
AL RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

3.1. MIXING TIME

T FOR NEWTONIAN FLUIDS

Exemplary experimental results for the Newtonian fluid (distilled water) are pree-
sented in Figs. 2–4. It was observeed that the mixing time for single impeller system
ms
was inversely proportional to the rootational speed (Fig. 2).

Fig. 2. Effect of the imppeller bottom clearance on the mixing time

for a single Rushtoon turbine and various impeller speeds

Fig. 3. The effect off the distance between Rushton turbines

on the mixingg time for various impeller speeds
442 L. BRONIIARZ-PRESS, S. WOZIWODZKI

Fig. 4. The effect off the distance between flat blade turbines
on the mixingg time for various impeller speeds

For the turbulent flow, the dimmensionless mixing time (Ntm) was independent of o
the Reynolds number. For single turbine impeller systems, the best ratio h/D waas
equal to 3. At the agitator speed higgher than 10 1/s, the mixing time was not so clearlyy
dependent on stirring conditions. ForF the one impeller system, the mixing time dee-
pended on the impeller bottom cleaarance. The mixing time decreased when the bottom m
clearance h/D was changed from 1 to 3, however when it exceeded 3, the mixing tim me
increased. For the single impeller syystem, the shortest the mixing time was obtained ata
h/D = 3 for all impellers used.
Moreover, it has been noticed that for the impeller speed higher than 16 1/s, thhe
mixing time for h/D = 3 exceeded thhat for h/D = 1 or h/D = 4. The use of single impell-
ler systems in vessels with the liquuid level to the vessel diameter HL/T =2.3 seems to
be ineffective. The turbulence was insufficient for mixing in that region, requiring usse
of a second impeller. This was eaarlier suggested by Brennan and Lehrer [27], who
observed the critical value of HL/T T = 0.7, above which the vessel should be equipped
with a second impeller. In a two-im mpeller system on a common shaft, the mixing tim me
for water depended on the distancee between the impellers. The optimal distance bee-
tween the impellers was found to be b equal to 3D for all turbine impellers tested (Figss.
3 and 4). The results are similar to those
t obtained by Oniscu [18].
According to Oniscu [18], the lowest mixing times were reached for the impelleer
positioned at 1.5D. In this case, at a constant rotation speed, the mixing time increased
in the following order: 1.5D < D < 2D < 0.5D. Hiraoka et al. [28] found the optimaal
distance between impellers Δh/H equal to 0.7 (Δh/D ≈ 2) for double flat blade impell-
lers and 0.6 (Δh/D ≈ 1.5) for doublee pitched blade impellers. In the study presented foor
dual impeller systems, the mixing time increased in the order: 3D < 2D < 4D < 1D D.
 The mixing time in a vessel equipped with single and dual turbine impellers 443

The difference in the results can be explained by various geometries of impellers used.
In the latter studies, the standard geometry of the impeller was used, while Oniscu
et al. [18] used turbine impellers with a smaller blade height. This caused that the ac-
tive volume of mean circulations was smaller than for the standard impeller geometry.
The obtained data show that the mixing time for dual impeller systems is higher than
that for single impeller systems. According to Manikowski et al. [29], the flow in the
bulk exhibited a zigzag motion, with secondary recirculation zones above and below
the Rushton impeller.
Guillard and Tägardh [30] suggested that the volumes around each impellers are
like open structures which communicate with each other. Upon changing the distance
between the impellers, the volumes of these structures change and therefore the con-
vective exchange between them is limited. The mass flow rate between circulations
loops in dual impeller systems is lower than circulation flow rates generated by
an individual impeller. These findings have also been confirmed by Nocentini [4]. In
the turbulent regime, a significant impact of interferences between circulation loops
exists, generated by each impeller in connection with the injection point of a tracer.
Mixing of such systems is modelled by the structure of mixed zones. Each zone has
two circulation loops, and each loop can be considered to be an ideal mixed tank. Ax-
ial mixing exists between adjacent loops. As the distance between impeller is chang-
ing, the volume of ideal mixed tanks is also changing. Therefore these disproportions
have an impact on the mixing time.
It has also been shown that power consumption in a multiple impeller system de-
pends on the distance between impellers. If the distances are higher than 2D for radial
impellers and 5D for axial impellers, the power consumption is proportional to the
number of the impellers in comparison with a single impeller system. Otherwise the
power reduction occurs. For all impellers used, the shortest mixing time has been
found at Δh/D = 3. In vessels stirred with Rushton turbines, the shortest mixing time
has been achieved. The mixing time for flat blade turbines (FBT) was shorter than that
for a pitched blade turbine. For a vessel stirred with double impellers, the best choice
is a double Rushton turbine.

3.2. MIXING TIME FOR NON-NEWTONIAN FLUIDS

Exemplary experimental results for shear-thinning aqueous solutions used are pre-
sented in Figs. 5–10. To characterise the mixing flow regime for non-Newtonian flu-
ids, the modified Reynolds number has been used

N 2 − mD2ρ
Rem = ( 4π )
1− m
(5)
K
where the parameters K and m describe the rheological parameters of power-law flu-
ids. The characteristics of the Na-CMC solutions used are shown in Table 3. The
measurements were performed at Rem higher than 200 in order to eliminate the influ-
444 L. BRONIIARZ-PRESS, S. WOZIWODZKI

ence of isolated mixing regions (IM

MR). The use of a single impeller in pseudoplastiic
systems seems to be insufficient.

Fig. 5. The effect of the Rushton turbine bottom clearance

on the mixing time for various
v impeller speeds; the concentration of
Na-CMC700 000 solution
s is 0.15%, Rem = (679–4586)

Figure 5 shows exemplary depeendences of the mixing time on the impeller bottomm
clearance at various impeller speedds in a vessel equipped with a single Rushton turr-
t impeller bottom clearance increases, the mixing
bine. It has been found that when the
time abruptly increases as well. This
T dependence is valid for all impellers usedd,

Fig. 6. The effect of thhe distance between pitched blade turbines

on the mixing time for various
v impeller speeds; the concentration of
Na-CMC700 000 solution
s is 0.15%, Rem = (497–4586)
 The mixing time in a vessel equipped
e with single and dual turbine impellers 4445

suggesting that poor mixing zoness are formed at the bottom and top of the vessell.
Moreover, these phenomena confiirm a high value of the mixing time. It has beenn
shown that in vessels stirred withh double impellers, the mixing time of power-law w
fluids is shorter than in vessels stirrred with single impellers. The experimental resultts
by Slemenik and Zumer [16], Onisccu [14, 18] and Jin et al. [17] confirmed these findd-
ings. The use of a second impeller in a vessel causes reduction of the surface of suchh
zones and improves homogenisatioon. In this case, it is suggested to use double impell-
ler systems. Also the flow patterns have an effect on the mixing time. In vessels withh
poor mixing zones, the use of combbination of impellers generates different flow (radiaal
or axial) that should bring better ressults than in systems with two identical impellers.

Fig. 7. The effect of the

t impeller clearance on the mixing time
for various 2FBTs speedds (0.5% Na-CMC250 000, Rem = (378–3112))

Fig. 8. The effect of the

t impeller clearance on the mixing time
for various 2FBTs speedds (0.8% Na-CMC250 000, Rem = (134–1124))
446 L. BRONIIARZ-PRESS, S. WOZIWODZKI

Fig. 9. The effect of the

t impeller clearance on the mixing time
for various 2FBTs speedds (1.1% Na-CMC250 000, Rem = (116–1010))

Fig. 10. The effect of the

t impeller clearance on the mixing time
for various 2FBTs speeds (1.4% Na-CMC250 000, Rem = (108–4586)

In the vessel equipped with duual impellers and containing Na-CMC solutions (oof
various molecular weights), the miixing time depends on the distance between impell-
lers. The shortest mixing times werre obtained for the distance Δh/D ≈ 3 (Figs. 6–9). Inn
this case, at a constant rotation speeed, the mixing time increases in the following orr-
der: 3D < 2D < 4D < D. For aqueeous solutions of Na-CMC of molecular weighht
M ≈ 250 000, the dependences of the t mixing time on the impeller clearance differed
from those for the solutions of Na-CMC of M ≈ 700 000 depending on the concentraa-
tion of Na-CMC solutions. For conncentrations of 1.4%, the shortest mixing time waas
found at the distance between impellers Δh/D equal to 4 and the mixing time increased
in the following order: 4D < 3D < 2D2 < D (Fig. 10).
 The mixing time in a vessel equipped with single and dual turbine impellers 447

For Na-CMC concentrations of 0.5%, 0.8% and 1.1%, the shortest mixing time
was achieved at Δh/D = 3. The mixing time increased in the following order:
3D < 4D < 2D < D (Figs. 7–9). This dependence was partly confirmed by Oniscu et al.
[18] who showed that for Na-CMC solutions (with apparent viscosity in the range of
0.0152–0.094 Pa·s), the mixing time decreased with the distance between impellers.
The dependence of the mixing time on the impeller distance for Na-CMC solutions
with molecular weight 700 000 is similar to that obtained for Newtonian systems.
It was observed that the dimensionless mixing time for a reactor equipped with
two agitators depends on the Reynolds number and the distance between turbines. For
aqueous solutions of Na-CMC at the concentration lower than 0.8%, agitated by dou-
ble Rushton turbine systems (100 < Rem < 3000), the following correlation have been
found:
Δh
Ntm = 5.31Rem−0.78 at =1 (7)
D
Δh
Ntm = 4.80 Rem−0.78 at =2 (8)
D
Δh
Ntm = 4.18 Rem−0.78 at =3 (9)
D
Δh
Ntm = 5.09 Rem−0.78 at =4 (10)
D

⎡
( ) − 1.695( Δdh ) + 2.6617 ( Δdh ) + 4.07⎤⎥⎦ Re
3 2
Ntm = ⎢ 0.2733 Δh −0.78
(11)
⎣ d m

Equation (11) is valid for all impellers and all distances between them.
The dependences of the dimensionless mixing time on the Reynolds number in the
transitional flow regime were proposed by Ariff et al. [15], Slemenik and Zumer [16]
as well as by Ford and Ulbrecht [31]. It has been suggested that Ntm decreases when
the Reynolds number increases. The mixing time for all fluids agitated in the transi-
tional regime by single turbines used can be described by the following equation
N 1.76tm = const (11)
being in good agreement with the Rzyski theory [32]. According to this theory, the
product N1.76tm = const is independent of the method of measurements of the mixing
time.
The analysis of the energy input (Ptm) showed that taking into account the process
efficiency, the best stirred vessel system, for Na-CMC solutions with concentration
below 0.8%, is the vessel equipped with two Rushton turbine impellers. For Na-CMC
solutions with concentrations above 0.8%, the least mixing energy was achieved for
a double pitched blade turbine impeller. At the same concentration and impeller speed,
448 L. BRONIIARZ-PRESS, S. WOZIWODZKI

the mixing time was significantly reeduced by 40–60% compared to the double RT and
FBT systems. The obtained resultss agree with those obtained by Hari-Prajitno et all.
[33]; the reduction of the mixing time for double pitched blade turbines achieved
about 40% and for the hydrofoil impellers even 80%. The obtained data for doublle
pitched blade turbines show that thhis impeller system reduces the zoning in the vesseel
in comparison with the Rushton turbbines and flat blade turbines.

Fig. 11. The effect of thhe rheological properties on the mixing time
for single annd dual RT systems (Δh/D = 3)

Fig. 12. Thee effect of the consistency factor

on the mixing time for a dual RT
 The mixing time in a vessel equipped with single and dual turbine impellers 449

It has been found that the molecular weight has an insignificant effect on the mix-
ing time (Figs. 11, 12). The mixing time for the solutions of Na-CMC700 000 was about
12% shorter than for Na-CMC250 000. An example of the effect of the fluid consistency
factor on the mixing time is shown in Fig. 12. The experimental data obtained for Na-
CMC250 000 suggest that upon increasing the consistency factor K, the mixing time
increases due to the fact that the apparent viscosity of the stirred liquid increases and
regions of poor mixing increasingly control the mixing efficiency. For the systems
with the distance between impellers Δh/D = 4, the upper impeller is placed in such
a region in its vicinity. In this case, the stream lines reduce these zones. It causes that
the mixing time is shortest. The correct position of the impeller in this region causes
reduction of the mixing time. The data for Na-CMC solutions show that the mixing
time dramatically increases upon increase of the consistency factor. This effect is con-
firmed by the values of the mixing time. The mixing time for Na-CMC 1.4% is up to
eightfold higher than that for Na-CMC 0.5%. The reason for this effect should be in-
terpreted rather by disclosing viscoelastic properties of fluids used in a transitional
flow. For the future investigation, it is suggested to determine the viscoelastic proper-
ties of Na-CMC solutions and to take them into consideration by correlating the mix-
ing time using the dimensionless Weissenberg number. Viscoelasticity tends to in-
crease the mixing time due to a complex secondary flow pattern and a possible
existence of partly segregated torroidal vortices. These conclusions are in good
agreement with those obtained by Ford and Ulbrecht [31]. The mixing time increases
when the consistency factor increases.

4. CONCLUSIONS

Mixing of rheological complex fluids such fluids is very complicated because the
rheological parameters depend on the shear stress. In these conditions, one of the most
important tasks is to establish the hydrodynamically optimal conditions for a vessel. It
has been demonstrated that single impeller systems have a low level of mixing inten-
sity resulting in high mixing times. It has been observed that when impeller bottom
clearance increases, the mixing time increases too. These phenomena suggested that
unfavourable poor mixing zones are formed in the vessel. Dual impeller systems pro-
vide better mixing efficiency. The mixing time for dual impeller systems is shorter
than for single impeller systems. It has been observed that relations between the mix-
ing time and the distance between impellers depend on the molecular weight of Na-CMC.
The mixing time for solutions of Na-CMC700 000 is comparable with that for Newtonian
fluids, the shortest mixing time was achieved at Δh/D = 3. For Na-CMC250 000, the depend-
ences were different. The shortest mixing time was achieved at Δh/D = 4. Mixing of
Na-CMC solutions suggests that in these systems viscoelastic forces may affect their
mixing times. The presence of poor mixing zones entirely controls the mixing effi-
ciency and placing the impeller in this region causes reduction of the mixing time.
450 L. BRONIARZ-PRESS, S. WOZIWODZKI

A correct impeller position is more important than interactions between circulation

loops generated by each impeller. It has been found that in transitional region of liquid
stirring, the following relationships are valid: N1.76tm = const and Ntm = f(Rem). A ves-
sel equipped with double Rushton turbines has been found to be the most effective
installation for Na-CMC solutions of concentrations below 0.8%, and a dual pitched
blade impeller is recommended for more concentrated solutions. In this case, the mix-
ing time reduction occurs.

SYMBOLS

A – constant in Equation (4)

b – blade height, m
D – impeller diameter, m
DS – shaft diameter, m
Δh – distance between impellers, m
h – impeller bottom clearance, m
K – consistency factor, Pa⋅sm
kp – conductometric probe constant, cm–1
kMO – Metzner and Otto constant,
m – flow index
N – impeller speed, 1/s
P – mixing power, W
tm – the mixing time, s
T – tank diameter, m
η – viscosity, Pa⋅s
ρ – density, kg·m–3

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LUBOMIRA BRONIARZ-PRESS, SZYMON WOZIWODZKI

CZAS MIESZANIA PŁYNÓW SPEŁNIAJĄCYCH PRAWO POTĘGOWE W APARATACH

ZAOPATRZONYCH W POJEDYNCZE I PODWÓJNE MIESZADŁA TURBINOWE

Przedstawiono wyniki badań eksperymentalnych czasu mieszania płynów spełniających prawo potę-
gowe rozrzedzanych ścinaniem (roztwory wodne soli sodowej karboksymetylocelulozy o masach czą-
steczkowych 250 000 i 700 000) w płaskodennym zbiorniku o średnicy T = 0,19 m, wyposażonym
w cztery standardowe przegrody. Użyto następujących mieszadeł: turbiny Rushtona, mieszadła turbino-
wego z sześcioma łopatkami pochylonymi pod kątem 45º (pompujące ciecz do góry) oraz mieszadła
z sześcioma łopatkami prostymi. Dla układu dwóch mieszadeł badano zależność czasu mieszania od
odległości między mieszadłami (Δh/D = 1, 2, 3, 4). Z przeprowadzonych badań jednoznacznie wynika, że
w mieszalniku z pojedynczym mieszadłem turbinowym najkrótszy czas mieszania otrzymuje się dla
wysokości zawieszenia h/d = 3. Dla układu z dwoma mieszadłami najlepszym rozwiązaniem jest zasto-
sowanie mieszadeł turbinowych oddalonych od siebie o Δh/D = 3. Analiza czasu mieszania płynów
newtonowskich wykazuje, że czas mieszania w mieszalniku z pojedynczym mieszadłem jest mniejszy niż
w mieszalniku z dwoma mieszadłami. Rozwiązanie takie jest jednak nieodpowiednie pod względem
technologicznym dla roztworów Na-CMC. Liczba przemieszania nie jest bowiem w zakresie przejścio-
wym wielkością stałą i zależy od liczby Reynoldsa. Dla roztworów Na-CMC o stosunkowo małej lepko-
ści w układzie z dwoma mieszadłami zaobserwowano zależność czasu mieszania od odległości między
mieszadłami Δh, przy czym najmniejszy czas mieszania uzyskano dla odległości między mieszadłami
równej Δh = 3D. Z analizy zależności czasu mieszania od odległości między mieszadłami wynika, że dla
mieszadeł z pochylonymi łopatkami najmniejsze wartości czasu mieszania występują dla Δh/D = 3, na-
tomiast dla mieszadeł turbinowych z 6 prostymi łopatkami i turbiny Rushtona początkowo czas mieszania
wzrasta wraz ze wzrostem odległości między mieszadłami, a następnie maleje, osiągając najmniejsze
wartości dla Δh/d = 3. Czas mieszania dla częstości obrotów N > 8 1/s oraz odległości między miesza-
dłami Δh/d = 3 i Δh/d = 4 jest porównywalny lub nieznacznie większy. Zaobserwowano również zmianę
zależności czasu mieszania od odległości między mieszadłami w układzie z dwoma mieszadłami wraz ze
wzrostem nienewtonowskiego charakteru roztworów. Gdy zmniejsza się charakterystyczny wskaźnika
452 L. BRONIARZ-PRESS, S. WOZIWODZKI

płynięcia m, mniejsze wartości czasu mieszania uzyskuje się dla większych odległości między miesza-
dłami. Czas mieszania dla wszystkich rodzajów mieszadeł, mieszalników oraz roztworów o właściwo-
ściach najbardziej odbiegających od newtonowskich zmniejsza się wraz ze wzrostem odległości między
mieszadłami.

Received 14 December 2007