Computational fluid dynamics simulation of the hydrodynamic and particle suspension performance of a novel channel impeller

Abstract

Impeller optimization is essential to improve the performance of stirred tanks, which are widely used in the chemical industry. In this study, a novel channel impeller was developed by eliminating blades from conventional impellers to optimize mixing efficiency. By employing Eulerian-Eulerian model and the standard k-ε turbulence model, the hydrodynamic and particle suspension performance of this novel impeller were compared with traditional impellers (pitched blade impeller, propeller, and Rushton). The results reveal that the novel impeller significantly reduces power consumption and power number, while generating a flow pattern characterized by strong radial flows and a complex multi-peak axial velocity profile. Moreover, regions of high turbulent kinetic energy and turbulent energy dissipation rate are more concentrated and symmetrical, thereby improving local mixing efficiency. Notably, the novel impeller achieves a more uniform pressure and stress distribution, offering potentially better fluid dynamics performance and greater durability in practical applications.