Analysis of liquid blending dynamics with Maxblend impellers by Electrical Resistance Tomography

The aim of the investigation was liquid mixing time measurement in a laboratory scale stirred tank equipped with a metal Maxblend impeller and comparison with the corresponding mixing time obtained with other conventional impellers. The data are collected by Electrical Resistance Tomography, whose applicability in this case is non-trivial, because of the electrical interferences between the large paddles of the impeller and the measuring system. The raw data treatment methodology purposely developed for obtaining the homogenization dynamics curve is presented. A robust approach for a fine and low cost investigation of the mixing performances of close-clearance impellers in opaque systems is suggested. The analysis of the local and averaged conductivity time traces reveals the effect of important variables, such as the fluid viscosity and the vessel configuration, on the mixing time under various agitation conditions. The data collection and post processing procedures open the way to the application of the technique to multiphase and non-Newtonian fluids stirred with close-clearance impellers.