2014 AIChE Annual Meeting

(143g) Vertical Solids Distribution in Agitated Vessels-Effect of Mixed Density and Particle Size Solids on Cloud Height-Initial Results

Authors

Arthur W. Etchells, AWE3 Enterprises
Matthew DiMattesa, Rowan University
Michele Marandola, Rowan University
Marc Izquierdo, Rowan University
Matthew Eisenschmied, Rowan University

A simple measure of vertical solids distribution in agitated tanks is the cloud height, the demarcation between a lower solids rich height and a region almost clear of solids. A number of researchers have measured this height as a function of agitator speed and physical properties for uniform particle properties. In this study we look at the effect of a mixture of particles of different densities and particle sizes.  Initial results show that the individual cloud heights are surprisingly not adversely affected by blending two different solids. In fact in some cases the total cloud height increases on blending two solids.