(348f) Particle Motion in a Vertical Bladed Mixer Using X-Ray Particle Tracking Velocimetry (XPTV)

Particle motion in a vertical bladed mixer is dependent on blade-particle interactions, particle-particle interactions, and wall-particle interactions. These interactions are in turn a function of different operating parameters and system characteristics such as blade velocity, bed depth, particle size, and particle density. Despite the heavy deployment of bladed mixers in industry, the effects of these operating and system conditions on individual particle trajectories and velocities is still not completely understood. In order to study the mixing process in bladed mixers, it is imperative to study the motion of particles under different mixing mechanisms arising from various operating conditions.

In this study, X-ray particle tracking velocimetry (XPTV) is performed by utilizing two simultaneous X-ray projections to acquire images 90^o apart. Using the two sets of images, the 3D location of tagged particles as a function of time can be accurately obtained. Tagged particles for X-ray imaging are manufactured by inserting small, but high density, metal inserts into a host particle. Studies are performed in a transparent 15.2 cm ID acrylic cylinder fitted with two 45^o blades. The effects of particle density, initial location, bed height, and impeller speed on the tagged particle trajectory will be reported.