Investigation of continuous-flow mixing of non-newtonian fluids through tomography, ultrasonic velocimetry and computational fluid dynamics techniques

通过断层扫描、超声测速和计算流体动力学技术研究非牛顿流体的连续流动混合

• 批准号: 311795-2009
• 负责人: EinMozaffari, Farhad
• 金额: $ 2.19万
• 依托单位: Ryerson University
• 依托单位国家: 加拿大
• 项目类别: Discovery Grants Program - Individual
• 财政年份: 2013
• 资助国家: 加拿大
• 起止时间: 2013-01-01 至 2014-12-31
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/ase-oro/Details-Detailles_eng.asp?id=526260
• 关键词: Investigation; continuous; flow; mixing; non

Continuous-flow mixing of non-Newtonian fluids is a vital component to many processes including polymerization, fermentation, waste water treatment, and pulp and paper manufacturing because of its demonstrated ability to improve product uniformity and minimize shut down, loading and unloading times. The current design of continuous mixing of non-Newtonian fluids is based on limited published information, and trial and error methods. The assumption of ideal mixing has traditionally been used to design these mixing processes. However, the complex rheology displayed by non-Newtonian fluids can create considerable deviation from ideal mixing. Studies show that the non-ideal flow such as short circuiting, recirculation, and dead zones significantly affect the performance of continuous mixing processes. In fact, a thorough search of the literature suggests that our current understanding and implementation of continuous mixing of non-Newtonian fluids is insufficient to ensure good mixing. In particular, design criteria incorporating mixing dynamics are needed so that acceptable mixing responses can be attained from continuous mixing systems. Thus, the long term research program goal is to develop methodology and tools to design continuous mixing systems for fluids with complex rheology through advanced flow visualization techniques (e.g. tomography and ultrasonic velocimetry), and advanced computational fluid dynamics methods. The work is of great importance to the chemical industry of Canada. The annual loss due to poor mixing is estimated at $10 billion in the North America chemical industry alone [Handbook of Industrial Mixing]. The proposed experimental and modeling research program will improve our understanding of continuous mixing of non-Newtonian fluids and answer some of the fundamental questions about the design criteria. Applying the finding of this study will improve variability reduction in the continuous mixing processes. This will lead to capital cost savings, chemical cost reduction, improved quality of products, and more efficient use of power. The proposed research will contribute to the training of highly qualified personnel by actively involving Ph.D. and master's students.

非牛顿流体的连续流动混合是聚合、发酵、废水处理和制浆造纸等许多过程中的重要组成部分，因为它具有改善产品均匀度和最大限度减少停机、装卸时间的能力。目前的非牛顿流体连续混合的设计是基于有限的已发表的信息和试验和错误的方法。理想混合的假设传统上被用来设计这些混合过程。然而，非牛顿流体表现出的复杂流变性可能会造成与理想混合的相当大的偏差。研究表明，短路、回流、死区等非理想流动对连续混炼过程的性能有显著影响。事实上，对文献的彻底搜索表明，我们目前对非牛顿流体连续混合的理解和实施不足以确保良好的混合。特别是，需要包含混合动力学的设计标准，以便从连续混合系统获得可接受的混合响应。因此，长期研究计划的目标是开发方法和工具，通过先进的流动可视化技术(如层析成像和超声波测速仪)和先进的计算流体动力学方法，为具有复杂流变性的流体设计连续混合系统。这项工作对加拿大的化学工业非常重要。仅在北美化学工业，由于混合不良造成的年度损失估计就达100亿美元[工业混合手册]。提出的实验和模型研究计划将提高我们对非牛顿流体连续混合的理解，并回答一些关于设计准则的基本问题。应用这项研究的结果将改善连续混合过程中的变异性降低。这将节省资本成本，降低化学成本，提高产品质量，并更有效地利用电力。拟议的研究将通过积极吸引博士和硕士学生的参与，为培养高素质的人才做出贡献。