Using advanced flow visualization techniques and computational fluid dynamics to characterize and optimize the mixing of micron-sized polymeric particles in slurry reactors

固液混合在固相催化反应、悬浮聚合、固体分散、溶解与浸出、结晶与沉淀、吸附、解吸、离子交换等过程中起着至关重要的作用。在拟议的研究项目中，我们将与加拿大施乐研究中心(XRCC)合作，对浆料反应器中聚合物颗粒的混合进行表征和优化。我们将利用广泛的实验、先进的流动可视化技术和计算流体动力学(CFD)来更深入地了解固体悬浮液的混合。这些实验将有助于考察混合参数和操作条件对反应器内均质度和固体浓度分布的影响。CFD将协助对该过程进行数学渲染和计算机模拟。建立的模型将利用先进的最优控制技术进行验证和部署，以确定固液混合过程的最佳操作条件和设计参数。这项研究还将为我们提供有关系统动力学的有价值的信息，这在商业应用中具有特别重要的意义。这项研究的结果可能会节省资本成本，降低化学成本，改进设备设计，提高产品质量，并更有效地利用电力。两名HQP将接受计算流体动力学、高级流动可视化、工艺开发和优化领域的高级培训。他们将得到更全面的装备，为整个行业和学术界做出贡献。拟议中的与XRCC的合作研究不仅将有助于加拿大化学工业经济活动的增加，而且将对我们的社会、生活质量、健康和环境产生积极影响。

Solid-liquid mixing plays a crucial role in many processes such as solid-catalyzed reaction, suspension polymerization, dispersion of solids, dissolution and leaching, crystallization and precipitation, adsorption, desorption, and ion exchange. In the proposed research project, we will collaborate with Xerox Research Centre of Canada (XRCC) to characterize and optimize the mixing of polymeric particles in slurry reactors. We will employ extensive experimentation, advanced flow visualization techniques, and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) in order to gain deeper insights into the mixing of solid suspension. The experiments will help examine the effects of mixing parameters and operating conditions on the degree of homogeneity and solid concentration profiles within the reactor. CFD will assist in the mathematical rendering and computer simulation of the process. The model thus developed will be validated and deployed using advanced optimal control techniques to determine the optimal operating conditions and design parameters for the solid-liquid mixing process. This investigation will also provide us with valuable information regarding the system dynamics, which is of special importance in commercial applications. The findings of this study may lead to capital cost savings, chemical cost reduction, improved equipment design, enhanced quality of products, and more efficient use of power. Two HQP will receive advanced training in the area of computational fluid dynamics, advanced flow visualization, process development, and optimization. They will get more thoroughly equipped to contribute to industry and academia at large. The proposed collaborative research with XRCC will not only contribute to the increased economic activity of the Canadian chemical industry but will positively impact our society, quality of life, health and environment.