MEASUREMENT OF GAS AND LIQUID FLOWS IN STIRRED-TANK REACTORS WITH MULTIPLE AGITATORS

The gas flow in a 3:1 aspect ratio vessel agitated by triple Rushton turbines has been measured by an ultrasound Doppler probe and by means of residence time studies. Strong recirculation around each impeller is found which fits in well with the compartmentalisation found in earlier liquid mixing studies. Surprisingly, when two axial A315 impellers above a Rushton turbine were used, gas recirculation around each impeller was still found. Study of the liquid phase mixing by a decolourisation technique confirmed that the gas flow essentially destroyed the strong axial liquid flow expected. Indeed, even under unaerated conditions, compartmentalisation was found between each impeller.