Numerical analysis of agitation torque and particle motion in a high shear mixer

Numerical simulation of particle motion in a high shear mixer was conducted using a three-dimensional discrete element method (DEM). Torque of an agitator blade, particle velocity profiles and forces acting on a particle were calculated under various agitator rotational speeds. The agitation torque showed a good correlation with the agitator rotational speed and reflected the particle motion in the mixer. The simulated results revealed that particles received greater forces near the bottom of the vessel, as compared to the upper or middle height in the mixer. The particle flow changed with the agitator rotational speed, as experimentally observed, and indicated different velocity profiles. Particle kinetic energy determined the agitation torque and the particle behavior, regardless of the complexity of the changes in the particle flow. A significance of monitoring of the agitation torque in the mixer is also discussed here from the perspective of the particle kinetic energy. (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.