Effect of Non-Ideal Mixing on Heat Transfer of non-Newtonian Liquids in a Mechanically Agitated Vessel

Abstract

Abstract Effect of non-ideal mixing on heat transfer phenomena is studied in an anchor agitated vessel processed with viscous Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids. Influence of critical variables such as rotational speed and properties of the fluid on heat transfer coefficient and heat transfer area has been investigated. Based on the flow pattern generated by an anchor agitator, a multi parameter model for quantifying the extent of non-ideality is developed and the parameters of the model, fraction of well mixed zone and the exchange flow rate are evaluated on the basis of tracer response data. Heat transfer experiments are also conducted under unsteady state conditions using same agitated vessel under similar operating conditions using Castor oil, Castor oil methyl esters (CME) and carboxy methyl cellulose (CMC 0.5 %, 1 %), soap solution as process fluids. Based on the results obtained from this analysis, a commercial scale reactor of a capacity of 20 Kl for saponification of hydrogenated castor oil has been designed using different scaleup rules. Power per unit volume found to give desirable results as it gives acceptable values for heat transfer coefficient and power consumption. Equal power per unit volume gives good mixing and high heat transfer coefficient with slightly higher power consumption and the error involved in heat transfer area calculation is small giving optimum cost of the experimental unit.