Scale-up of solids distribution in slurry, stirred vessels based on turbulence intermittency

Scale-up criteria for obtaining the same vertical concentration profile of particles in agitated, dilute suspensions are considered. Previous experiments in two sizes of high aspect ratio vessels stirred by multiple impellers (either pitched blade or Rushton turbines) gave n = 0.93 in the scale-up relationship(32) NDn = constant. This result is intermediate between constant power per unit volume (n = 2/3) and constant tip speed (n = 1), although closer to the latter. It is now suggested that intermittent turbulent fluctuations greater than their average values play a part in maintaining vertical concentration gradients. An analysis of solids suspension by intermittent turbulence gives n approximate to 0.93. This value is also supported by additional experimental data as well as by new CFD results.