Energy efficient solids suspension in an agitated vessel-water slurry

Abstract

Power consumption required to suspend water-solid slurries in a mechanically agitated tank has been studied over a wide range of design and solids conditions with the goal to improve the agitation energy efficiency. It is demonstrated that the power required for providing off-bottom solids suspension and solids dispersion could be reduced dramatically with baffles removed, as in comparison with conventional agitator designs where vertical baffles were used. Axial-flow impellers in baffled tanks were found more energy efficient to suspend solids off the bottom, consistent with the literature data. However, with baffles removed, radial-flow impellers were found more energy efficient than axial..