In this study computational fluid dynamics (CFD) approach was used to study mixing in an Industrial gold leaching tank. The objective was to analyze the extent of mixing in the tank by producing visual images of the v...In this study computational fluid dynamics (CFD) approach was used to study mixing in an Industrial gold leaching tank. The objective was to analyze the extent of mixing in the tank by producing visual images of the various mixing zones in the tank domain. Eddy viscosity plots that characterise the extent of mixing in the tank were generated in the flow field obtained by an Eulerian-Eulerian approach. The extent of mixing was found to be greatest in the circulation loops of the impeller discharge region and least at the top and bottom portions of the tank. Trailing vortices that contribute to some level of mixing were identified in between the impeller blades. This approach could be used to enhance optimum design of mixing vessels and to eliminate the need for pilot plants.展开更多
Experimental residence time distribution (RTD) measurement and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation are the best methods to study the hydrodynamics of process flow systems. However, CFD approach leads to bett...Experimental residence time distribution (RTD) measurement and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation are the best methods to study the hydrodynamics of process flow systems. However, CFD approach leads to better understanding of the flow structure and extent of mixing in stirred tanks. In the present study, CFD models were used to simulate the flow in an industrial gold leaching tank. The objective of the investigation was to characterize the flowfield generated within the tank after process intensification. The flow was simulated using an Eulerian-Eulerian multi-fluid model where the RANS standard kmixture model and a multiple reference frame approach were used to model turbulence and impeller rotation respectively. The simulated flowfield was found to be in agreement with the flow pattern of pitched blade axial-flow impellers that was used for mixing. The leaching tank exhibited good “off-bottom suspension” which reveals minimum deposition of gold ore particles on the bottom of the leaching tanks. Simulation results were consistent with experimental results obtained from a radioactive tracer investigation. CFD approach gave a better description of the flow structure and extent of mixing in a leaching tank. Hence it could be a preferred approach for flow system analysis where the cost of experimentation is high.展开更多
文摘In this study computational fluid dynamics (CFD) approach was used to study mixing in an Industrial gold leaching tank. The objective was to analyze the extent of mixing in the tank by producing visual images of the various mixing zones in the tank domain. Eddy viscosity plots that characterise the extent of mixing in the tank were generated in the flow field obtained by an Eulerian-Eulerian approach. The extent of mixing was found to be greatest in the circulation loops of the impeller discharge region and least at the top and bottom portions of the tank. Trailing vortices that contribute to some level of mixing were identified in between the impeller blades. This approach could be used to enhance optimum design of mixing vessels and to eliminate the need for pilot plants.
文摘Experimental residence time distribution (RTD) measurement and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation are the best methods to study the hydrodynamics of process flow systems. However, CFD approach leads to better understanding of the flow structure and extent of mixing in stirred tanks. In the present study, CFD models were used to simulate the flow in an industrial gold leaching tank. The objective of the investigation was to characterize the flowfield generated within the tank after process intensification. The flow was simulated using an Eulerian-Eulerian multi-fluid model where the RANS standard kmixture model and a multiple reference frame approach were used to model turbulence and impeller rotation respectively. The simulated flowfield was found to be in agreement with the flow pattern of pitched blade axial-flow impellers that was used for mixing. The leaching tank exhibited good “off-bottom suspension” which reveals minimum deposition of gold ore particles on the bottom of the leaching tanks. Simulation results were consistent with experimental results obtained from a radioactive tracer investigation. CFD approach gave a better description of the flow structure and extent of mixing in a leaching tank. Hence it could be a preferred approach for flow system analysis where the cost of experimentation is high.
