Influence of Impeller Geometry on Hydromechanical Stress in Stirred Liquid/Liquid Dispersions

Hydromechanical stress is a crucial parameter for a broad range of multiphase processes in the field of (bio)chemical engineering. The effect of impeller type and geometry on hydromechanical stress in stirred tanks is important. The present study aims at characterizing conventional and new impeller types in terms of particle stress. A two-phase liquid/liquid noncoalescing dispersion system is employed, and the drop breakage is monitored in-line in a stirred tank. The published effects of agitation on drop deformation are confirmed and expanded significantly for five modified new impeller types. Radial impellers are advantageous for applications where low shear conditions are desired. A modified propeller with a peripheral ring and the developed wave-ribbon impellers present remarkable results by producing significantly low and high hydromechanical stress, respectively. The results obtained are correlated in terms of mean and maximum energy dissipation rate, as well as circulation frequency in the impeller swept volume.