EFFICACY OF PARTIAL BAFFLES FOR A VESSEL AGITATED BY A RUSHTON TURBINE IMPELLER

For a vessel agitated by a Rushton turbine impeller, the efficacy of partial baffles was evaluated through examination of the liquid flow and impeller power characteristics. The bulk flow formed a pattern having circulation loops of different intensity and largeness depending on the baffle condition: the baffle length relative to the liquid depth for the vessel. Consequently, the liquid flow within the vessel affected the impeller power number. The characteristic circulation loops, which generally reflect the baffle efficacy, were assessed in terms of the discharge flow through the impeller and the energy transmission within the vessel based on the flow velocity profiles. The shorter length of baffles fitted partially in the upper half of the liquid phase was revealed to be effective, supported in combination by a comparable discharge flow and a successful energy transmission.