UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA

FAKULTI KEJURUTERAAN KIMIA

THERMOFLUIDS LABORATORY
CHE486

NAME : 1) MUHAMMAD HARITH BIN HASMY (2017980253)

2) AHMAD EZZAT BIN ABDUL SHUKOUR (2017924457)
3) MUHAMMAD FARHAT BIN AZHAR (2017933269)
4) NOOR RAIHAN BINTI IZAN (2017985495)
5) NURIN NAZIEFA BINTI IZHAN (2017133697)
EXPERIMENT : FLUID MIXING
DATE PERFORMED : 1 APRIL 2019
SEMESTER : 3
PROGRAMME : BACHELOR (HONS) CHEMICAL ENGINEERING (EH220)
GROUP : EH220 3A

NO TITLE ALLOCATED MARKS

MARKS (%)
1. ABSTRACT / SUMMARY 5
2. INTRODUCTION 5
3. AIMS / OBJECTIVES 5
4. THEORY 5
5. APPARATUS 5
6. PROCEDURES 10
7. RESULT 10
8. CALCULATIONS 10
9. DISCUSSION 20
10. CONCLUSIONS 10
11. RECOMMENDATIONS 5
12. REFERENCES 5
13. APPENDICES 5
TOTAL 100

REMARKS:

CHECKED BY:

0
1. ABSTRACT

As for the fluid mixing experiment, we had completed eight sub experiments to study the
flow patterns under various conditions and to show how the power consumed by a mixer varies
with speed, type of impeller, and with inclusion of baffles. Practically, we are to determine
the flow patterns based on two choices of type of liquid. The flow patterns are distinguished
by observing how the two different mixtures are flowing in the tank. These flow patterns are
dependent on the type of impellers used and their position. Besides observing and determining
the flow patterns, we are needed to show how the power consumed by a mixer varies with
speed, type of impeller, and with the inclusion of baffles. The power can be calculated in the
form of power number which will further be discussed. For the first experiment, we have
determined that different impellers indeed results in different flow patterns with two different
types of mixture. The presence or absence of baffle in the mixing tank also can impact the
flow pattern. Photos showing the differences in flow patterns are attached in the results section
of the report. As for the second experiment, the power consumed by the mixer is calculated
and the result obtained is interpreted in the form of graph where we can see the relation
between the power and the angular speed. The results from this experiment are not 100%
accurate due to some errors during conducting the experiment. Thus, we added some
recommendations to further improve this experiment and to avoid the errors as much as
possible.

1
2. INTRODUCTION

Generally, the basic concept of fluid mixing is simply put as mixing fluid ‘X’ into fluid
‘Y’ where the liquids are soluble to one another and form a homogeneous mixture. Mixing
impeller specially designed to pump fluid through the impeller and produce turbulence which
this effect is vital in mixing operations. These produces fluid velocity and fluid shear
respectively. Fluid velocity produces movement throughout the mixing vessel, intermixing
material in one part of the tank with another, prevents solids from setting out and produces
flows. Fluid shear in the form of turbulent eddies is essential to micro-mixing within the large
velocity streams breaking up gas bubbles or immiscible liquids into small droplets. All mixing
impellers produce both fluid velocity and fluid shear but different types of impellers produce
different degrees of flow turbulence.

The impeller flow patterns give impact to the result of mixing process. The flow pattern
depends on the impeller type which gives variation in flow patterns resulting from different
impeller types. The presence of baffle in mixing tank would influence the flow patterns as
well. It can increase the amount of top to bottom circulation which contributes to turbulence
by giving out some obstacles for the mixture to swirl as a whole and elimination of vortexes.
The two main types of the flow patterns are axial radial. The differences in the flow patterns
can cause variations in distribution of shear rate and energy dissipation rate within the mixing
tank. In this experiment, not only the fluid patterns of the fluid are determined, but also to
show how the power consume by a mixer varies with speed, type of impeller, and with and
without baffle.

2
IMPELLERS

Impellers are rotating devices that force liquids, gases and vapors in a desired direction.
They are widely used in pumping, blowing, and mixing applications. This area gives the
ability to search for impellers for pumping and mixing of media and allows selection of type
of impeller and size. Impeller applications, specifications and features, types, and materials
are all important parameters to consider when searching for impellers. The five types of
impeller that used in the experiment which are axial propeller, turbine propeller, flat blade
paddle 1.5-inch diameter flat blade paddle 2.0-inch diameter and flat blade paddle 3.0-inch
diameter.

Axial flow impellers are used at high speeds to promote rapid dispersion and are used at
low speeds for keeping solids in suspension. Axial flow propeller impellers are impellers that
have 2 to 4 blades and convey the pumped media in the direction along the revolving axis of
the impeller. Turbines propeller are impellers that have multiple fins and convey the pumped
media in the direction along the revolving axis of the impeller. Flat blade impellers are used
for mixing and have one or more paddles. Beside that flat blade paddle have a different
diameter of paddle.

The common applications served by impellers include mixing, pumping, air movement,
chemical, compressor or refrigeration, heat exchangers or radiations, high viscosity media,
propulsion, and water or wastewater. Important impeller specifications to consider include
the number of blades or vanes, outside diameter, and bore size. Features include adjustable
pitch, anti-static, coated or plated, corrosion resistant, custom fabricated, folding blades, and
multistage. Choices for materials of construction include aluminum, brass or bronze, cast
iron, composite, plastic, rubber, stainless steel, and titanium.

3
 AXIAL FLOW

Axial flow is the patterns where the fluid or gas is flowing parallel to the axis turbine. There
are many impellers that produce axial flow which are propeller, pitched blade turbines, and
hydrofoils. An axial flow propeller exhibits a flow pattern throughout the entire tank volume
as a single stage. It imposes necessarily bulk motion, and is used to on homogenization
processes, in which increased volumetric flow rate is necessary.

RADIAL FLOW

Radial flow is the pattern that the working fluid flowing mainly along the radii of rotation
in the tank. Radial flow impellers produce two circulating loops, one below and above the
impeller. Mixing occurs between the two loops but less intensely than within each loop. These
impellers impose necessarily shear stress to the fluid, and are used to mix immiscible liquids
or generally, when there is a deformable interface to break. Besides, they are used for the
mixing of very viscous fluid.

POWER CONSUMED

The power input is influenced by the geometry of the equipment and also the properties of
the fluid. The flow pattern and degree of turbulence are key aspects of quality of mixing. The
power input, P to an impeller of diameter, D driven at rotational speed, N in a fluid of density,
𝑃
ρ and viscosity, μ can be expressed in terms of a dimensionless Power number, 𝑁3 𝐷5 𝜌

RELEVANT EQUATIONS

Power (P) = Torque (Ʈ) x Angular Speed (ω) (rads-1)

Torque (Ʈ) = Force recorded on spring balance (F) x length of torque arm (0.11m) (r)

Torque arm (r) = 0.11m

2𝜋
Angular speed (ω) = N (r.p.m.) x 60 = rads-1

3. OBJECTIVES

4
 Experiment 1: To observe the various flow patterns that can be achieved by the use of
different impellers with and without the use of baffles.

Experiment 2: To show how the power consumed by a mixer varies with speed, type of
impeller, and with the inclusion of baffles.

4. THEORY

Many types of impeller were used in this experiment and some of it are propeller and
turbine impeller. Turbine impeller is a rotating component which transfer energy from motor
to the fluid. The velocity that achieved by impeller is transfer into pressure when the outward
movement of fluid is confined by the container.

In this experiment, baffle is needed to stop the swirl in mixing tank. Most of common baffle
used are straight flat plate of metal that run along the straight sides of vertically oriented
cylindrical tank. For the tank without baffle, tendency for swirling flow pattern to develop
rotating liquid. However, there is a limit to rotational speed that used. If exceed the limit of
the rotational speed fluid will spill out of the container.

In laminar flow (NRE<10), the same power was used by the impeller. The flow pattern may
be affected by the baffle but it not favorable. To allow the fluid circulate and produce axial
deflection we may need the baffle.

In transitional flow (10 < NRe < 10,000), the circulation of pattern will be clear when the
tank does not have a baffle but the vortex will disturb the pattern.

5
 Figure 4.1: Geometric specification for a stirred tank

Baffles are attached to the inside vertical walls of the tank by means of welded brackets.
Four equally spaced baffles are usually sufficient to prevent liquid swirling and vortex
formation. The optimum baffle width WBF depends on the impeller design and fluid viscosity,
but is of the order 1/10 to 1/12 the tank diameter. For clean, low-viscosity liquids, baffles are
attached perpendicular to the wall

Figure 4.2: Baffle attached to the wall for low viscosity liquid

6
 P = k n 2 D 3

Where,

P = power (W)

k = impeller constant

µ = dynamic viscosity (Ns/m2)

D = diameter impeller

5. MATERIAL AND APPARATUS

• Fluid Mixing Apparatus

• Flat paddle
• Turbine impeller
• Screw propeller
• Speed controller
• Force indicator
• Tank
• Baffles
• Tank
• Motor
• Water

7
6. PROCEDURE

General Start-up procedure

i. The power outlet is switched on.

ii. All the tightening screws is fastened.
iii. The working surrounding area is ensured to be dry and clean.
iv. The shaft is lifted up using lifting chain attached to the shaft.
v. The experiment is carried out.

Experiment

i. The general start-up procedure was performed.

ii. The tank was filled with 30 liters of water.
iii. A flat paddle impeller was attached at the end of the shaft.
iv. The angular speed of the impeller was set up to 50 rpm, 100 rpm, 150 rpm and 200
rpm.
v. The flow pattern of the water was observed at every angular speed and the torque was
recorded.
vi. Step 4 and 5 was repeated by placing the flat paddle impeller with turbine impeller.
vii. Step 3 to 5 was also repeated by placing baffles inside the tank with each flat paddle
impeller and turbine impeller.
viii. The angular speed, force and power consumed for each speed were calculated.

General shut-down procedure

i. Any liquid inside the tank is removed by opening the outlet valve
ii. The tank is washed and rinsed to make sure no oil residue after the experiment.
iii. The paddle or impeller inside the tank is removed and washed after use.
iv. The power outlet is shut down.

8
7. RESULT

Experiment 1:

With Baffle
Type of impeller Angular Angular Force (N) Torque Power
speed speed, ω meter (Nm) (watts)
(rpm) (rad/s)
0 0 155.45 17.10 0
Flat paddle impeller 50 5.24 145.45 16.00 83.84
100 10.47 143.64 15.80 165.43
150 15.71 137.24 15.10 237.22
200 20.94 133.64 14.70 307.82
0 0 133.64 14.70 0
Turbine impeller 50 5.24 137.27 15.10 79.12
100 10.47 143.64 15.50 166.47
150 15.71 144.55 15.90 249.79
200 20.94 139.09 15.30 320.38

Table 7.1

Power vs speed with baffle

350

300

250
Power, W

200

150 Flat paddle

100 Turbine

50

0
0 5 10 15 20 25
Angular speed, ω

Graph 7.1: Power against speed with baffle

9
 Without Baffle
Angular Angular
Torque Power
Type of impeller speed speed, ω Force (N)
meter (Nm) (watts)
(rpm) (rad/s)
0 0 158.18 17.40 0
50 5.24 141.82 15.60 81.74
100 10.47 142.73 15.90 166.47
Flat paddle impeller
150 15.71 148.18 16.30 256.07
200 20.94 150.91 16.60 347.60
0 0 158.18 17.40 0
50 5.24 157.24 17.30 90.65
100 10.47 158.18 17.40 182.18
Turbine impeller
150 15.71 159.09 17.50 274.93
200 20.94 157.73 17.35 363.31

Table 7.2

Power vs speed without baffle

400
350
300
250
Power,W

200
Flat paddle
150
Turbine
100
50
0
0 5 10 15 20 25
Angular speed, ω

Graph 7.2: Power against speed without baffle

10
8. CALCULATIONS

Calculation for angular speed conversion:

Angular speed (rpm) Angular speed (rad/s)

𝑟𝑎𝑑 2𝜋
0 𝜔 ( ) = 0 𝑟𝑝𝑚 ×
𝑠 60
= 0 rad/s

𝑟𝑎𝑑 2𝜋
50 𝜔 ( ) = 50 𝑟𝑝𝑚 ×
𝑠 60
= 5.24 rad/s

𝑟𝑎𝑑 2𝜋
100 𝜔 ( ) = 100 𝑟𝑝𝑚 ×
𝑠 60
= 10.47 rad/s

𝑟𝑎𝑑 2𝜋
150 𝜔 ( ) = 150 𝑟𝑝𝑚 ×
𝑠 60
= 15.71 rad/s

𝑟𝑎𝑑 2𝜋
200 𝜔 ( ) = 200 𝑟𝑝𝑚 ×
𝑠 60
= 20.94 rad/s

Calculation for Force (N) for flat paddle:

With baffle Without baffle

17.10 Nm 17.40 Nm
Force, F (N) = Force, F (N) =
0.11 m 0.11 m

11
 = 155.45 N = 158.18 N

16.00 Nm 15.60 Nm
Force, F (N) = Force, F (N) =
0.11 m 0.11 m

= 145.45 N = 141.82 N

15.80 Nm 15.90 Nm
Force, F (N) = Force, F (N) =
0.11 m 0.11 m

= 143.64 N = 142.73 N

15.10 Nm 16.30 Nm
Force, F (N) = Force, F (N) =
0.11 m 0.11 m

= 137.27 N = 148.18 N

14.70 Nm 16.60 Nm
Force, F (N) = Force, F (N) =
0.11 m 0.11 m

= 133.64 N = 150.91 N

12
Calculation for Power (Watt) for flat paddle:

With baffle Without baffle

Power, P = (17.10 Nm) (0 rad/s) Power, P = (17.40 Nm) (0 rad/s)

= 0 watt = 0 watt

Power, P = (16.00 Nm) (5.24 rad/s) Power, P = (15.60 Nm) (5.24 rad/s)
= 83.84 watt = 81.74 watt

Power, P = (15.80 Nm) (10.47 rad/s) Power, P = (15.90 Nm) (10.47 rad/s)
= 165.43 watt = 166.47 watt

Power, P = (15.10 Nm) (15.71 rad/s) Power, P = (16.30 Nm) (15.71 rad/s)
= 237.22 watt = 256.07 watt

Power, P = (14.70 Nm) (20.94 rad/s) Power, P = (16.60 Nm) (20.94 rad/s)
= 307.82 watt = 347.60 watt

Calculation for Force, F (N) of turbine impeller:

With baffle Without baffle

14.70 Nm 17.40 Nm
Force, F (N) = Force, F (N) =
0.11 m 0.11 m

= 133.64 N = 158.18 N

15.10 Nm 17.30 Nm
Force, F (N) = Force, F (N) =
0.11 m 0.11 m

= 137.27 N = 157.27 N

13
 15.80 Nm 17.40 Nm
Force, F (N) = Force, F (N) =
0.11 m 0.11 m

= 143.64 N = 158.18 N

15.90 Nm 17.50 Nm
Force, F (N) = Force, F (N) =
0.11 m 0.11 m

= 144.55 N = 159.09 N

15.30 Nm 17.35 Nm
Force, F (N) = Force, F (N) =
0.11 m 0.11 m

= 139.09 N = 157.73 N

Calculation of Power (watt) of turbine impeller:

With baffle Without baffle

Power, P = (14.70 Nm) (0 rad/s) Power, P = (17.40 Nm) (0 rad/s)

= 0 watt = 0 watt

Power, P = (15.10 Nm) (5.24 rad/s) Power, P = (17.30 Nm) (5.24 rad/s)
= 79.12 watt = 90.65 watt

Power, P = (15.90 Nm) (10.47 rad/s) Power, P = (17.40 Nm) (10.47 rad/s)
= 166.47 watt = 182.18 watt

Power, P = (15.90 Nm) (15.71 rad/s) Power, P = (17.50 Nm) (15.71 rad/s)
= 249.79 watt = 274.93 watt

Power, P = (15.30 Nm) (20.94 rad/s) Power, P = (17.35 Nm) (20.94 rad/s)
= 320.38 watt = 363.31 watt

14
9. DISCUSSION

In this fluid mixing experiment, consists two part of experiments. For the first
experiment, the material used is water and the manipulated variable is the mixing tank with
baffle or without baffle. The type of impeller is also a manipulated variable as we used flat
paddle and turbine impeller. The tank was filled with 3-liter water.

Firstly, for the water using flat paddle and with baffle experiment, the result of
torque, T (Nm-2) value were 17.10, 16.00, 15.80, 15.10, and 133.64 when then angular
speed (rpm) was 0, 50, 100,150 and 200 respectively. The value of force, F were obtained
T
by calculating using formula F = , where T is torque and d is diameter of the impeller
D

used which is 0.11m. Therefore, the value of force, F (N) were 155.45,
145.45,143.64,137.27 and 133.64 when the angular speed (rpm) 0, 50, 100, 150, and 200
respectively. The value of power, P were obtained by calculating using formula P= T × ω,
where T is torque and ω is angular speed in (rad/s). For the conversion unit of angular
rad 2π
speed from (rpm) to (rad/s) by using this formula ω ( ) = (rpm) × . Therefore, the
s 60

value of power, P (watt) were 0, 83.84, 165.43, 237.22 and 307.82 when the angular speed,
ω (rad/s) is 0, 5.24, 10.47, 15.71 and 20.94 respectively.

Next, for the water using flat paddle and without baffle experiment, the result of
torque, T (Nm-2) value were 17.40, 15.60, 15.90, 16.30, and 16.60 when then angular speed
(rpm) was 0, 50, 100,150 and 200 respectively. The value of force, F were obtained by
T
calculating using formula F = , where T is torque and d is diameter of the impeller used
D

which is 0.11m. Therefore, the value of force, F (N) were 158.18, 141.82,142.73,148.18
and 150.91 when the angular speed (rpm) 0, 50, 100, 150, and 200 respectively. The value
of power, P were obtained by calculating using formula P= T × ω, where T is torque and
ω is angular speed in (rad/s). Therefore, the value of power, P (watt) were 0, 81.74, 166.47,
256.07 and 347.60 when the angular speed, ω (rad/s) is 0, 5.24, 10.47, 15.71 and 20.94
respectively.

15
 The graph of power, P (watt) against angular speed, 𝜔 (rad/s) is also plotted to give
a clearer understanding of all the relationship involved. From the results and the graph
obtained, it can be seen that the power consumed increases as the speed increases.

Moreover, as for the second experiment, using turbine impeller and with baffle the
result torque (Nm-2) value were 14.70, 15.10, 15.80, 15.90, and 15.30 when then angular
speed (rpm) was 0, 50, 100,150 and 200 respectively. The value of force, F were obtained
T
by calculating using formula F = , where T is torque and D is diameter of the impeller
D

used which is 0.11m. Therefore, the value of force, F (N) were 133.64,
137.27,143.64,144.55 and 139.09 when the angular speed (rpm) 0, 50, 100, 150, and 200
respectively. The value of power, P were obtained by calculating using formula P= T × ω,
where T is torque and ω is angular speed in (rad/s). Therefore, the value of power, P (watt)
were 0, 79.12, 166.47, 249.79 and 320.38 when the angular speed, ω (rad/s) is 0, 5.24,
10.47, 15.71 and 20.94 respectively.

Secondly, for the water using turbine impeller and without baffle experiment, the
result of torque, T (Nm-2) value were 17.40, 17.30, 17.40, 17.50, and 17.35 when then
angular speed (rpm) was 0, 50, 100,150 and 200 respectively. The value of force, F were
T
obtained by calculating using formula F = , where T is torque and d is diameter of the
D

impeller used which is 0.11m. Therefore, the value of force, F (N) were
158.18,157.27,158.18,159.09 and 157.73 when the angular speed (rpm) 0, 50, 100, 150,
and 200 respectively. The value of power, P were obtained by calculating using formula
P= T × ω, where T is torque and ω is angular speed in (rad/s). Therefore, the value of
power, P (watt) were 0, 90.65, 182.18, 274.93 and 363.31 when the angular speed, ω (rad/s)
is 0, 5.24, 10.47, 15.71 and 20.94 respectively.

The graph of power, P (watt) against angular speed, 𝜔 (rad/s) is also plotted to give
a clearer understanding of all the relationship involved. From the results and the graph
obtained, it can be seen that the power consumed increases as the speed increases.

16
 The flow pattern of water with different type of impeller are observed. A few flow
patterns were observed with the use of two different impellers with and without the baffle.
Based on the observation, we can know that flow pattern of the water is depend on the type
of impeller used. This experiment has been conducted using the same speed which is 50,
100, 150 and 200 rpm. Therefore, we can see that the flow patterns produced are circular
pattern and rotary motion when using two types of impeller without the inclusion of baffles.
Another observation that can be seen is the production of deep vortex in the tank without
baffle. By using flat paddle, it created a deeper whirlpool than turbine impeller at the centre
of the tank. With the inclusion of baffle, the use of flat paddle and turbine impeller
produced the same flow pattern was uneven. By comparing all the results obtained, the
effectiveness of different impeller, with or without baffle and low or high viscoscity
material, based on observation and calculation, the effective is by using turbine impeller
because it required low power, with baffle because it can limit the vortex produced
compared to turbine impeller without inclusion of baffle.

17
10. CONCLUSION

In this experiment, the first objective is to observe the flow patterns that can be achieved
by the use of different impellers with and without baffles. The flow of fluid when baffle is
inserted in the tank is the fluid flow in random motion especially in hydraulic oil and the fluid
flow smoothly in circular motion with baffle is not inserted in the tank. Water has low viscosity
compared to oil. The higher the viscosity of the fluid, the more uneven circular motion of the
flow. The flow of oil also slow when the viscosity is higher.

The second objective is showing the power consumed by a mixer varies with speed, types
of impeller and with the inclusion of baffles. When water is used as the fluid in the tank, the
values of force, torque and power calculated is higher with baffle compared to water without
baffle.

11. RECOMMENDATIONS

Due to the experiment that has been done, there are few recommendations that should be
considered to get the best results needed throughout in this experiment. First, ensure that the
equipment is in a proper operating good condition. It is suggested to repair and always do
some maintenance for this equipment when the unit has been used for many times.

Other than that, it is necessary to make sure the balance is operating is in good condition.
If the balance is not operating well, it will affect the reading for the force balance regarding to
each speed of impellers. It is not the right way to measure the force by operating the tension
spring manually, it is much better to use the tension spring that operated by computer itself.
Indirectly, the accurate readings can be obtained as the best results needed.

Furthermore, make sure that the eyes are perpendicular to the scale of the tank during refill
the tank with to avoid parallax error. Besides that, always make sure that the water does not
spill over the side of the tank by increasing the speed too much. In addition, several colors of
plastic pallets can be used so that the movement of the plastics pallets can be seen clearly.

18
12. REFERENCES

i. https://www.coursehero.com/file/8491168/-L8-Fluid-Mixing/
ii. http://enggyd.blogspot.my/2011/06/types -of-agitators-used-in-chemical.html
iii. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki.Impeller
iv. http://docslide.us_thermofluids-lab-fluid-mixing
v. http://mimoza.marmara.edu.tr/~bilge.alpaslan/enve301/Lectures/Chp_6.pdf

13. APPENDICES

Figure 13.1: Flat paddle without baffle

Figure 13.2: Turbine impeller without baffle

19
 Figure 13.3: Flat paddle with baffle

Figure 13.4: Turbine impeller with baffle

20