Mixing by impeller agitation in continuous flow systems containing polysaccharide solutions

Abstract

Abstract System response data for step changes in input tracer concentration have been obtained for two different impeller agitated continuous flow mixing systems containing aqueous polysaccharide solutions. The vessel volumes were 1.6 and 10.9 liters. Polysaccharide concentration, dilution rate, and impeller speed were varied according to a plan devised using dimensional analysis and assuming that bulk motion is the predominant mass transport mechanism in the system. The data show that this is not true and that serious errors may occur if scale‐up calculations are based on assuming that bulk motion predominates. Under the operating conditions used, perfect mixing was not observed.