Experimental Study of the Effect of Impeller Geometrical Parameters on Fluid Hydrodynamics in Copper Solvent Extraction Mixer

Dynamic mixers are widely used in hydrometallurgical processes. Improvement in mixers’ efficiency is one of the greatest challenges in this research. The geometrical factors of the impeller are of the most important elements affecting hydrodynamics and efficiency. Type, diameter, speed and off-bottom clearance of impeller are investigated in this work. These factors are validated by experimental setup. Mixing time is assumed fixed. Materials composition is set according to solvent extraction unit of Sarcheshmeh copper complex, Iran. The setup is manufactured according to the mixer dimensions in industrial unit. The hydrodynamic behavior of mixture is visualized by using an advanced imaging and lighting system. The effect of impeller speed in the range of 75 to 275 rpm on the position of eddies and fluid hydrodynamics are investigated. According to the results, at impeller speeds more than 200 rpm dead zones around the baffles are intend to be vanished. Furthermore, the effect of off-bottom clearance on hydrodynamics is studied. Optimum clearance to tank diameter ratio are determined 0.4 and 0.33 for 100 and 200 rpm, respectively. Results shows Rushton impeller with 6 vertical blades and impeller to tank diameter of 0.33 is optimum.