(28c) Mixing Analysis of Binary System of Particles in An Agitated Bed by Discrete Element Method

A three dimensional numerical code based on the discrete element method (DEM) is applied to simulate the mixing characteristics of binary system of particles in an industrial agitator. The device consists of blades rotating in the range of 60 -140rpm enabling the rigorous mixing of particles. In order to overcome the computational limitations on using the number of particles, simulation scale is magnified in the range of 10 to 40. Effect on the quality of mixing of particles for various magnification factors is compared. Concentration of particles is analyzed by taking a sectional cut in the agitated bed in 3D planes. Quantitatively, it is found that the magnification factor has a little effect on the estimated concentration of particles. Effect of withdrawal of the blades on the mixing of particles is also analyzed. Experimental comparison with the numerically simulated results is found to be in good agreement.