CHPE4712, Chemical Engineering Lab.

II
Experiment 3: Fluid Mixing Apparatus

Experiment 3: Fluid Mixing Apparatus

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

Equipment Set-up
Fluid Mixing Apparatus filled with medium or light oil up to a depth of 0.3m, flat paddle
and turbine impellers, screw propeller; sets of baffles.

Summary of Theory
Power (W) = Torque (T) x Angular Speed (rad/s)
Torque (T) = Force recorded on spring balance x length of torque arm (0.11 m) (r)

Procedure:
Fill the tank up to a depth of 0.3m with light oil and attach the flat paddle impeller, 0.09m
x 0.06m with the base of the bush level with the end of the shaft. Release the balance
adjustment clamp, and allow the dynamometer arm to move freely. To set the
dynamometer to a neutral position use the setting bar and adjust the tension spring as

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 CHPE4712, Chemical Engineering Lab. II
Experiment 3: Fluid Mixing Apparatus
necessary. Adjust the length of the cord so that the indicator aligns with the mark on the
datum plate in the neutral position. Increase the speed control knob in gradual increments
and record the speed on the speed indicator and the force on the balance at each speed of
the mixer.
Repeat using the turbine impeller and other flat bladed paddles. The experiment can be
repeated using angled rather than vertical paddles.
Repeat with the baffles fitted with each flat paddle and the turbine impeller.

Results:
Flat paddle blade
Angular Angular Force Torque Power
Speed Speed F T W
r.p.m. (rad/s) (N) (Nm ) -2
(Watts)

Torque arm (r) = 0.11 m

Angular speed () = r.p.m. x 2/60 = rad/s

Plot the power consumed vs. speed with and without baffles.
Plot the power consumed vs. area at different speed values without baffles only.
Plot the power consumed vs. area at different torque values without baffles only.

Discuss the shape of the curves.

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