INTRODUCTION

In general, the basic concept of fluid mixing can be simply shown by mixing a fluid
into another fluid where the fluids are soluble to one another and forming a homogeneous
mixture. Mixing of fluid system is a difficult process to be analysed as it is subjected to many
variables. During fluid mixing, there are fluid velocity and fluid shear rate produced. Fluid
velocity results in movements throughout the mixing process, prevents solids from setting out
and thus producing flows. Fluid share in the form of turbulent eddies is important in micro-
mixing within the large velocity streams breaking down gas bubbles into tiny droplets. All
mixing impellers produce both fluid shear and fluid velocity but different types of impellers
will produce different degrees of flow turbulence. Impellers are rotating devices that force
liquids, gases and vapours to go in a desired direction.

The flow patterns resulted from the impeller give impact to the mixing process
outcome. Different impeller type gives different flow patterns. Not only the type of impeller
used, the presence of baffles in the mixing tank also affect the flow patterns as well. Baffles
capable of increasing the amount of top to bottom circulation which contributes to turbulence.
This occurs as they act as obstacles for the mixture during swirling and thus eliminating
vortexes. There are two main types of flow patterns which are radial and axial. Axial flow is
the patterns where the fluid or gas flow parallelly to the axis turbine while radial flow is the
pattern that the working fluid flows mainly along the radii of rotation in the rank. Different
flow patterns will cause variations in distribution of shear rate and also energy dissipation
rate in the mixing tank. In these experiments, we can observe the flow patterns produced
from different impellers and also the flow patterns with and without the use of baffles.

APPARATUS & MATERIALS

 Hand mixer
 Oil
 Water
 Small amount of pellet (Coffee bean)
 Baffle
RECOMMENDATION

- The experiment should be conducted at least three times to obtain more

accurate results.
- Make sure that the impeller is properly attached to the mixer to prevent any
unwanted accidents.
- Make sure that there is no presence of strong wind which can affect the flow
pattern.
- Eye level should be perpendicular to reading scale to avoid parallel error.
- Make sure the speed of the impeller is set to zero before turning on the mixer.

REFERENCES

 Frank M.W, Fluid Mechanics ninth edition, McGraw-Hill.2005

 Warren M, Peter H and Julian C.S, Unit operation of Chemical Engineering, 4th
edition, Mcgraw Hill Book Company. 2002
 https://www.coursehero.com/file/8491168/L8-Fluid-Mixing/. Retrieved on 14th
November 2020
 http://enggyd.blogspot.my/2011/06/types-of-agitators-used-in-chemical.html.
Retrieved on 14th November 2020.