Visualization of Wormlike Micelle Fluid Flow in a Mixing Tank

Abstract

In this study, particle image velocimetry was applied to investigate flow fields of wormlike micelle (WLM) fluids in a mixing tank equipped with a four-blade, down-pumping, pitched blade turbine. First, the rheology of WLM fluids was investigated, and the Carreau model was utilized to describe their apparent viscosity. Then, the effects of the rotation speeds and rheological properties on the flow fields were studied using different WLM fluids at different rotation speeds. The results revealed that with increasing Reynolds number, the discharge angle decreases and the carven size increases. Furthermore, elastic effects of WLM fluids lead to a more curved flow and a smaller carven.

Keywords

Wormlike micelle / PIV / Mixing / Flow field

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