The mean flow field produced by a 45° pitched blade turbine: Changes in the circulation pattern due to off bottom clearance

Abstract The impeller discharge stream and bulk circulation flow produced by a pitched blade turbine (PBT) in a fully baffled stirred tank have been defined, using a combination of flow visualization and laser Doppler anemometry measurement techniques. Two distinct bulk circulation patterns have been identified, one for higher off bottom clearances, and one for lower clearances. The circulation patterns are shown to have a substantial impact on …