recirculated flow for keeping solid suspension

[fvincent]

I wonder if the use of pulp recirculation from tank back to tank is not as efficient as rotary mixers/agitator

My case is a homogeneization tank of nitrocellulose pulp. Tank volume is 100 m3 and the tank is fed with different batches in order to mix them and keeping solids in suspension prior to centrifugation.

Currently an agitator (turbine type) with a 150HP motor provides agitation. Maybe I could just optimize such equipment (by increasing diameter keeping the same torque?). However the use of recirculation seems reasonable for me. I was thinking of a 5:1 recirculation ratio (500m3/h) plus some injection nozzles.

Any hint?
Thanks

fvincent

 

[btrueblood]

fvincent,

Not sure about that. Mixing with an external-blade device will generate much more "secondary flow" than injection with multiple streams. Also, finding a pump suitable for pulp can be tricky.

My .02

Ben T