Abstract
In the ordinary analysis for process control, the variables to be measured and/or controlled are often specified as the quantities representative for the volume or cross-section in the equipment, although they are distributed in three-dimensional space. In case where there occur some undesirable problems in controlling the process, the governing equations used for process control or the parameters adopted in them have to be reexamined. It will be uneconomical and time consuming if such examinations are conducted experimentally. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) has been developed so successfully that one can simulate flow phenomena with reasonable accuracy, particularly for laminar flow. In addition, many studies have been conducted to simulate turbulent flows and two-phase or multi-phase flows. The situation described above signals the coming of integration of CFD into process control. In the lecture utility of CFD simulations is discussed by showing the results obtained for the flow in a vessel with an ordinary rotating mixer or reciprocating mixer. Dynamic rotational and oscillatory three-dimensional flow in the vessel will be demonstrated with animation, which will be of great help for understanding the dynamic phenomena taking place in the mixing vessel. Perception of animated phenomena with eyes is quite different from observation of their consecutive still images. In addition, it is possible to create new or high order phenomena, which cannot be observed experimentally, with animation. Combination of CFD calculation and animation will provide a new interface between process analysis and control.
