Condition of Low-density Particle Entrainment into a Bath under Mechanical Agitation with an Immersion Cylinder

Abstract

Entrainment of small poorly-wetted particles into a bath agitated mechanically with an impeller is investigated based on water model experiments. The particles are found to be effectively entrained and then dispersed into the bath when a circular cylinder is immersed slightly from an offset radial position in the bath. The critical condition under which the particles are completely dispersed into the bath is clarified in this study. An empirical equation is derived for the critical condition as a function of the bath diameter, bath depth, impeller position, cylinder diameter, and so on. The applicable range of the equation is also presented.