Hydrodynamics, mixing and mass transfer in baffled stirred tanks

The present work presents CFD simulations of hydrodynamics, mixing and mass transfer in a surface-aerated baffled stirred tank. The modelling of the multiphase flow is realized via an Euler-Euler approach. Three closure models are tested for the resolution of the RANS equations. When fully-developed flow field is reached, gas-liquid transfer is implemented with a local mass transfer coefficient estimated by the eddy cell model, and the temporal evolution of dissolved gas concentration is predicted.Hydrodynamic and mixing quantities as well as mass transfer parameters for the different turbulence models are compared with experimental data available for the same geometrical and operating features. A critical analysis of the prediction results allow to assess the models capabilities and to highlight the possible critical issues of the simulations.