CFD Simulations of Three‐dimensional Wall Jets in a Stirred Tank

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Abstract
The flow near the tank wall in a stirred tank driven by a 45° pitched‐blade turbine is simulated with Multiple Reference Frames, the k‐e turbulence model and standard wall functions. The results are compared to the three‐dimensional wall jet identified in a previous paper. The self‐similar velocity profiles in the jet are predicted satisfactorily, but the decay of the local maximum velocity and jet expansion are underpredicted. The underlying physical reasons for this failure are investigated. The effect of impeller size and position on the impingement point of the impeller discharge and the jet core velocity are well predicted by the simulations. The results provide a benchmark for CFD/MRF in the bulk of a stirred tank, identifying where CFD over‐ or underpredicts performance.