Simulation Based Optimization of Stirred Reactors

A computational study of a continuously stirred tank operating in a turbulent regime is reported using a commercial code, STAR-CCM+ in conjunction with Optimate+ for optmization. The motion of the impeller is simulated using the moving reference frame approach and the turbulence modeling is done using a realizable k-Ɛ model. A Pareto front optimization is performed with the objective of minimizing the power consumption and maximizing the mixing. The parameters varied as part of the study include geometric dimensions such as number of impellers, number of baffles, baffle length and physical parameters such as speed of rotation of the impeller. The Pareto front obtained from the optimization study shows that there is a threshold value for power consumption, beyond which an increase in the power consumption does not lead to an increase in mixing.