POWER CONSUMPTION FOR MIXING OF SHEAR-THINNING FLUIDS.

The mixing/agitation of time independent non-Newtonian fluids can be a challenge in many technological processes. In the present study, the influence of rheological parameters, K and n, on Reynolds number, power number and power consumption, for different concentration of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) solutions, 1%, 2%, 3%, 4 % and 5%, with shear-thinning behaviour, was analysed. The power consumption obtained by theoretical model and by an appropriate curve Po = f(Re) from experimental data, found in literature, was compared. The results have shown good agreement between calculated power number and the graphically determined values, and also minimal power consumption values comparable with those founded for the agitation of non-Newtonian liquids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]