Influence of Glass-Lined V-Shaped Stirrers on Crystallization Properties

In the crystallization process, the quality of crystal formation is significantly affected by the stirring mechanism. Typically, the efficiency of mixing is directly correlated with the rotational speed of the stirrer. Nevertheless, elevated stirring speeds can lead to the fragmentation of crystal nuclei, thereby exerting a detrimental influence on the overall crystallization quality. To address such issue, a glass-lined V-shaped stirrer with a better stirring effect under low-speed conditions was developed in the present study. Particular attention was paid to providing a better stirring effect under low-speed conditions. The computational fluid dynamics (CFD) numerical simulation method was employed to conduct a comparative analysis of the flow field distribution when subjected to the influence of a V-shaped stirrer in comparison with two frequently employed stirrers. The velocity field, turbulence intensity, particle distribution and heat transfer rate were analyzed, and experimental measurements of the mixing time were conducted. The findings from the present study reveal that when the stirring paddle was operated at a speed of 80 rpm, the V-shaped stirrer exhibited a larger circulation range compared with the other two stirrers. Further, the overall turbulence intensity in the flow field was higher, ensuring a more homogeneous distribution of crystal nuclei. Additionally, the heat transfer rate was found to be significantly faster, contributing to improved crystallization efficiency and higher-quality crystallization products. The utilization of the glass-lined V-shaped stirrer offers the advantage of improved mixing efficiency in the crystallization process, while maintaining the crystal quality. This innovation has the potential to bring about a transformative shift in manufacturing processes and contribute to advancements in the field of crystallization.