Experimental Investigation of Swirl Flow in a Ribbed Cylindrical Container using Particle Image Velocimetry /

Abstract

The swirl flow generates when an axial flow stream gets a tangential component of velocity, which creates irregular maneuvering of flow particles. This random and chaotic movement of particles in swirl flow causes well mixing of fluid even at a homogeneous level, efficient heat conduction, and also helps us in separation through the centrifugal process. These important factors motivated us to understand and study swirl flow in a different restrictive manner by framing an experimental setup. In this study, the experimental investigation of swirl flow in a vertical transparent cylinder was carried out to examine the effect of the ribbed wall on the flow dynamics. The instantaneous velocity was obtained and the flow parameters were studied using the flow visualization technique Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV). The effect of ribs on turbulence was studied for velocity, vorticity, and swirl strength. The shape of square and semi-circular ribs was selected for this study and installed at equal distances quarterly inside the cylinders. The studies were performed at different RPMs 300, 400, and 500, and revealed the impact of RPMs on mixing and turbulence. Results revealed that the mixing was improved by using semi-circular ribs compared to square ribs and plain cases. The increase in RPM also agitated particles more chaotically and this turbulent behavior improved mixing.