Computational Fluid Dynamics Analysis of Typical Radial Flow Impellers

• 1、SCHOOL OF BIOTECHNOLOGY, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122
• 2、SCHOOL OF ENVIRONMENT & ECOLOGY, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122
• 3、Tong Liao Sheng Da Bioengineering Co, Tongliao 028400

Abstract：Radial-flow impellers are widely used in processes such as biological fermentation, oxidation reactions, and hydrogenation, serving as critical components in stirred bioreactors. They play a central role in enhancing fluid mixing and gas-liquid mass transfer. However, traditional radial-flow impellers still suffer from drawbacks such as high power consumption, strong shear stress, and relatively low mass transfer efficiency. In this study, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) was employed to simulate and analyze the microscopic flow field characteristics and distributions of three traditional radial-flow impellers (RT-6, BT-6, CD-6) and a novel impeller design (FT-6). Key hydrodynamic parameters including shear stress, turbulent kinetic energy, and its dissipation rate were compared to investigate the performance differences and underlying causes among the impellers. The results reveal that impeller blades with higher-curvature concave surfaces are more effective in reducing wake vortex volume and generating a more uniform distribution of turbulent kinetic energy, which is beneficial for enhancing gas-liquid mass transfer. These findings provide a rational design strategy for the development of advanced impeller geometries.

Keywords： Gas-liquid dispersion Impellers Computational fluid dynamics Microscopic flow field