Abstract
In the present study, a numerical analysis of transient mixer flow is performed considering free surface formation. The flow patterns and free surface shape in a mixers formed by flat paddle and pitched paddle impellers are predicted. In a flat paddle mixer, two flow circulation regions are formed due to strong radial flow, whereas one large circulation is formed in a pitched paddle mixer due to axial downward flow. These differences affect the free surface evolution and shape. It is seen from the results that a flat paddle mixer gives deeper free surface at center region than a pitched paddle mixer. The free surface of 8-blades-flat-paddle mixer is also simulated to compare with the available experimental and simulation results. The present computational results agree reasonably well with the experimental data.