SUMMARY: Vortex Prediction in a Mixing

Tank

LAST UPDATED
June 24, 2016

SOFTWARE VERSION
R17.1

DESCRIPTION
This demo presents a basic methodology to conduct numerical simulation of free surface flow induced
by rotating mixing baffles and gravity in an open stirred tank. In this demo, water has been used as the
primary phase. A multiple reference frame (MRF) approximation and Reynolds Stress turbulence model
has been used for better prediction of the swirling effects.

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Load the case file vortex_mixing_tank_ini.cas.gz, you will use the saved settings,
the case will run with frame motion.

2016 ANSYS, Inc. All rights reserved Page 1 of 2

 2. Initialize the solution (Solve Initialization Initialize). At this point volume fraction of air
equal to 0 will be applied to the entire domain.
3. Patch the air region initial solution. Hit on Patch button. Select air from 'Phase' list. Select
Volume Fraction from Variable list, then fluid_air from Zones to Patch list and put 1 for
Value, click on Patch. Close the panel.
4. Save the case and data file.
5. Iterate 5000 time steps with time step size 0.01 seconds.
6. Save the case and data file with different name.

During the iteration process image files will be saved automatically in png format. Use Imagemagik or
other tools in order to create an animation file from these files.

In order to complete this demo from the beginning please follow the step by step instructions from the
workshop WS_vortex_mixing_tank.pdf.

APPLICATIONS
This demo can be used to understand the basic settings for mixing applications applied in several
industries including pharmaceutical, and focused on water storage, stirred vessel design optimization,
etc

COMMENTS
To consider:
1. This case can run with mesh motion. In order to prepare the case, the user can apply the TUI
command:
/mesh/modify-zones/mrf-to-sliding-mesh 5
Then save the case with different name, and proceed with steps 2-6. The time step size can be
selected judiciously to satisfy mesh motion and the VOF. The animation
vortex_mixing_tank_MM_vof.mpg provided shows the results from mesh motion.
2. DPM, residence time and uniformity index should be used as complementary study in this case,
not done in this update.

KEY WORDS
VOF, Reynolds Stress Model, Mixing systems, MRF, CFD, Water storage, Water quality, Water age,
Stirred tanks

FILES
1) README_vortex_mixing_tank.pdf : this document
2) WS_ vortex_mixing_tank .pdf : workshop presentation
3) vortex_mixing_tank.msh.gz : mesh file
4) vortex_mixing_tank_ini.cas.gz : case file at t=0s
5) vortex_mixing_tank_end.cas.gz : case file at t=50s
6) vortex_mixing_tank_end.dat.gz : data file
7) vortex_mixing_tank_FM_vof .mpg : animation file from frame motion simulation
8) vortex_mixing_tank_MM_vof .mpg : animation file from mesh motion simulation

2016 ANSYS, Inc. All rights reserved Page 2 of 2