Simulation Anchor Stirrer

Anchor stirrer CAD model created in NOGRID's COMPASS

Figure 1: CAD model created in NOGRID's COMPASS

Mixing anchor stirrer GUI setup and initial conditions in NOGRID points CFD software

Figure 2: Setup the mixing case in NOGRID points' GUI

Simulation mixing with anchor stirrer GUI results in NOGRID points

Figure 3: Results anchor stirrer simulation shown in NOGRID points' GUI

Figure 4: Mixing simulation in NOGRID points: velocity field and free surface for anchor stirrer

A simulation of mixing in an anchor stirrer can be carried out using NOGRID points CFD software. The straight anchor stirrer in this case study is a tangentially conveying type, typically used for highly viscous media. The containers used with such agitators often vary in slenderness and bottom geometry. This anchor stirrer has a flat bottom and is therefore suitable only for non-pressurized mixing processes. Containers with a high slenderness ratio, such as in this case study, are generally designed for large volumes. The anchor stirrer does not produce a strong axial conveying effect, as the vessel contents are moved primarily in a tangential direction.

Mixing plays a vital role in the food and chemical industries and is used in processes such as the dispersion of two or more liquid, powdery, or gaseous components, deagglomeration to prevent lump formation, and the homogenization of mixtures.

Improve product performance and reduce costs

Mixing simulation helps to better understand flow behavior in an agitator, enable rapid optimization of design and operating parameters, and reduce both production and maintenance costs.

Compute any conceivable agitator geometry with mixing simulation

NOGRID offers a wide range of rheology models including those commonly used in the chemical industry. Its unique capabilities for handling moving parts within the fluid domain allow the simulation of any conceivable agitator geometry and operating modes such as

rotating and counterwise rotating agitator blades, possibly moving up and down periodically at the same time
overlapping operation ranges of moving parts as found in twin-screw agitators
free surfaces at inlets or for different fluid levels or for fast rotating agitators with high centrifugal forces

Benefit from very short computation time

One of the key strengths of NOGRID's meshless CFD software is the rapid preprocessing (no grid generation is required) and its exceptionally short computation times, even for complex moving parts commonly found in agitators.

Capabilities of NOGRID points CFD software

NOGRID combines powerful capabilities for handling free-surface flows and moving parts within the computational domain. This results in the following advantages:

fully 3D computation solving the complete Navier-Stokes equations
easy and intuitive setup also for FSI (Fluid-Structure-Interaction) cases
freely definable material properties by equations or curves
evaluation of mixing quality
open or closed domains including inflow and outflow areas (non-batch mode)
moving of the mixers in any direction

Whitepaper Mixing Technology

Why choose Nogrid?

NOGRID provides professional CFD software for the simulation of fluid flow, heat and mass transfer, and chemical reactions. Its efficient modelling workflow helps engineers analyse flow behaviour, evaluate designs and make informed decisions without creating a conventional volume mesh.

Faster model preparation

With NOGRID, only the geometry boundary needs to be meshed. The finite points inside the fluid domain are generated automatically according to user-defined settings, both at the start of the simulation and during the calculation.

This approach reduces preprocessing effort and makes it easier to prepare complex geometries and cavities for simulation.

Efficient CFD workflow

The modelling process follows four straightforward steps:

Build the geometry. Mesh the boundary. Define the simulation. Start the calculation.

NOGRID is designed to provide short computation times, including for applications involving complex cavities. Engineers can use the resulting data to examine flow distribution and other relevant flow characteristics.

Better insight into fluid-flow processes

CFD solves the fundamental equations governing fluid flow. NOGRID software enables engineers to predict and analyse the behaviour of fluids and related physical processes before or alongside physical testing.

The simulation results can support:

evaluation and comparison of design alternatives
optimisation of construction and operating parameters
improved planning reliability
reduction of development time and testing effort
faster progression from design to market or operation

Steps from geometry generation to simulation results

TRAINING

Our two-day training courses teach participants how to set up, run and evaluate simulations efficiently with NOGRID CFD software. The courses include practical guidance for handling different types of simulation cases.

For more details please refer to Training Courses →

Technical Support

Professional support is available from the beginning of your work with NOGRID. Our technical team assists users by telephone and email with software operation, case setup and simulation-related questions.

For more details please refer to Software Support →

Simulation Service

When internal time, expertise or resources are limited, NOGRID can support your project with individual numerical simulation services. Our engineers develop and evaluate CFD models based on the specific requirements of your application.