Estimation residence time distribution in EZ and KE element of Buss Ko-Kneader by using CFD method
Milad Mehranpour, Hossein Nazockdast, Bahram Dabir
Dept. of polymer Eng. Amirkabir univerrsity of technology
Iran

Keywords: Residence time , Buss KO-Kneader, Flow field

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Residence time distribution is among the important parameters of the Buss Ko-Kneader which allows one to better underestand the flow conditions inside the system and to get information on mixing efficiency,however it has always been a difficult task to predict the RTD of complex geometeries such as Buss elements.
The aim of the present work was to estimate the residence time distribution in EZ and KE element of the Buss Ko-Kneader by utilizing an elemental tracing method performed on the flow fields in the same elements which were analized by CFD method.The effects of both rotating and reciprocating motions of the screw have been taken into account in three dimentional flow analysis.
The peredicted results were found to be comparable with the results previously reported using analytical method performed for the same elements.
It was demonestrated that these results can provide valuable information on mixing performance of these two elements.
An attempt was also made to provide more experimental evidences for mixing performance of these elements through flow visualization made on a KO-Kneader type similar to Buss with a transparent barrel.