Mixing Lignocellulosic Slurries Presents Challenges
by Gregory T. Benz (Ethanol Producer Magazine/Benz Technology International Inc.) Lignocellulosic slurries have long been used for paper production as well as for feedstock for water-soluble polymer production, such as carboxy methyl cellulose. More recently, they have been used as the feedstock for cellulosic ethanol and other biofuels.
Such slurries usually behave as Herschel-Bulkley fluids, with pseudoplastic behavior above the fluid yield stress. Achieving complete fluid motion requires overcoming the yield stress everywhere in the vessel. Proper design with multiple impellers can avoid wasting energy caused by over-agitating some regions of the tank, and can be used to minimize total agitator power. READ MORE



