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Is there some correlation to estimate the Np and Power consumption for anchor and helical ribbon impellers for non-newtonian fluids?

Q: I have seen some similar questions in here, but haven't found the exact information I'm looking for. I'd like to know if there's some correlation to estimate the Np and Power consumption for anchor and helical ribbon impellers for non-newtonian fluids (pseudo-plastic) operating in laminar flow.

A:

Power numbers for anchor and helical ribbon impellers are typically defined in terms of a viscous power number, which is constant for Reynolds numbers less than ten (Re<10).  See accompanying equations for Anchor - Power Number Viscous, Helix - Power Number Viscous, and Reynolds Number.  The power numbers and Reynolds numbers are dimensionless groups, so the choice of units must have conversion factors if the units are not coherent.
 
The viscous power number is different from the typical power number used for low viscosity impellers.  The viscous power number has viscosity in the denominator, rather than density, and different exponents on the rotational speed and impeller diameter.  Correction factors must be applied to the viscous power number when the operating conditions are in the transition range, Reynolds numbers greater than ten (Re>10).  The correction factors in the transition range are greater than one.

The answers by this expert are based on the best available interpretation of the information provided.  The consequences of the application of this information are the responsibility of the user.  If clarification is needed, please submit a further question.

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