An Agitation Experiment With Multiple Aspects

Authors

  • Jordan L. Spencer Columbia University

Abstract

This paper describes a multifaceted agitation and mixing experiment. The relatively inexpensive apparatus includes a variable-speed stirrer motor, two polycarbonate tanks, and an instrumented torque table. Students measure torque as a function of stirrer speed, and use conductive tracer data to estimate two parameters of a flow model. The effect of agitation intensity on heat transfer, on the motion of beads added to the fluid, and on the dissolution of salt crystals can also be studied.

Author Biography

Jordan L. Spencer, Columbia University

Jordan L. Spencer is emeritus professor of chemical engineering at Columbia University. He received his B.S. in 1953 and his Ph.D. in 1961, both from the University of Pennsylvania and both in chemical engineering. His research and teaching interests involve control and optimal control, and the development of chemical engineering teaching experiments, including Web-operable experiments.

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Published

2006-07-01

Issue

Vol. 40 No. 3 (2006): Summer 2006

Section

Manuscripts