Gas Flow Hydrodynamics in Vortex Mixers: Flow Visualization and PIV Flow Field Characterization

The gas flow hydrodynamics in a vortex mixer was investigated using flow visualization and particle image velocimetry (PIV) techniques for several Reynolds numbers ranging from Re = 20 to 280 and equal momentum of the jets. The flow regime transition of two methane gas streams coming from two tangential jets was analyzed by the detection of the critical Reynolds number of the flow. This critical point was determined from time-averaged and instantaneous flow images, velocity fluctuations, and hence turbulence intensity values of the vortex mixer. Results show that the flow gained the swirl motion at Re = 70 and the instabilities in the flow started at around Re = 230, where the gas flow hydrodynamics was diffusion controlled. Beyond Re = 230, the flow was unsteady and chaotic flow overruled the molecular diffusion and the ensemble mixing of the gases dependent on the convection was achieved starting from this point. This study sheds light on the gas flow hydrodynamics of a vortex mixer and points out the flow regime transitions.