Comparative Analysis of the Flow Field Characteristics of Axial Flow, Radial Flow, and Tangential Flow in Stirring Equipment

Stirring equipment is widely used in industries such as chemical, pharmaceutical, and food processing, where its performance directly affects mixing, mass transfer, and heat transfer efficiency. The main flow modes in stirring processes include axial flow, radial flow, and tangential flow, whose interactions determine the overall stirring performance. This study integrates fluid mechanics principles to analyze the characteristics of these different flow patterns and explores how optimizing the design of stirring equipment can enhance efficiency. Furthermore, this paper utilizes computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations and experimental research to examine the influencing factors of different flow modes and proposes optimization strategies. The study further investigates how specific impeller configurations and tank geometries influence the development and dominance of certain flow patterns within the vessel. Through combining theoretical models with practical experiments, the paper identifies key operational parameters that affect the transition and balance between axial, radial, and tangential flows. These insights contribute to improving mixing quality, reducing energy consumption, and guiding the scale-up process of industrial stirring systems. The findings are expected to offer valuable references for the design and optimization of stirring equipment used in complex multiphase flow environments.