CFD methods as a modern tool in optimisation of hydrodynamic conditions in magma crystallizers

Selected parameters concerning the optimisation of hydrodynamics in magma crystallizers are discussed. At this stage, results of CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) simulations are shown, focused on the effect of the geometrical configuration of a crystallizer on energy dissipation rate, axial velocity field and general hydraulic efficiency. The influence of the shape of the apparatus' bottom, diameter of the stirrer, its location and presence of the draft tube on, respectively: (i) unit power input distribution, (ii) the average mixing power, and (iii) pumping capacity have been takeninto consideration. The results obtained from simulations have been compared with experiments and literature data.