PNNL

Abstract

Radio frequency (RF) tags were used to track motion of slurry during mixing in a vertical cylindrical tank and to assess the degree of homogeneity obtained during the mixing process. Initially, the RF tags, each with a unique identity, were uniformly seeded across the top surface of the slurry. Repeated observations of the RF tags within range of a sparse grid of externally mounted antennas were used to estimate tag movement during mixing. After mixing, the final locations of the RF tags were estimated by manually sweeping the outer sidewall of the tank with an antenna. The technique has been applied to both clear and opaque slurries and provided a novel method for evaluating mixing in real time and after mixing has terminated.