Fluid flow visualization and parameter evaluation of vegetable oil/water mixture in Taylor-Couette column.

The flow between two concentric cylinders, i.e., the Taylor-Couette flow, was investigated when only the inner cylinder rotates. Analysis of flow pattern with the Reynolds number was carried out by flow visualizations. Shear stress and energy loss distribution within Taylor-Couette column were determined. The characterization study was carried out by applying water and used cooking oil at volume ratio of 1:1, 1:3, 1:5, and 1:6. The inner cylinder was rotated at 400 rpm. It was found that optimal volume ratio for wastewater treatment was 1:1, shown by the phenomenon of Modulated Wavy Vortices flow regime. The highest Taylor number of 1.37x107 was also achieved in the volume ratio, while the shear stress was -3.32. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]