Particle image velocimetry (PIV) and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) have been used to
investigate the single phase and gas-liquid flow generated by a Scaba SRGT turbine. The key
details of the trailing vortices, the turbulent flow around the impeller blades and the
accumulation of gas have been studied by using PIV measurements and CFD simulations.
Both the experimental and numerical results show that the flow and the trailing vortices are
not altered significantly upon gassing. The simulated results are generally in good agreement
with the experimental findings. The CFD simulations also show that only small low-pressure
regions exist behind the blades of the Scaba turbine compared with the very large lowpressure
zones formed by the Rushton turbine. These results enable better understanding of
the improved performance of the Scaba turbine for gas-liquid dispersions compared with the
Rushton turbine
