Application of the combined CFD and swarm intelligence for optimization of baffles number in a mixer-settler

Process optimization in a mixer-settler is of great importance. Optimization algorithm of particle swarm optimization is one of the evolutionary algorithms to solve optimization problem which is used in many fields. In this study, the optimal condition is calculated in finite volume method in terms of the number of baffles, inlet velocity of fluid, and impeller speed in a mixer-settler with a specific dimension that can be extended to industrial dimensions using the PSO algorithm and the numerical solution of Navier-Stokes equations and k-ε standard.