The Importance of a Mixing Tank With Agitator

A mixing tank with agitator is the essential equipment used in numerous industrial processes. It creates a strategic rotary movement in a tank that facilitates and optimizes a series of physical operations, such as homogenization, dispersion and more.

An electric motor transmits energy to the agitator shaft, which then rotates its unique energy-saving impellers. There are several configurations depending on production needs and seal options.

Types

There are various types of mixing tanks with agitator available for different applications. Some of them are designed for blending and suspending solids while others are used to mix liquids with high viscosity. These industrial mixers are also used for homogenizing and dispersing products. They can even be employed to accelerate chemical reactions. Some are made of plastic while others are built from stainless steel metal.

The most common type of agitator is the top entry tank mixer. These are installed at the top of the tank and can be positioned horizontally or at an angle from vertical to suspend solids in solutions. They are ideal for wide tanks with small aspect ratios. They can also be fitted with baffles to prevent the formation of vortices in the solution.

Other types of agitators include anchor agitators, helical ribbon agitators and turbine agitators. These have impellers that resemble the shape of an anchor or a fan, and they can produce both axial and radial flow patterns. They can also generate low shear flow, which makes them suitable for mixing shear-sensitive materials.

Another type of agitator is the side entry agitator. These are installed on the sidewall of the tank and can be used in tanks with a low ceiling clearance. They can also be attached to a flange mount or plate mount to enable easy dismantling. These mixers are commonly found in milk silos and large storage tanks. They can also be powered by a magnetic drive and are suitable for large volumes of shear-sensitive materials.

Design

The design of a tank agitator can vary widely depending on the size of the tank and the characteristics of the fluid being mixed. Some important considerations are the impeller type, power requirements, and shaft seal. The impeller is the component that primarily determines the flow pattern and mixing tank with agitator homogenization performance of the agitator. Impeller types include axial flow, radial flow, and mixed flow. The shape of the impeller can also be customized to suit specific production needs.

In addition to the impeller, the agitator also requires a motor to provide power to the shaft. The motor may be electric, pneumatic, or hydraulic. Its power requirements are based on the viscosity and shear sensitivity of the liquid, as well as the desired mixing intensity. The motor is typically connected to the shaft via a gearbox or other transmission device.

Agitators can be mounted in the top, side, or bottom of a tank. Top entry agitators are the most common, as they can handle the widest range of viscosities and specific gravities. Side entry agitators are used when the height of the tank’s ceiling restricts the installation of a top entry agitator. Bottom entry agitators are used to mix thick and heavy materials that tend to settle at the bottom of tanks. These agitators are often equipped with baffles or other structural components to improve mixing performance.

Installation

Agitator tanks are available in a variety of types and sizes to accommodate the specific needs of different industries. They can be made from stainless steel, carbon steel or polypropylene (PP). In selecting the right tank for a particular application, the material should be compatible with the materials being processed, be resistant to corrosion and possess sufficient strength. Other factors to consider include the temperature of the material, the type of mixing process and the viscosity.

During the installation of the tank and agitator, it is important to check that the electrical connections are secure mixing tank with agitator supplier and that the mounting hardware is compatible with the tank. It is also important to clean the tank and agitator to prevent leaks. Lastly, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installing the agitator in the tank.

Tank agitators generate a strategic rotary movement that facilitates and optimizes several physical processes. They can be used to homogenize solutions, disperse different components and accelerate chemical reactions. In addition, they can be used to maintain suspension of solid particles in liquids to prevent them from settling out and contaminating the bottom of the tank. Different types of agitator impellers are available, including standard hydrofoils, which offer high power requirements and low shear; radial flow propellers, which move the fluid in a circular motion; and tangential flow impellers, which create a powerful shear-free flow.

Maintenance

Keeping the agitator in good working condition can help ensure the quality of your products. It’s important to follow manufacturer recommendations for maintenance. The most common maintenance tasks are replacing the shaft seal and cleaning the inside of the tank. These tasks should be performed regularly to keep the tank in a healthy state.

In addition, you should check the temperature control of your heated mixing tanks. This will help prevent energy waste and ensure product consistency. It’s also important to inspect and replace gaskets as needed to maintain proper sealing. Moreover, you should also clean and sanitize the interior surfaces of your stainless steel tanks regularly.

Some industrial processes rely on agitators to keep solids in suspension, especially in mineral processing. This prevents the sediment from settling out at the bottom of the tank, which can lead to process interruptions and system failures.

A variety of different agitator impellers are available for a wide range of applications. Some of these include standard hydrofoil impellers, which are axial flow high efficiency general purpose agitators that have low power requirements. Other types of agitators include retreat curve and screw impellers.

Alfa Laval’s versatile tank agitator designs maximize uptime, optimize flow and promote gentle product treatment across a wide range of hygienic applications. These are easy to customize, install and operate and offer advanced options for energy savings and performance enhancement. They can also help reduce cleaning time and labor costs.