Mixing Tank with Agitator

What is a mixing tank?

A mixing tank is a vital piece of equipment widely used in industrial production. Structurally, it primarily consists of a tank body, agitator, transmission mechanism, sealing system, heating or cooling device, and inlet and outlet ports. The tank body is typically constructed of sturdy materials such as stainless steel and carbon steel and can be shaped like a cylinder, cone, or ellipse to meet various process requirements. The agitator, a core component, is installed within the tank body. Rotational power is generated by the transmission mechanism, ensuring thorough mixing and agitation of the materials within the tank. The transmission mechanism typically consists of a motor, a reducer, and a coupling, providing the agitator with stable and appropriate power.

Mixing Tank Features

Diverse Structures and Configurations

Mixing tanks can be constructed of materials such as carbon steel and stainless steel, depending on the production process requirements. They can be equipped with heating and cooling devices to meet diverse process and production needs. Heating options include jacketed electric heating and coil heating. These designs enable the mixing tank to adapt to a variety of complex production environments.

Efficient Mixing Performance

Mixing tanks use the rotation of the agitator to shear, stir, and mix different materials, achieving uniform mixing. The agitator's speed, shape, and material properties all affect the mixing effect. Accessories such as baffles and draft tubes within the mixing tank can further enhance mixing efficiency and ensure uniform mixing.

Flexible Control System

Mixing tanks can implement manual and automatic control of feed, discharge, and agitation during the mixing process. These control systems provide flexible and convenient operation, meeting the needs of various production processes.

Reliable Sealing Performance

The shaft seal of the mixing tank is a critical component of mixing equipment. Its function is to maintain a certain positive pressure or vacuum state, preventing the escape of the mixed material and the infiltration of impurities. Mechanical seals are commonly used shaft seals, offering advantages such as reliable sealing, long service life, and low frictional power consumption. They can meet sealing requirements in a variety of complex operating conditions.

Humanized Design and Operation

The standardized and user-friendly design and configuration of the mixing tank simplify operation and facilitate cleaning and maintenance, reducing production costs and improving efficiency.

Mixing Tank Structure

A mixing tank with agitation primarily consists of a tank body, agitator, transmission mechanism, sealing device, heating or cooling system, and inlet and outlet ports.

Tank Body

The tank body is the main component of the mixing tank and is typically made of materials such as stainless steel and carbon steel. Tank shapes include cylindrical, conical, and elliptical, depending on the process requirements. Tank volumes also vary, ranging from a few liters to tens of cubic meters. The inner wall of the tank is typically polished to ensure material cleanliness and prevent adhesion.

Agitator

The agitator is the core component of the mixing tank, ensuring thorough mixing and stirring of the materials within the tank. There are many types of agitators, including paddle agitators, turbine agitators, anchor agitators, and ribbon agitators. Different types of agitators are suitable for different materials and process requirements.

• Paddle agitators: Paddle agitators have a simple structure and a wide range of uses. They consist of two or more flat blades mounted on a shaft. Paddle agitators have a low stirring speed and are suitable for mixing low-viscosity materials.

• Turbine agitators: Turbine agitators are high-speed agitators composed of multiple blades, shaped like a turbine. They have high stirring speeds and strong shear forces, making them suitable for mixing high-viscosity materials.

• Anchor agitators: Anchor agitators are shaped like an anchor. They have a large stirring area and are suitable for mixing high-viscosity materials that tend to adhere to the tank walls. Anchor agitators have a low stirring speed and are often used in conjunction with other agitators.

• Ribbon agitators: Ribbon agitators consist of spiral blades and have a wide stirring range, making them suitable for mixing high-viscosity materials. Ribbon agitators have a lower stirring speed and are usually used in conjunction with other types of agitators.

Transmission System

The transmission system transmits power to the agitator and typically consists of a motor, a reducer, and a coupling. The motor is the power source for the agitator, and motors of varying power are selected based on the size of the agitator and process requirements. The reducer reduces the motor's speed, increasing the agitator's torque. The coupling connects the motor and reducer to transmit power.

Sealing System

The sealing system prevents material leakage and foreign matter from entering the agitator and typically consists of mechanical seals and packing seals. Mechanical seals offer excellent sealing performance and long service life, making them suitable for applications with high sealing requirements. Packing seals have a simpler structure and lower cost, making them suitable for applications with lower sealing requirements.

Heating or Cooling Devices

Heating or cooling devices are components used to control the temperature of materials within the mixing tank. They typically consist of jackets, coils, and other components. A jacket is a tube mounted on the outside of the tank, allowing steam, hot water, or cold water to flow through it to heat or cool the materials. A coil is a spiral tube installed within the tank, allowing steam, hot water, or cold water to flow through it to heat or cool the materials.

Inlets and Outlets

The inlet and outlet are the components through which materials enter and exit the mixing tank. They typically consist of valves, piping, and other components. The location and number of inlets and outlets are designed based on process requirements to facilitate material flow and handling.

Mixing Tank Types

Classification by Tank Shape

• Cylindrical Mixing Tank: The cylindrical mixing tank is the most common type of mixing tank. Its cylindrical body features a simple structure and is easy to manufacture, making it suitable for mixing most materials.

• Conical Mixing Tank: The conical mixing tank has a conical body and a tapered bottom, which facilitates material discharge. It is suitable for mixing materials with high viscosity and prone to sedimentation.

• Oval Mixing Tank: The oval mixing tank has an oval body, a compact structure, and a small footprint, making it suitable for applications with limited space. Oval mixing tanks are suitable for mixing a variety of materials.

Classification by Agitator Type

• Paddle Mixing Tank: Paddle Mixing Tanks use a paddle agitator, resulting in a lower mixing speed and are suitable for mixing low-viscosity materials.

• Turbine Mixing Tank: Turbine Mixing Tanks use a turbine agitator, which offers fast mixing speeds and strong shear forces, making them suitable for mixing high-viscosity materials.

• Anchor Mixing Tank: Anchor Mixing Tanks use an anchor agitator, which provides a large mixing area and is suitable for mixing materials with high viscosity that tend to adhere to the tank wall. Spiral mixing tank: The spiral mixing tank adopts a spiral agitator with a wide stirring range and is suitable for mixing high viscosity materials.

Classification by Operation Method

• Batch Mixer: A batch mixer operates in batch mode. After the material is mixed within the tank, it must be discharged before the next batch can be mixed. Batch mixers are suitable for mixing small batches of multiple materials.

• Continuous Mixer: A continuous mixer operates continuously, with materials continuously mixed within the tank and continuously flowing in and out of the tank. Continuous mixers are suitable for mixing large quantities of a single material.

Classification by Heating or Cooling Method

• Jacketed Mixer: A jacketed mixer is installed on the outside of the tank. Steam, hot water, or cold water is introduced to heat or cool the material within. Jacketed mixers are suitable for applications where temperature control is not a priority.

• Coil Mixer: A coil mixer is installed with a spiral coil within the tank. Steam, hot water, or cold water is introduced to heat or cool the material within. Coil Mixer is suitable for applications where temperature control is a priority.

• Electric Heating Mixing Tank: Electric heating mixing tanks use an electric heater installed outside the tank to heat the material inside the tank. Electric heating mixing tanks are suitable for applications with high temperature control requirements and a small heating area.

Applications of Mixing Tanks

• Chemical Industry: In the chemical industry, mixing tanks are used for various chemical reactions, mixing, and dissolving processes. For example, in the production of synthetic resins, plastics, rubber, and coatings, mixing tanks are required to mix and react various raw materials to produce the desired products.

• Pharmaceutical Industry: In the pharmaceutical industry, mixing tanks are used for mixing, stirring, dissolving, and fermenting pharmaceuticals. For example, in the production of pharmaceuticals, mixing tanks are required to mix and stir various raw materials to produce a uniform pharmaceutical preparation.

• Food Industry: In the food industry, mixing tanks are used for mixing, stirring, fermenting, and flavoring food products. For example, in the production of beverages, dairy products, and condiments, mixing tanks are required to mix and stir various raw materials to produce a pleasant-tasting food.

• Coatings Industry: In the coatings industry, mixing tanks are used for mixing, stirring, and dispersing coatings. For example, in the production of paints, coatings, and inks, mixing tanks are required to mix and disperse various raw materials such as pigments, fillers, and resins to produce a uniform coating product.

• Dye Industry: In the dye industry, mixing tanks are used for dye mixing, stirring, dissolving and other process. For example, in the dye production process, mixing tanks are needed to mix and dissolve various dye raw materials to obtain the desired dye product.