Tips On Mixer Selection

 

Define your objectives well, stating target times for each batch processing. This will enable a proper evaluation of tank sizes required and productivity requirements.We recommend you refer to our General Objectives of Mixing in this section for more guidelines.

VISCOSITY

If your process is simple miscible liquids mixing, a preliminary selection can be made. Viscosity and tank size will largely determine the basic type of mixer.

a. Propeller mixers are the main choice up to 5000 centipoise, although use up to 10000 centipoise is acceptable in many cases.
b. Turbine type impeller mixers are the main choice up to 20000 centipoise.
c. Paddle type impeller mixers are the main choice up to 100000 centipoise.
d. Higher viscosities will require use of gate or anchor impellers, ribbon blenders or Z-blade mixers (kneaders).
The limits of each type of mixer can be shifted by other variables and different final selections may result.

DISPERSION PROCESSES

The selection of mixers for dispersion processes, such as in paint or printing ink manufacturing, is a different field of mixing altogether and Jones can offer a wide range of very adaptable mixers, such as the unique Varishear® high shear mixer or our Varimix high shear mixer.

FOOD AND ANIMAL FEED PROCESSES

The selection and design of entire processes for food and animal feeds is also a different field of mixing altogether and through Jones and our business partners in these fields of manufacture we can meet all your requirements.

TANK CONFIGURATIONS

The standard tank configuration provides adequate mixing for most processing requirements in industry, although for mixing liquids with high solids content, a high viscosity or a shear sensitive product, the standard tank may be impractical.

Baffles should be considered for mixers set on centre lines of tanks. For viscosities greater than 10000 centipoise baffles are not required.

PROCESS PARAMETERS

Provide us with full process stream compositions as stated below to assist in your mixer or system requirements:

a. stream compositions and concentrations; batch sizes to be manufactured
b. specific gravities or densities for each component; pressure or vacuum conditions, if applicable
c. temperatures and states (solid, liquid, gas) of each component
d. viscosities of each component
e. solids content if any and solubility or suspension conditions; solids settling velocities
f. likely unusual mixing behaviours or requirements such as heating or cooling jackets
g. objectives for the final mixed product.
h. We suggest you send us this data with our General Enquiry Sheet under our Contact section.

These guidelines and notes are presented as general guides only and no warranty is implied or provided.

® Varishear is a registered trademark of Jones Industrial Mixers.