Mixing 101: 4 Factors for Configuring Your Fluid Mixer

Considering Mixer Configuration 

If you’re in an industry that includes fluid mixing in its processes, you probably know that finding the right fluid mixer for your needs is critical to maintaining quality control, reducing costs, and optimizing efficiency. 

The key here is to engineer a fluid mixer that addresses the specific needs of your process. When configuring a mixer for your process, your mixing engineer should consider the following 4 factors:

Factor #1 – Tank Type & Volume

This determines the amount of fluid your tank can hold. This is important because it will determine the size and position of the fluid mixer and its mounting. Tank diameter, fill height, bottom shape, baffles, and internal obstructions also influence flow patterns.

Factor #2 – Viscosity

This is the “thickness” or “internal friction” of your fluid. It’s important because it will play a key role in determining the impeller and horsepower configurations. It also affects the mixing regime, whether your process will experience laminar or turbulent flow. 

Factor #3 – Specific Gravity

Specific gravity is a dimensionless ratio comparing a substance’s density to a reference material. In many processes, that means the density of a solid compared to water or another fluid. This is the density of the solid in comparison to water. It’s important because it will determine the type of pumping action that is required to adequately mix your fluid.

Factor #4 – Environment & Process

This is the setting where your mixing will take place. It’s important because it can determine a variety of important design parameters. Material selection, finishes, sealing, temperature limits, and power source all depend on your unique environment and process.

How to Tell Whether Your Mixer Needs More Pumping or More Shear 

Making adjustments to your mixer configuration requires identifying the current process bottleneck. Poor top-to-bottom turnover typically calls for more pumping, while challenges incorporating ingredients call for more shear. 

If your process is struggling with stratification, temperature gradients, or settling, then improving top-to-bottom turnover with increased pumping is a likely solution. If powder wet-out, deagglomeration, or droplet/bubble size are giving you trouble, then boosting shear is one option to consider. 

Engineering the Solution

With this information in hand, your mixing engineer should configure a mixer with the following qualities:

1. Motor with suitable horsepower and energy source.
2. Gear drive optimized for torque capacity.
3. Mounting fitted according to your tank needs.
4. Impeller sized to maximize efficiency.

What Parameters Can I Adjust to Improve Mixing Performance? 

Operating speed and mounting placement are two of the first parameters to adjust when troubleshooting mixing performance, as they allow for quick changes. Try varying them before moving on to more involved changes like impeller type or baffle design. 

Summary

The fluid mixer you need depends on your process and the chemicals you use in that process. If you’re interested in learning more about mixing solutions for your process, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team today!.info@dynamixinc.com.