What is an IBC mixer?
An IBC mixer is a mixer built to work inside an intermediate bulk container (IBC), the plastic, transportable container also known as a tote. It is also called an IBC tank mixer, IBC tank agitator, IBC container mixer, tote mixer or IBC tank stirrer.
We supply a range of IBC mixer models for a variety of applications. Each one is built around three ideas:
- A hydraulic lift. The mixer moves up and down easily. After mixing, it is raised and the container is taken out, which makes the mixer highly versatile.
- Mixing inside the container. The mixer does high shear mixing inside the tank, so the product is mixed in the IBC itself.
- Mobility for smaller models. Smaller models can be mounted on wheels for easy movement of the mixer.
Wahal IBC mixers do four jobs:
- mixing and blending light viscous liquids
- homogenizing light viscous liquids
- re-suspending settled solids
- dissolving powders
Design and options
| Feature | What it means |
|---|---|
| Hydraulic lift | Easy up/down movement; the mixer is raised after mixing so the IBC can be taken out |
| Wheels | Smaller models can be mounted on wheels for easy movement of the mixer |
| Interchangeable heads | The mixing head can be changed; the design is customised |
| Ultramix design | Wahal's own Ultramix design |
| Impeller geometry | Determined with CFD |
| Hygienic models | Hygienic designs are available |
| Explosion-proof models | Explosion-proof models are designed by Wahal |
For hygienic duty, note that we manufacture ISO and GMP-compliant mixers, and our manufacturing is ISO-certified. For hazardous duty, the operating conditions decide the materials, the seals and the motor; hazardous duty needs explosion-proof motors and special seals.
Impeller geometry checked with CFD
We use CFD (computational fluid dynamics) to determine the impeller geometry of our IBC mixers.
Mixer performance depends on variables that interact: viscosity, impeller geometry, speed, tank shape and baffle placement. They are hard to estimate by hand or from generic sizing charts, so we model your fluid in your vessel before anything is fabricated:
- Flow patterns: dead zones and velocity patterns in the actual vessel, not a generic model.
- Power and torque: shaft loads from real fluid properties, so the motor and drive are right-sized.
- Solid suspension: particle concentration across the whole vessel, not just near the impeller.
We pair CFD with pilot-scale testing to confirm the impeller. See CFD analysis.
What IBC mixers are used for
Wahal IBC container mixers are used for:
- chemical and petroleum products
- pilot plants and research
- paints, varnishes and adhesives
- food and beverages
- (waste) water treatment, water purification and flocculation
- pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and hand sanitizing gels
- salt and sugar solutions
- dyes and pigments
IBC mixer, agitator or in-tank homogenizer?
All three mix inside a container. Which one fits depends on where the product is held.
| Machine | Where it works | Use it when |
|---|---|---|
| IBC tote mixer | Inside a plastic IBC, on a hydraulic lift | The product is mixed in IBCs and the container is taken out after mixing |
| Agitator mixer | Mounted from the top, side or bottom of a process tank | The contents of a tank must be kept moving: blending, solid suspension, gas dispersion or heat transfer |
| In-tank batch homogenizer | Inside your own vessel; custom designed to its length and diameter | High shear batch work in a fixed vessel, for chemicals and other applications; lifting can be automated with a hydraulic powerpack |
An agitator moves the bulk of the liquid but applies little shear. Liquids of very different viscosities don't blend satisfactorily with an agitator alone, and powders float on the surface and form lumps or "fisheyes". For those jobs, see our high shear homogenizers.
Test your product before you buy
There's no better way to test a machine than on your own product. You can run a trial in our fully equipped laboratory and see what end results you get, and at what times. If you need longer, our rental program lets you keep a machine, pre-configured to your requirements, for as long as you need. See trials and rentals.
Wahal Engineers has been designing mixing equipment in India since the 1980s, and builds IBC tank mixers at our factory in Bhigan (Murthal), Sonipat, Haryana. Tell us about your container, fluid and mixing objective, and we will help you choose.
Frequently asked questions
What is an IBC mixer?
A mixer built to work inside a plastic, transportable intermediate bulk container (IBC), also called a tote. Wahal IBC mixers stand on a hydraulic lift: the mixer moves down into the container, mixes, and is raised again so the container can be taken out.
Is an IBC tank agitator an agitator or a high shear mixer?
Both descriptions fit ours. We list IBC tote mixers alongside top, side and bottom entry agitators, and the mixer does high shear mixing inside the tank, with interchangeable heads.
What can an IBC mixer do?
Mix, blend and homogenize light viscous liquids, re-suspend solids that have settled in the container, and dissolve powders. Typical users are chemical, paint, food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic and water treatment plants, and pilot plants.
Can the IBC mixer be moved?
Yes. Smaller models can be mounted on wheels for easy movement of the mixer.
Are hygienic and explosion-proof IBC mixers available?
Yes. IBC mixers come in hygienic and explosion-proof models. We manufacture ISO and GMP-compliant mixers, and our manufacturing is ISO-certified.
Can I test an IBC mixer on my product before buying?
Yes. Trials run in our fully equipped laboratory, and our rental program lets you keep a machine, pre-configured to your requirements, for as long as you need.
