Bottom Entry Agitator Mixer
Selecting the perfect bottom entry agitator for a given process requires a thorough understanding of your specific needs and the various factors that influence agitator performance. Wahal’s expertise can help you with this. Here’s a breakdown of the key steps to ensure you choose the right one:
- Define Process Requirements:
- Mixing Objective: What is the primary goal of agitation? Is it blending, solid suspension, gas dispersion, heat transfer, or a combination?
- Fluid Properties: Understand the viscosity, density, and any non-Newtonian behavior of the fluid.
- Vessel Size and Shape: Consider the dimensions and geometry of the tank or vessel.
- Operating Conditions: Know the temperature, pressure, and any potential corrosive or abrasive environments.
- Choose the Right Impeller:
- Flow Pattern: Match the impeller type to the desired flow pattern (axial, radial, or mixed).
- Viscosity Range: Select an impeller designed for the fluid’s viscosity range.
- Shear Sensitivity: If the product is shear-sensitive, choose low-shear impellers like anchor or helical ribbon.
- Solids Handling: For solid suspension, consider high-flow impellers like turbines or pitched blades.
- Determine Agitator Configuration:
- Number of Impellers: Larger tanks may require multiple impellers for effective mixing.
- Impeller Placement: Impeller position and spacing influence flow patterns and prevent dead zones.
- Shaft Design: Choose a shaft material and seal compatible with the process fluid and operating conditions.
- Drive System: Select a motor and gearbox combination to deliver the required power and speed.
- Consider Additional Factors:
- Cleanability: Ensure the agitator design allows for easy cleaning and maintenance.
- Material Compatibility: Choose materials that resist corrosion and contamination from the process fluid.
- Safety: Implement appropriate safety features for hazardous environments.
- Cost: Factor in both the initial investment and long-term operating costs.
- Consult with Wahal
- Validate with Testing at Wahal
- Pilot-Scale Testing: Conduct pilot-scale testing with Wahal with different agitators to validate performance and optimize design.