Selecting the correct mixer agitator involves carefully balancing several key factors related to your specific application and process parameters. Here’s a comprehensive guide from Wahal :
1. Understand the Application and Process Requirements:
- Mixing Objective: Define the primary goal of agitation. Is it blending, solid suspension, gas dispersion, heat transfer, or a combination of these?
- Batch or Continuous: Is the process a batch operation or a continuous flow?
- Shear Sensitivity: Determine if the product is sensitive to shear forces.
- Solids Handling: Consider if solids are present and require suspension or dissolution.
- Desired Mixing Intensity: Determine the required level of mixing intensity.
2. Consider Fluid Properties:
- Viscosity: This is a critical factor in agitator selection. Higher viscosity fluids generally require more powerful agitators with appropriate impeller designs to overcome the resistance to flow.
- Density: The density of the fluid impacts the required motor power and impeller design.
- pH: Select materials for the agitator and its components that are chemically compatible with the fluid’s pH to prevent corrosion.
- Temperature: Choose materials and seals that can withstand the process temperature without degradation.
- Pressure: If the process operates under pressure, ensure the agitator and its components are rated for the appropriate pressure range.