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How to choose the right mixer for your process
New to mixing? We’ve put together 5 basic steps in order to help you get the right mixer you require for your process.
Working through each questions is important and simplifies the quote process so we can serve your needs faster and deliver what you require right and on-time.
If you need help on some questions, or require additional information, email us or call our team. We look forward to learning about your application!
What product(s) are you mixing?
The first thing you need to ascertain is the nature of the product you will be mixing. Different mixers are designed for various products. It’s imperative to match the mixer’s capabilities to the substance you intend to mix.
Product Consistency: Thick or Water-Like?
- Thick Products: If you’re mixing a product with a dense consistency, like pastes or heavy creams, you’ll need a mixer to handle such substances without getting bogged down.
- Water-like Products: For more fluidic products, you might want a mixer that offers fast rotation and doesn’t cause unnecessary splashing.
Know Your Viscosity or SG
Understanding the viscosity or specific gravity (SG) of your product is paramount. If you’re unfamiliar with the concept of viscosity:
Read our Understanding Viscosity Blog.
Certain mixers are optimised for specific viscosity ranges, so knowing this can drastically narrow down your options.
Safety First: Are you mixing any flammable products?
If you are mixing flammable products, be sure to choose a mixer that is specifically designed for such operations. Specialised mixers will have safety features that prevent sparks and other ignition sources.
Is it a hygienic process?
In industries like food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics, maintaining a sterile environment is vital. If your process requires hygienic standards, choose a mixer that’s easy to clean and sterilise and prevents product contamination.
What is your mixing vessel?
Understanding the type of vessel you’re using can significantly influence the kind of mixer you need.
Vessel Types: What Are You Using?
- Drum: Drums are typically cylindrical and can vary in size. They’re commonly used for transporting and storing liquids.
- Tank: Tanks are large storage containers and can come in various shapes. They’re often used in industrial settings for large-scale processes.
- Vat: Vats are often large, open-topped tanks traditionally used in wine-making or fermentation processes.
- IBC (Intermediate Bulk Container): IBCs are containers for storing and transporting bulk liquids and granulated substances.
What is the approximate volume of the vessel?
Knowing the approximate volume of your vessel is essential. It will help you select a mixer that can efficiently handle the quantity of product you intend to mix.
What are the approximate dimensions of vessel?
The size and shape of your vessel play a crucial role in mixer selection. Consider factors like:
- Diameter or width of the vessel.
- Height or depth of the vessel.
- Shape (cylindrical, conical, rectangular, etc.)
By understanding these dimensions, you can choose a mixer that fits appropriately and functions efficiently.
What do you want the mixer to do?
To achieve the desired results in your mixing process, it is vital to have a clear understanding of your specific objectives. By identifying these objectives, you can choose the mixer that is customised to your tasks. We have provided a guide that will assist you in selecting the appropriate mixer.
1. Stop products falling to the bottom?
You’ll require a mixer that provides continuous agitation, preventing heavy particles or ingredients from settling at the bottom of your vessel. Consider mixers with high-flow impellers or those designed for suspension applications.
2. Mix liquid ingredients together?
You should opt for a mixer that offers thorough blending capabilities, ensuring homogeneity. General-purpose or turbine mixers are often ideal for these applications.
3. Mix powders into liquids?
Choose a mixer that can create strong vortex conditions, enabling efficient powder incorporation without clumping. High shear mixers are often recommended for such tasks.
4. Keep product at a set temperature? (This is typically in jacketed tanks)
Mixers paired with jacketed tanks can maintain or adjust product temperatures by circulating a heating or cooling medium through the jacket. Ensure your mixer can operate efficiently within such tanks, providing uniform heat distribution if needed.
What power do you have?
Will you use compressed air? Single phase or 3 phase power?
The power source you choose for your mixer is pivotal for its operation, efficiency, and overall performance. Before investing in a mixer, you must understand your available power options and match them with the mixer’s requirements.
- Compressed Air: Some mixers use compressed air, especially in environments where electrical sources may pose a risk, such as in processes involving flammable materials.
- Single-Phase Power: This is a common power source for residential areas and certain commercial settings. If you want to use a mixer in a smaller setting or with less intensive operations, a mixer designed for single-phase power might be suitable.
- 3-Phase Power: Typically found in industrial settings, three-phase power is used for heavy-duty operations and high-performance mixers. This power source provides a smoother, more consistent current, ideal for continuous and intensive mixing processes.
How will the mixer be mounted?
The way you mount your mixer significantly impacts its efficiency, accessibility, and maintenance. By determining the best mounting position, you ensure optimal performance and longevity. This guide will introduce you to the various mounting options available at Mixquip.
Side Entry Mounting
Side Entry Agitators: These are mounted on the side of your vessel. They are especially useful for large tanks where top or bottom entry might not be feasible. Side entry mixers reduce the need for tank baffles, commonly used for blending, heat transfer, and solids suspension.
Learn more about Side Entry Agitators HERE.
Top Entry Mounting
Top Entry Agitators: As the name suggests, these are mounted on the top of the vessel. They are versatile and can handle various applications, from simple blending to complex processes.
Explore Top Entry Agitators HERE.
Bottom Entry Mounting
Base Entry Agitators: These mixers are mounted at the bottom of your vessel. They are perfect for applications where the mixer needs to be out of the way or when headroom above the tank is limited.
Discover Base Entry Agitators HERE.
Clamp-Mount Mounting
Clamp-Mount Agitators: These are versatile and portable solutions. As the name suggests, they are clamped onto the side or rim of a vessel. It is ideal for temporary processes or when there’s a need for frequent mixer repositioning.
Check out Clamp-Mount Agitators HERE.
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If you have further questions, reach out to the Mixquip team on 1300 649 784 or email sales@mixquip.com