Tank Agitator
What is a Tank Agitator?
A vital piece of machinery in many industrial operations, a tank agitator mixes, agitates, and homogenizes various components within a tank. To make products of excellent quality in many different industries, this mixer machine is crucial for the effective and homogeneous mixing of components.
The purpose of a tank agitator might vary from one application to another. Their typical functions include homogenization (making sure all ingredients are spread uniformly), dispersion (helping solids disperse in a liquid), and dissolution (mixing a solute with a solvent to create a solution).
Tank agitators are also useful for heat exchange, essential for controlling the mixture’s temperature. When exact temperature regulation is necessary for industrial operations, this feature comes in very handy.
In addition to mixing materials evenly, agitators keep solids from sinking to the tank bottom, which is a crucial aspect of maintaining suspension.
What is an Agitator?
The goal of an agitator in a tank is to combine different process ingredients. All forms of liquid, gas, and solid (granules, powders, etc.) are considered process media. In a nutshell, the media interact and mix as a result of the energy imparted by spinning an impeller. A standard agitator will include a motor and gearbox, as well as a shaft and the appropriate impellers for the job.
What’s the Agitator’s Purpose?
When adding chemicals or pharma substances, an agitator is necessary to mix the various process media, which can consist of liquids, gasses, or solids. Mechanically, the agitator transfers energy by way of a shaft that rotates an impeller that is purpose-built for the task. Some samples of such processes are axial pumping, gas induction, flocculation. Mixing with high and low shear, and high viscosity products. In the water industry, an agitator is also used for the addition of different chemicals to the source water to produce water that meets drinking water requirements.
What are the Different Parts of the Agitator?
A standard agitator has three primary parts: an impeller-equipped shaft, a mechanical seal, and a motor (with or without a gearbox for use at lower RPMs).
It is common practice in the water sector to attach the agitator to the vessel or attach it to a supporting bridge. The task dictates the mechanical seal’s alternatives, which may range from a single or double seal to a dry or wet seal, and even a gas lift-off seal.
The mixing impellers are linked to the driving unit (motor and gearbox) via an agitator shaft, which is also where the shaft is welded or fastened. Magnetically powered units with a hermetic seal are an alternative to mechanical ones.
Tank Agitator Operation
While the concept behind how tank agitators work is straightforward, the actual execution may be complex. In order to homogenize substances with varying densities, agitators use a rotational motion to blend and combine them. A set of propellers or impellers attached to the agitator shaft generates the necessary flow to mix the materials.
Applicable Products with Tank Agitator
- Condensed milk, concentrate juices
- Sauces, mayonnaise, gazpacho, veggie creams, etc.
- Products for cleaning and laundry
- Pharmaceutical industry products
- Chemically reactive product
- Various types of paint and materials
- Binding agents, binders, pectins, etc.
- Juices from concentrate, milk reconstitution
