Industrial chemical mixing tank

Types of Industrial Chemical Mixing Tanks

• Multi-Purpose Mixers:

  Designed to accommodate various production lines and product recipes, these heavy-duty mixers feature quick-change mixing heads for fast product changes. Other than that, they might have variable speed settings to handle different products and be designed for easy cleaning and sanitization between batches. Moreover, industrial chemical mixing tanks of this sort utilize powerful motors that provide options for processing larger volumes and more challenging products requiring higher mixing speeds and power.

• Top Entry Mixers:

  Top entry mixers have a motor and gearbox located outside the tank. Often sealed with a sanitary fitting to avoid contamination, this allows for easy cleaning and maintenance. When applicable, top entry mixers are usually more accessible and easier to maintain compared to side and bottom entry. Also, top entry mixers are suitable for many applications, such as shallow liquids or foaming products.

• Multiple Shaft Mixers:

  These have one or more shafts. Typically combining high-speed dispersers and intermediate or low-shear propellers on the same mixer, this arrangement allows thorough mixing and dispersing of solids into liquids. Aside from that, the separate motors for the different shafts provided more control over the mixing process. Moreover, multiple shaft mixers can improve productivity by reducing the number of mixing steps required.

• Low-Speed Mixers:

  Low-speed mixers are used to gently mix, blend, or heat products with a low viscosity. They feature a low-shear propeller or a paddle operated with a standard 110V outlet. Usually, low-speed mixers are made from rustproof aluminum and suitable for many applications, including petroleum, chemical, food processing, water treatment and pulp & paper.On the other hand, the low-speed options are ideal for larger volumes and more oversized mixing containers where a high-mixing-speed caused too much shear.

• Side-Entry Mixers:

  Also known as inline or submerged mixers, side-entry agitators have their motor and gearbox mounted perpendicular to the tank. This configuration allows the mixer to be mounted through the side of the tank or vessel into the liquid. Side entry mixers are used to mix ultrafine powders in liquid media or ensure homogeneous mixing for high-viscosity fluids. Nevertheless, depending on the size and power of the motor, some side entry agitators are close-coupled to the mixer and used in smaller tanks.

• Low Shear Mixers:

  Low Shear Mixers are used to blend liquids or liquids and solids while maintaining the consistency of non-fragile products. Also, they gently incorporate powders to avoid the formation of lumps and reduce energy consumption during mixing. Low shear mixers feature a high-efficiency paddle or a propeller and are suitable for many industries such as food, cosmetics, chemicals and pharmaceuticals.

Specifications

• Capacity: Industrial mixing tanks have diverse capacities ranging from small (e.g., 100 liters) to large (e.g., 10000 liters or more) to meet different production volumes.
• Material: Common materials include stainless steel, which is durable, anti-corrosion, and easily cleanable, as well as carbon steel, fiberglass, and plastic.
• Structure: Mixing tanks generally possess cylindrical, conical, spherical, and other shapes. Options for open and closed styles are available to satisfy varied production demands.
• Mixing System: The mixing system consists of an engine, stirring shaft, stirring blade, etc. The power of the engine may typically range from 0.75 kW to 22 kW or more.
• Temperature Control System: This system may include heating, cooling, and other devices, such as a temperature controller that can adjust and control the tank's temperature within a specific range.
• Pressure Control: Some industrial mixing tanks can work at higher pressures and include pressure control systems that allow them to withstand higher pressure and safely operate under high-pressure conditions.
• Agitation Types: Industrial mixing tanks can use different types of agitation, like shear and homogenization, to produce different mixing effects.
• Expenditure/Access: Some industrial mixing tanks include specific ports for feeding, discharging, and accessing raw materials and gases, as well as ports for inspection and cleaning.

Maintenance

• Regular cleaning: Cleaning the industrial mixing tank on a regular basis is critical to preventing contamination and upholding product quality. The cleaning solution must be used to remove residue and dirt from each portion of the tank, including the interior, exterior, and accessories. Always remember to clean the mixing blades and shafts as well as the tank's openings and outlets.
• Equipment inspection: Check the performance of mixing tanks regularly, including sealing, strainers, and accessories, to ensure that they are operating properly. Immediately replace them when they are damaged or leaking to prevent any safety hazards.
• Lubrication: Industrial mixing tanks typically have moving parts like bearings and shafts that need to be lubricated frequently. Lubricants should be applied to ensure smooth operation, stability, and durability under regular use.
• Temperature control: Pay attention to the temperature control of the mixing tank. Adjust and monitor the heating and cooling devices to ensure that the temperature is maintained within the required range. Proper temperature control can affect mixing quality and process stability.
• Safety checks: Check the safety facilities of industrial mixing tanks, such as pressure relief valves and safety interlocks, ensuring they are operational to provide a safe operating environment.
• Regular maintenance and repairs: Carry out regular maintenance and repairs according to the equipment manufacturer's instructions, ensuring proper function and prolonging service life.

Scenarios of Industrial Chemical Mixing Tanks

The chemical mixing tank plays a vital role in industries such as food and beverage, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, petroleum, waste treatment, and water purification, among others.

• Food Industry: In the food industry, industrial stainless steel mixing tanks are widely used to prepare, homogenize, emulsify, mix and stir food materials. Ingredients that need to be mixed or added include sauces, juices, dairy products, edible oils, etc.
• Pharmaceutical Industry: In the pharmaceutical industry, chemical mixing tanks are also known as chemical reactors. They are used to mix various chemical ingredients in different proportions to formulate drugs and medicines. To ensure that the medicines are safe and effective for patients, the mixing tanks are designed in compliance with CGMP standards, and material flow is traceable.
• Cosmetic Industry: In the cosmetic industry, chemical mixing tanks are used to mix and blend various chemical ingredients to formulate creams, lotions, and other personal care products.
• Petroleum Industry: In the petroleum industry, chemical mixing tanks are used to prepare petrochemical products. Crude oil is processed and refined into fuel oil, lubricating oil, asphalt, etc. Meanwhile, the mixing tanks are also used to add various chemical additives to petroleum products to enhance their quality and performance.
• Construction Industry: In the construction industry, large chemical mixing tanks are often used to mix and prepare construction materials like cement, concrete, mortar, paint, etc. They ensure uniform and stable quality of the materials.
• Plastic Industry: In the plastic industry, the chemical blending tank can mix various raw materials, such as polymer, additive, colorant, etc., to ensure uniformity and repeatability of plastic products.
• Waste Treatment: In waste treatment, mixing tanks are sometimes used to mix and treat solid, liquid, or gaseous waste. Different types of pollutants can be uniformly combined and neutralized using chemical agents, which improves the efficiency of treatment.
• Water Purification: In water purification, mixing tanks are often used to mix chemical agents, such as coagulants, flocculants, disinfectants, etc., which improves the water treatment process's effectiveness and stability.

How to Choose Industrial Chemical Mixing Tanks

There are several factors to consider when selecting a chemical mixing tank, including the materials, fittings, flow pattern, valving and pumping requirements, available real estate, aeration, and heat transfer needs.

Knowing what types of chemicals they'll be mixing helps buyers understand what kind of tanks they'll need. Titling tanks is usually essential for flow patterns. A horizontal tank will work well for mixing liquids that have an element of viscosity, while a vertical tank is preferable for less viscous liquid chemicals.

Fittings on a chemical mixing tank include inlets and outlets, manholes, flanges, and nozzles. Manholes help gain access to the tank to clean it and service any internal parts. Flanges and nozzles are used to connect other pieces of equipment to the tank.

An agitator may be required to ensure that the content of the tank is mixed uniformly. There are various kinds of agitators, and their choice will depend on the kind of liquid to be mixed and the tank's ability to withstand different kinds of pressure. Agitators can be installed in tanks that already exist, but it is preferable to select the right one during the setup.

Chemical mixing tanks need to be strong and durable enough to withstand heat and pressure. They are usually made of stainless steel or mono-block polyethene. Stainless steel is used when the temperature of the chemical being mixed is high and requires additional strength. Tanks made of polypropylene can withstand corrosion from chemicals but are suitable for mixing less viscous liquids.

The size of the tank is essential for the volume of chemicals that will be mixed and any limitations regarding height and width.

Transfer of heat may be necessary to ensure that the chemicals mixed in the tank are at the proper temperature. Heat exchangers pipes or coils can be used to perform this function. Tanks can also have heating jackets that cover the entire tank.

Q&A

Q1: What are the materials used to manufacture industrial chemical mixing tanks?

A1: The mixing tank can be made of various materials, such as stainless steel, carbon steel, glass-lined steel, and alloy steel. The choice of material will depend on the properties of the chemical to be mixed and the requirements of the industry.

Q2: What are some features of an industrial chemical mixing tank?

A2: Industrial mixing tanks for chemicals usually have some features: a large capacity, a powerful motor, stirrers of different shapes and sizes, temperature control, and safety devices that prevent leaks and explosions.

Q3: What types of industrial chemical mixing tanks are available on the market?

A3: According to different classification methods, mixing tanks can be classified into batch mixing tanks and continuous mixing tanks. Additionally, mixing tanks can be categorized differentiating the shapes of mixing containers, such as round mixing tanks and square mixing tanks.

Q4: What are some applications of industrial mixing tanks?

A4: Industry mixing tanks are used in many industries. In the chemical industry, they are used to prepare paints, coatings, inks, and emulsions. In the food industry, mixing tanks are used to produce dairy products, sauces, and beverages. In the pharmaceutical industry, they are used to manufacture drugs and medicinal liquids.