Industrial mixing tanks equipment

Types of industrial mixing tanks equipment

Industrial mixing tanks equipment refers to any equipment used to mix or stir liquids within a tank. The mixing/stirring is usually done at high speeds and can result in various types of liquid. Such equipment is typically used in factories, industrial plants, or workshops.

The industrial mixing tank equipment may come with several accessories to facilitate better mixing. Some are also built to handle various kinds of liquids, whether thick or thin. Generally, industrial mixing tanks are designed to achieve high-performance mixing and blending and are equipped with variable-speed motors, control panels, and safety features.

Industrial mixing tanks equipment work with different types of tanks, such as:

• Storage Tanks

  A storage tank mixing usually involves maintaining product integrity and is typically not primary or sole mixing vessels. Chemtank industrial mixing/storage tanks have flat, rounded, or sloped bottoms; some are even made to sit above or underground. Overall, they come in various sizes and materials to work with distinct industries and have particular, often regulatory, specifications to meet. For example, potable water storage tanks are required to have non-permeable, smooth surfaces that won't support pathogen growth, and the seams must be sealed so no leaks occur. Additionally, any water storage tank must have safety features like overflow ports to prevent spills and must be well-maintained to avoid exposure that could contaminate the water.

• Reaction Vessels

  An industrial chemical reaction takes place inside industrial mixing tanks, also known as reactors or mixing reactors. In chemistry, a chemical reaction is defined as a process in which one or more substances, the reactants, are transformed into one or more different substances, the products. Usually, an industrial mixing tank has an agitator put in it. The agitator helps mix the product continuously and even apply heat onto it. Some mixing tanks are built with a system that helps take out gases formed during chemical reactions. Reaction vessels/mixing tanks are made from different types of materials but most are stainless steel due to its durability and resistance to corrosive and acidic liquids.

• Fermentation Tanks

  Industries that use fermentation, such as the food, beverage, and biofuel sectors, need mixing tanks to do the chemical breakdown by enzymes, bacteria, yeast, or air. Stainless steel is a preferred material for construction because it's durable, non-corrosive, and non-toxic, ensuring it won't interact with or contaminate the end products. Furthermore, the fermentation process can be anaerobic (without air) or aerobic (with air), so mixing tanks are designed to be sealed or have exposed air as needed. Additionally, temperature control is crucial because optimal temperatures must be maintained in the tank for ideal fermentation to take place.

• Emulsifying Mixing Tanks

  Usually used in cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries, emulsifying mixing tanks combine two or more liquids that don't usually mix, like oil and water, to create a stable emulsion. Emulsion is a mixture in chemistry where one liquid forms fine droplets within another liquid. Besides chemical components like stabilizers and emulsifiers, physical components must be present to create this mixture, such as energy input, heat, and pressure. Industrial emulsifier mixing tanks have high-shear mixers, homogenizers, and emulsifier pumps to produce fine particles as necessary. These industrial emulsifying mixing tanks also have temperature control ability and include acid and anti-acid filters for further chemical and product safety.

• Homogenizing Mixing Tanks

  Homogenizing mixing tanks are used to make a homogeneous or identical mixture. Different liquids and viscosity levels are blended to produce products such as juices, milk, sauces, and other food items. Homogenizing mixing tanks usually include high-speed agitators that are able to create a uniform solution and eliminate any sediments. Like emulsifying mixing tanks, homogenizing tanks are also fitted with temperature control systems that allow the use of heating and cooling throughout the mixing process.

Specifications and maintenance of industrial mixing tanks equipment

The specifications of an industrial mix tank may vary according to the manufacturing brands and the specific applications. However, here are some general specifications that people should be aware of:

• Materials: Usually, industrial mixing tanks are made of non-corrosive, strong materials such as carbon steel, stainless steel, and alloy metal. These materials can withstand the high temperature and pressure during the mixing process.
• Sizes: The mixing tank usually comes in a range of sizes from small to large. A small and medium-sized tank is usually applied in the food, chemical, and pharmaceutical industries, while a large-sized mixing tank is more suitable for industrial use, such as petrochemical and water treatment industries.
• Mixing velocity: Industrial mixing tanks equipment has various mixing speeds, which can be fast or slow, depending on the demands of the production lines. A high-speed mixing tank often applies to dispersing and emulsifying, while a slow-speed one is suitable for blending and stirring.
• Power: Industrial mixing tanks equipment is usually powered by electricity. It can be powered by batteries or gas sometimes. The power of mixing tanks can be adjusted according to the requirements of the products.

Moreover, the industrial mixing tank has some accessories, such as valves, pipes, and temperature controllers. Valves and pipes are usually connected with other systems to control the flow. Temperature controllers can adjust and control the temperature of the products.

As mentioned above, the specifications of mixing tanks can vary according to the particular industries and applications. Businesses should choose suitable ones according to their demands.

In order to keep the mixing tanks running well and prevent the equipment from being damaged, regular maintenance is essential. Here are some tips for mixing tank maintenance:

• Clean: Regularly clean the tank to avoid residue and dirt buildup. Use warm water and a neutral detergent to wash the outer surface, then rinse it off with clean water.
• Avoid corrosion: Check if there's any corrosion on the tank. If there is, apply some anti-corrosive paint or repair the tank to avoid further damage.
• Lubricate: Apply lubricant oil to the moving parts, such as bearings and shafts, to keep the tank equipment running smoothly and flexibly.
• Check the fasteners: Regularly check the fasteners, such as screws and bolts, and make sure they are fastened properly. This can avoid accidental loosening and injury during operation.
• Avoid overload: Pay attention to weights and avoid overload. This can prevent damage to the mixing tanks and shorten their service lives.

Scenarios of Industrial Mixing Tanks Equipment

Industrial mixer tanks play a vital role in various industries. Here are some usage scenarios for industrial mixing tanks.

• Food and Beverage Industry: Mixing tanks create sauces, soups, liquid eggs, and salad dressings. Besides, they mix dairy products, such as yogurts and cheeses, for fluid milk. Also, mixing tanks are used for food and beverage fermentation. The tanks integrated with agitators and controllers can provide the proper mixing for fermenting beverages. Some mixing tanks are equipped with crushers and separators for processing fruit juices to extract juice efficiently, mix the juice uniformly, and separate the pulp. Moreover, mixing tanks are used to emulsify and mix food additives like flavorings, preservatives, and coloring. Adjusting temperature and mixing speed can achieve the desired dispersion and emulsification. In addition, mixing tanks are used for baking industries to mix flour. Mixing tanks are also used to marinate meat and mix spices.
• Chemical Industry: Mixing tanks are used to produce polyester, polyethylene, polypropylene, and other polymers. They are also used for chemical reactions that require mixing and stirring, such as neutralization, saponification, and oxidation. Chemical industries often use mixing tanks to dissolve fertilizers in water. The tanks can create uniform solutions to provide nutrients for crops. Moreover, mixing tanks are used to blend chemical products, such as coatings, adhesives, and polymer compounds, to achieve uniform quality. Additionally, the chemical industry uses reaction mixing tanks to conduct chemical reactions. The tanks have heating or cooling systems to adjust the reaction temperature. Some mixing tanks may also have vacuum systems to remove the air from the reaction.
• Pharmaceutical Industry: Mixing tanks are used to blend solid drugs. According to recipes, the additives are uniformly mixed to achieve the desired medicinal properties. Besides, mixing tanks are used to scrape and mix pills, ointments, and toothpastes. The medicine is mixed with stabilizers and emulsifiers to ensure uniform quality and longer shelf life. In addition, mixing tanks are used for extracting herbal medicine. The active ingredients are extracted through chemical reactions and extracted into solutions. Moreover, fermentation mixing tanks are used for antibiotic and vaccine production. The tanks provide suitable temperature, PH value, and oxygen content for microbial growth and reproduction.
  Industrial mixing tanks equipment also has other industry applications. It can be customized according to specific needs.
• Construction Industry: Mixing tanks are used to mix concrete, cement, mortar, grout, and other construction materials. Mortar tanks transport and supply mortar, plaster, and other mixed materials at construction sites. Water tanks are used to store water and other liquids required for construction processes. Mixing tanks with heating or cooling systems can prepare and supply construction materials requiring temperature control, such as hot-mix asphalt and polymer-modified asphalt. Also, mixing tanks store and supply supplementary construction materials, such as industrial oils and release agents. Lubricating oils can reduce friction and wear during construction processes.
• Energy Industry: Mixing tanks store fuels, such as oil, gasoline, kerosene, diesel, and aviation fuels. The tanks prevent fuel from degrading and ensure uniform quality. Mixing tanks separate oil and gas. The tanks use gravity, chemical treatments, and physical processes to separate different phases and store them in different tanks. Moreover, mixing tanks refine oil and gas. The tanks are fitted with distillation columns and fractionators to separate petroleum products. In addition, mixing tanks are used to blend oil and gas. The tanks are blended with additives or chemicals to achieve uniform quality and meet specific standards. Also, fermentation mixing tanks are used for biofuel and biodiesel production.

How to Choose Industrial Mixing Tanks Equipment

When purchasing industrial mixing tank equipment, buyers need to attract different industries and ensure the mixing tanks fit the production process. The following tips will help buyers select suitable mixing tanks for their business.

• Understanding Materials Feature: Buyers need to understand the materials processed in the mixing tanks. The feature of the mixing tanks, for instance, temperature resistance, corrosion resistance, and durability, should match the characteristic of the materials. If this is not the case, the quality of the final product will be affected.
• Production Capacity: Buyers need to consider the production capacity of the mixing tanks. The mixing tank they select should meet production demand, and if they select a too-small tank, it will not meet the production demands. On the other hand, selecting an overly large mixing tank can lead to energy waste and excessive operational costs.
• Mixing Methods: There are different types of mixing methods available in the mixing tanks. Buyers will have to consider the mixing methods suitable for their materials and production processes. The chosen mixing methods should ensure uniform and quality mixing.
• Energy Efficiency: Energy-efficient industrial mixing tanks can help businesses cut down on operating costs. When evaluating potential options, buyers should consider the energy efficiency of the mixing tank.
• Space Requirement: Consider space requirements for the mixing tank. The mixing tank should fit business operation space to ensure productivity and work efficiency. Buyers should evaluate the size of the mixing tank and the installation requirement to determine if it will meet their requirements.
• Compliance with Industry Standards: In some industries, the mixing tank is required to meet specific standards and regulations. For instance, food-grade mixing tanks must comply with FDA standards. Buyers should select tanks that meet the relevant industry standards to ensure compliance and product safety.
• Tailored Solutions: Buyers with specific production requirements should look for suppliers who can customize a mixing tank that will meet their needs. These types of suppliers will have the technical expertise and experience to offer a mixing tank that will meet specific industry requirements.

FAQ

Q1: What are mixing tanks used for?

A1: Mixing tanks are industrial vessels designed to combine various ingredients. They are widely used in the chemical industry, food production, pharmaceuticals, and other sectors.

Q2: What materials are used to manufacture mixing tanks?

A2: The materials used to manufacture industrial mixing tanks include stainless steel, carbon steel, plastic, glass fiber reinforced plastics, and aluminum. The choice of material depends on the specific requirements of the application, such as temperature, pressure, and chemical compatibility.

Q3: What factors should be considered when buying mixing tanks?

A3: When buying industrial mixing tanks, it's important to consider the size and capacity, the kind of material used for the construction of the tank, the design and features like the type of mixer and the configuration of the tank, the quality of the tank and any certifications that the tank complies with, and the supplier's reputation.