Mixing Tank

A mixing tank is a vessel that utilizes an internal agitation device (agitator) to achieve uniform mixing, heat transfer, mass transfer, or to promote chemical reactions within the material.

Its primary purpose is to create and maintain a homogeneous mixture state, whether liquid-liquid, solid-liquid, gas-liquid, or a combination of multiple states.

Basic Structure and Components

A typical mixing tank primarily consists of the following parts:

1. Tank Body

· The main vessel, typically a vertical cylindrical shape, with a bottom that can be flat, dish-shaped, or conical.

· Material selection depends on the properties of the processed material (corrosiveness, sanitary requirements, temperature/pressure), such as stainless steel (304/316L), carbon steel, plastic (PP/PTFE), or fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP).

2. Agitator (Agitator Blade)

· This is the “heart” of the mixing tank, with its type determining mixing effectiveness and efficiency.

· Common types:

· Paddle-type: Simple structure, suitable for mixing and circulating low-viscosity liquids.

· Propeller-type: Resembles a marine propeller, generates strong axial flow, ideal for rapid mixing and heat transfer in low-viscosity liquids.

· Turbine-type: Generates high shear forces, suitable for gas-liquid dispersion, liquid-liquid emulsification, and mixing medium-viscosity liquids.
· Anchor/Frame-type: Shaped to hug the tank wall, scraping surfaces effectively. Ideal for mixing and heat transfer of high-viscosity, fouling-prone materials.

· Ribbon-type: Specifically designed for extremely high-viscosity, paste-like, or non-Newtonian fluids, achieving mixing through a dragging action.

3. Drive System

· Includes motors, gear reducers, etc., providing power to the agitator and controlling its rotational speed.

4. Sealing System

· Provides dynamic sealing between the agitator shaft and the tank body, preventing material leakage and external air ingress.

· Primarily categorized into mechanical seals (high precision, minimal leakage, higher cost) and packing seals (simple structure, lower cost, permits slight leakage).

5. Jacket/Coil

· To regulate material temperature, the vessel's outer wall or interior typically incorporates a jacket or coil.

· The jacket can be circulated with steam (heating), cooling water (temperature reduction), or thermal oil (high-temperature heating).