Liquid Mixer

Liquid mixers process liquids through a flow pattern, resulting in blending, dispersions and stable emulsions. These mixers are used in chemical processes that require constant circulation of liquid for heat transfer and to dissolve solid ingredients.

The orientation of the mixer shaft affects this flow pattern. For example, center mounting the mixer without baffles creates strong rotational motion that drives settling particles toward one side of the tank and does not improve vertical mixing.

Variable speed motor

A mixer’s motor is one of the most important components to consider when sourcing a new or replacement industrial mixing device. It can have a tremendous impact on the energy consumption of the device and therefore the final cost to your customer.

Variable speed electric motors have both starting and overload protection built in. In addition, the microprocessor controls in most drives provide other diagnostic and control features. These include liquid mixer regenerative drive capability, which allows the drive to recover the energy lost during inertial braking. This feature can be expensive but it can reduce the overall cost of ownership of the drive and improve system efficiency.

DC motors are used for liquid processing for a wide variety of applications. Industries such as wholesale food production, pharmaceuticals, oil and gas and paint and coatings use mixers to process their products. Industrial mixers can be powered by DC motors or AC motors. DC motors typically have a higher torque output than AC motors.

The X-13 ECM or constant torque motor, designed in 2006, is an example of a variable speed DC motor that uses an Integrated Control Module to communicate with the motor to determine at what speeds and torque settings it should operate. The motor ramps up slowly, moving air across the coil and allowing it to cool before it reaches full operating power. Once the thermostat is satisfied the motor ramps down to 50% and operates for three minutes before stopping.

Viscosity

Mixing high viscosity liquids is a challenging task. These fluids are more difficult to pump, which results in longer mixing times. In addition, they may exhibit non-uniform flow characteristics due to the formation of vortex patterns that can lead to air entrainment and incomplete mixing. Moreover, these mixing systems must be designed to withstand enormous mechanical stresses.

Viscosity is a measurement of a fluid’s resistance to shear stress. This property determines the amount of energy needed to overcome friction between the molecules in a fluid, which can be measured using rotational viscometers. Depending on the shear rate and the force applied, the viscosity of the fluid can change. For example, a fluid with a low viscosity can act like a liquid when shear is applied, while a fluid with a high viscosity acts more like a solid.

In order to ensure optimal blending results, it is recommended that you use a high-performance mixer that has been specially designed for your application. Unlike conventional mixers, these machines can achieve uniform and homogenous mixes even when shear is applied. They also offer more power efficiency than other types of high-viscosity pumps, which reduces energy consumption. Furthermore, they have the ability to maintain their performance over a wide range of temperatures. This feature is particularly important when working with abrasive or toxic substances.

Vortex

Vortex mixers are used in many laboratories to mix reagents and liquid samples. They are easy to operate and require very little maintenance. They also have a low footprint and are relatively quiet. They are a great alternative to the traditional stirring method that is used for cell culture and tissue analysis.

Vortexes are a physical phenomenon that occurs when fluid streams collide. The flow is characterized by an increased interface area due to the intertwining of streamlines, and it is an ideal mixing regime for fast mixing at high Reynolds numbers.

The vortex used in the mixer can be created manually by striking the tube in a Packaging Machinery Supplier forward and downward motion with one’s finger or thumb, but this method is slow and may result in inadequate suspension of cells. It is also not suitable for mixing caustic substances.

The motor sits just below the cup head of the mixer and rotates in a circular motion, creating a vortex effect inside the sample. The motor can be operated in either continuous or touch mode. Some models also have a pulse option, which reduces heat production while increasing the speed of mixing. Simple mixers typically accommodate up to a few tubes, while more complex multi-tube mixers can hold dozens of vials. The speed control knob and operation controller button are located in the front part of the mixer.

Air entrainment

Depending on the application, liquid mixers may use air entrainment to enhance the mixing process. This technique creates millions of discrete, semi-microscopic bubbles in the concrete mix and increases its plasticity, workability, and placeability. It also allows for a reduction in mixing water without sacrificing slump. It can also help to prevent cracking, bleeding, plastic shrinkage, and segregation. It is a great option for harsh mixes with high cement content or manufactured aggregates. This technique can be used for various applications, including bridge decks, parking garages, and sidewalks.

Air entrained in concrete also improves its resistance to freeze-thaw cycles, which destroy most non-air entrained concrete over time. This happens when trapped water in hardened concrete freezes and thaws repeatedly, creating micro-cracks that eventually transform into visible cracks. The extra air voids in concrete created by this process act as a cushion against these cycles, which is why it is often recommended for exterior concrete mix designs.

However, it is important to note that entrapped air can be lost during transport and pumping. This is especially true if the concrete is delivered in a non-agitated vehicle such as a tipping lorry or if it is pumped through a pipe with excessive vibration. This can also occur if the wrong antifoam or air release agent is used or if there is contamination in the fluid system.