Role of the Mixing Equipment Supplier

• Published in: Handbook of Industrial Mixing p. 1
• Main Author: Weetman, Ronald J
• Format: Book Chapter
• Language: English
• Published: Hoboken, NJ, USA John Wiley & Sons 2004; John Wiley & Sons, Inc
• Subjects: aftermarket support; applications; Chemistry & Chemical Engineering; costs; fluid mixers; General Engineering & Project Administration; General References; impeller; Industrial Chemistry & Chemicals; Materials; mechanical reliability; Mechanics & Mechanical Engineering; scale up; service; sizing; testing
• ISBN: 9780471269199; 0471269190
• DOI: 10.1002/0471451452.ch22

A qualified mixing equipment supplier can assist with process sizing, equipment selection, impeller options, capital vs. operating cost evaluation, testing, reliability, and service. Selection of a mixing configuration can be complex. The relationship between the open mixing impeller and its position in a mixing vessel is critical to process results. The proximity of the impeller or multiple impellers to the tank bottom, liquid surface and tank wall can have a dramatic effect on the flow pattern and shear distribution in the tank. The placements of an inlet feed can affect the inlet dispersion and also greatly influence the yield. To recommend a correct and optimum mixing configuration, the supplier must understand the most important process requirements and constraints of the application. This requires a close working relationship and exchange of critical application information between the supplier and the end user.