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About agitator tank

Types of Agitator Tanks

An agitator tank, also known as a mixing tank, is a vessel equipped with an agitator or stirrer to mix, agitate, or blend various mediums in the process. According to the materials and processes involved, the following types of mixing tanks with agitators are commonly used.

  • Stainless Steel Mixing Tanks with Agitators:

    SS mixing tanks offer high levels of sanitation and meet hygiene factory standards. With the widespread use of food-grade stainless steel and a focus on health issues, stainless steel mixing tanks with food-grade materials are increasingly the only option for creating sanitary products. When putting together a plan for a solution, it's essential to include stainless steel mixing tanks with food-grade materials wherever food may be involved.

  • Open Top Mixing Tanks:

  • By exposing the vessel's contents to the external environment, open-top mixing tanks (also known as an open-mixer tank) facilitate gas exchange and evaporation. These tanks often have baffles to break up fluid turbulence and achieve uniform mixing.

  • Closed Top Mixing Tanks:

  • Closed top mixing tanks (also known as top-blind mixing tanks) prevent the external environment from impacting the contents within, lowering evaporation rates and fluid loss. In addition to being easier to maintain temperature and quality control, closed-top tanks frequently have a range of additional features like pressure or vacuum capabilities, closed-loop systems, and insulation for heating or cooling.

Specification and maintenance of agitator tanks

Specification

  • Sizes:

    Agitator tanks come in different sizes and capacities. Smaller tanks, like 10-gallon ones, are great for making small batches of things. Medium-sized tanks, such as 50 to 500-gallon tanks, work well for average-sized businesses. Bigger tanks, like those over 500 gallons, are good for big factories that need to make a lot of products quickly.

  • Mixing Power:

    The motors that drive agitator tanks have different wattages. Smaller tanks may have motors with 0.5 to 2 horsepower. Mid-size motors range from 2 to 10 horsepower. Bigger tanks need more powerful motors, so they have motors with 10 horsepower or higher. The motor power determines how fast and smooth the mixing is.

  • Construction:

    The material of an agitator tank affects how strong and durable it is. The main choices are stainless steel, which resists rust, or carbon steel, which is more affordable but still sturdy, as well as plastic that lasts longer. Stainless steel is a good pick for mixing food or medicine because it keeps things clean. Carbon steel works well for less sensitive materials.

Maintenance

Regular maintenance is vital for the industrial agitator to keep it operating well and safely.

  • Monthly:

    Do a visual inspection of the entire mixing tank. Look for signs of wear, damage, or leaks anywhere on the tank. Check all fasteners and connections to make sure they are secure. Inspect the mixing blades and shaft for any issues. Look at the motor and drive system components closely.

  • Quarterly:

    Lubricate all moving parts of the agitator. Apply grease to the mixing shaft and bearings. Put lubrication oil where specified for other drive system components. Be sure to use the proper lubricants.

  • Twice a year:

    Perform a more thorough inspection. Check the mixing blades for excessive wear or damage and replace them if needed. Examine the condition of the agitator shaft. Inspect the motor and drive belts or chains, looking closely at their surfaces for any signs of wear that could require replacement soon.

  • Annually:

    Conduct a detailed preventive maintenance service. Clean and degrease all parts thoroughly, then lubricate all moving components as directed. Replace any worn, damaged, or significantly degraded parts. This could include the mixing blades, shafts, belts, chains, or bearing seals, among others. It's also a good idea to calibrate and test the motor and drive system at this interval.

Applications of agitator tanks

Agitator tanks offer several industry applications due to their adaptability and various tank designs. Here are some industries that make use of agitator tanks:

  • Chemical manufacturing

    The chemical industry widely uses agitator tanks for mixing chemicals in fertilizers, plastics, paints, and pharmaceuticals. The tanks mix various chemicals, ensuring compounds get evenly distributed to enhance product quality. This application can utilize different types of agitator tanks, such as those with hydraulic or paddle agitator tank mixers.

  • Food and beverage

    Agitator tanks are used in the food and beverage industry for mixing, emulsifying, and homogeneously blending liquids like juices, sauces, and dressings. The tanks improve processing efficiency, maintain consistent taste and quality, and comply with safety and hygiene requirements.

  • Oil and gas

    The oil and gas sector uses agitator tanks to mix additives, chemicals, and drilling fluids. The tanks ensure homogeneous mixtures and consistent properties, which are crucial for the performance and efficiency of drilling operations. Also, the tanks can be used in refineries for blending fuels and lubricants.

  • Water treatment

    Agitator tanks are widely used in the water treatment industry for mixing chemicals such as coagulants, disinfectants, and pH regulators. The tanks ensure uniform distribution of chemicals in the water, improving treatment efficiency and helping meet environmental regulations.

  • Mining and metallurgy

    In the mining and metallurgy industries, agitator tanks are used for mixing and leaching minerals, as well as for suspending solids in slurry. The tanks enhance the extraction process, improve solid-liquid separation, and ensure uniformity and consistency in processing. This can improve product quality and yield.

How to choose a proper agitator tank

When choosing the agitator tank for sale, buyers need to consider several factors.

  • Quality and durability:

    Quality and durability are crucial to an agitator tank. Buyers can research the suppliers and read reviews from previous customers to ensure that the tanks have gone through quality control.

  • Size and capacity:

    Agitator tanks usually come in different sizes and capacities to suit various industries. When choosing the tank, buyers should evaluate their specific needs and opt for tanks with suitable sizes and capacities.

  • Material of the tank:

    The materials of the agitator tanks are various, including stainless steel, carbon steel, and glass-fiber-reinforced plastic. Each material has its advantages. For example, stainless steel tanks are resistant to corrosion, while carbon steel tanks are cost-effective and durable. Choose the tank that can meet the requirements of the business.

  • Costs:

    When buying agitator tanks, costs are also an important consideration. Buyers need to balance performance, quality, and costs and choose tanks that can offer enough value for their business. Buyers can also negotiate with suppliers to get a better price.

  • After-sales service:

    When buying agitator tanks, buyers should check and make sure the suppliers can offer satisfactory after-sales service. Good after-sales service can provide technical support and spare parts supply for buyers, which can ensure their normal operation and use.

  • Environmental factors:

    When choosing an agitator tank, buyers should also consider environmental factors, such as the energy efficiency and emissions of the tank. Choose tanks that are environmentally friendly and sustainable. This can not only protect the environment but also enhance the corporate image and social responsibility.

Q&A

Q: How does an agitator work?

A: The agitators use stirring blades to change the product's viscosity, fluidity, and movement. Therefore, it enables easy utilization.

Q: What is the difference between an agitator and a mixer?

A: The agitator is used to mix relatively low-viscosity liquids, whereas mixers are used to blend high-viscosity materials.

Q: What are the benefits of using an agitator tank?

A: The benefits of using an agitator tank include uniformity, efficiency, and stability. It helps to maintain the product's quality by keeping it homogeneous. The agitator tank also increases production efficiency by processing liquids rapidly. Furthermore, it prevents the settling of solid materials in suspension, which ensures batch-to-batch consistency.