Electric agitator

Types of electric agitators

An electric agitator is a device that combines or mixes various elements. Different types of electric agitators are used to homogenize food products or other items. It is crucial to note that industrial electric mixers are called agitators in some industries.

• Mixing

• Mixer

  Mixers are mobile mixing devices used to mix food items on a farm, in a greenhouse, in livestock facilities, or on small-scale farms. Mixers may include several feeding systems, floating-particle separation systems, unsorted-item recovery systems, and sorting information delivery systems. Feed on small-scale farms is mixed to reduce livestock feeding costs and improve livestock product profitability.

A high-speed mixer agitator can also be called a stirrer. It reduces the time spent mixing materials and enhances production speed. Generally, mixers can work with solid, liquid, and gas materials, but some combine only solid and liquid materials. High-speed stirrers can be used in food production, chemical processing, pharmaceutical production, and wastewater treatment.

• Hydraulic agitator

  Hydraulic agitators use streams of liquid to mix materials. Liquid streams create turbulence in the container, and materials are mixed. The walls of the container may have nozzles to improve the mixing process. Using streams of liquid to mix food products or chemicals is an energy-efficient method.

• Magnetic agitator

  Magnetic agitators use magnets to rotate a stirrer inside a fixed container. The stirrers are driven by an external motor. These agitators are used when the cost of contamination is high. They reduce contamination risks compared to other mixers and are more efficient and productive.

• Pneumatic agitator

  Pneumatic agitators use air pressure to move stirrers inside a container. These stirrers remain fixed while compressed air moves the hind part. These motors are less utilized in industrial settings where electricity is accessible.

Specification and maintenance of electric agitators

Neptune Mixers Industrial Electric agitator mixer specifications include models, speeds, power, voltages and bearing materials.

• Models: Gear reduction mixers have a variable speed drive system with a motor and an electronic control board that allows the speed to vary. Vortex breakers are mixers designed for reduced mixing time and to eliminate the formation of vortexes in tanks within a shorter period. High shear mixers are used to emulsify or disperse mixtures in granular solutions. Sanitary mixers comply with hygienic standards and are suitable for food or pharmaceutical industries. Air mixer agitators use compressed air to drive the mixing process through a motor that generates rotational power transmitted to the mixing shaft and blades.
• Speeds: Power and voltages depend on the type of agitator and can range from 0.75 to 5 kW and 400 V to 11k V. For example, a Neptune B4 model has 0.75kW and 400V. An advanced model like the Neptune D5 has a powerful 5.5kW.
• Bearings: They support the rotating shaft of electric agitator mixers. They are designed to withstand the force applied during the mixing process. Stainless steel bearing housings protect the bearings and support the motor. They are corrosion-resistant and can withstand contaminants, increasing durability.

The gearbox reduces the speed of the mixer and increases torque. The mixer's motor connects to the tank through the drive unit and the shaft. Gearboxes are made with materials such as stainless steel, cast iron, and aluminum alloy. Generally, the motor is made with a permanent magnet, an induction squirrel cage, or other types, while the shafts are made with stainless steel or carbon steel. The maintenance procedure includes a routine inspection for any signs of wear, damage, or leakage and a lubrication schedule for the bearings and gearboxes.

Application scenarios of electric agitators

• Food industry:

  Employment of mixers in the food manufacturing business. Mixers are used to knead dough for bakery items, make blended products, combine ingredients, and prepare sauces and juices.

• Chemical and pharmaceutical industries:

  Utilization of chemical and pharmaceutical mixers. Mixers play a vital role in chemical organizations and pharmaceutical industries. They are used to mix chemicals, manufacture reagents, produce pharmaceuticals, and create herbicides and pesticides.

• Cosmetics industry:

  Agitators are used to blend emulsions, lotions, and creams in the cosmetics industry.

• Textile industry:

  Application of electric textile mixers. Electric mixers find applicability in the textile industry, where they are used to mix dyes, finishing agents, and chemical fiber additives.

• Paint and coating industry:

  Employment of electric agitators in paints and coatings. Electric agitators are widely used in the paint and coating industry to mix pigments, solvents, additives, and other materials, ensuring uniform dispersion and blending.

• Construction industry:

  Mixing application of construction electric mixers. Electric mixers are indispensable tools in the construction industry, used for mixing cement, mortar, concrete, paint, and other building materials.

• Agricultural industry:

  Application of electric agitators in agriculture. Electric agitators play a significant role in agricultural production, used for mixing fertilizers, pesticides, animal feed, and processing agricultural products.

• Energy industry:

  Application of electric mixers in the energy industry. Electric mixers are widely used in the energy industry for mixing fuel, lubricants, additives, and other materials. They are also used in the processing of energy products such as biodiesel and ethanol.

How to choose electric agitators

Before purchasing electric mixers, buyers need to consider the following factors to make an informed choice.

• Capacity requirements

  Determine the necessary volume that the agitator must handle. Electric agitators come in sizes from small ones that handle a few liters to big industrial models that can manage several hundred liters. Choosing the proper size ensures efficient mixing and prevents overloading.

• The viscosity of liquids

  Consider the thickness of the liquids to be mixed. Some liquids are thin like water, while others are thicker like honey. Factors like the mixing speed and design can be affected by the viscosity. For example, a gear drive motor may be better for thick liquids than a direct drive one.

• Power requirements

  Mixing liquids takes different amounts of energy depending on the task. It is important to consider the power of the motor driving the agitator. Higher power motors use more electricity but handle tougher jobs better. A suitable power level ensures reliable mixing.

• Construction material

  The electric agitator's material affects its durability. Choosing stainless steel may be best for handling harsh chemicals or high temperatures. Options like carbon steel or plastic work for less demanding applications.

• Fixed speed vs variable speed

  A simple motor running at one set speed costs less but limits flexibility. Agitating different liquids mixes best at other speeds. A better choice may be a motor with variable speeds that let users adjust the rate of mixing. This ability to change speed allows for more efficient processing of various liquids.

Q & A

Q1: Which industries use electric mixers/agitators?

A1: The food and beverage, pharmaceutical, chemical, cosmetics, and petrochemical industries use electric agitator mixers.

Q2: What are some trends in industrial mixing technology?

A2: Some trends include developing energy-efficient mixers, connectable mixers, intelligent mixers with data monitoring and remote control capabilities, and mixing solutions for sustainable and biodegradable materials.

Q3: How does an electric mixer agitator stir uniformly?

A3: The uniform stirring of a solution depends on the design of the agitator, speed, and container shape. Choosing the right agitator according to the material's viscosity will also affect how uniform the final solution will be.

Q4: Are electric agitators safe to use?

A4: Yes, electric agitators are safe to use, provided safety measures are taken. These include wearing personal protective equipment (PPE), following the manufacturer's instructions, analyzing the risks before use, and ensuring proper grounding and electrical connections.