Submersible mixer

Types of Submersible Mixers

A submersible mixer is a pump that operates inside a liquid medium. It uses the impeller to stir sludge, giving it a homogeneous appearance. Several types of submersible mixers are distinct based on the pump design and mixing method.

• Axial Mixers

  Axial submersible mixers have blades or impellers fixed to the motor shaft. They push the liquid in the axial direction or parallel to the shaft. These mixers have a simple design and work on low shear force. Therefore, they are ideal for mixing shallow depths of liquids with low viscosity. Businesses use them for mixing water, nutrients, and chemicals in ponds, reservoirs, and wastewater treatment plants.

• Radial Mixers

  Radial submersible mixers have impellers that push or pull liquid to the side in a perpendicular direction. They provide high mixing intensity at low speeds. The radial mixer is ideal for handling liquids with high volumes and depths. They are used in hydrodynamic processes like emulsification, dispersion, and polymerization. Many radial mixers come with multiple impeller arrangements to cater to different mixing requirements.

• Helical Mixers

  The helical mixer has an impeller that mimics a screw thread. It provides axial and radial flow, giving customers better performance. These mixers are suitable for deep tanks with sediments at the bottom. They eliminate the sediments to ensure a uniform mixture of liquid. Also, the helical mixer operates at low speeds, reducing the noise level.

• Axial Radial Mixers

  This mixer combines the benefits of the axial and radial mixer. It has an axial flow pump with a radial impeller. The mixer reduces power consumption while improving flow and mixing. Also, it uses a small quantity of polymer to create a large bubble inside the tank to reduce the cost of chemical use.

Specification and Maintenance of Submersible Mixers

The specification of a Submersible Mixer may vary depending on application needs; however, the following are some common specifications:

• Motor Power: The motor power of a submersible mixer is usually expressed in kw. For large volume wastewater treatment plants, power greater than 4.0 kw is necessary. The greater the motor power, the more mixing capacity.
• Speed: Submersible mixers usually operate at speeds of about 1,500 to 3,600 rpm. Higher speed provides better mixing efficiency and the ability to break up larger aggregations.
• Blades: A submersible mixer can have single and multiple blades. The type and number of blades will affect the mixing range and homogeneous mixing effect. Blade diameter ranges from 200mm to 1200mm, and the larger the diameter, the more area covered.
• Material: The body material of a submersible mixer is often stainless steel or carbon steel with a good anti-corrosion coating. This allows the mixer to work in different media for a long time without being corroded.
• Depth rating: Submersible mixers are designed with different depth ratings. For example, an IP68 rating means the mixer can function at a depth of more than 5 meters.
• Temperature range: The working temperature range of a submersible mixer is usually between -20°C and 60°C. This means the mixer can be used in high and low-temperature environments.

Maintenance

It is very important to maintain a submersible mixer so that it can work well even after a long period of usage. Here are some maintenance tips that mixer users can consider:

• Regularly clean the surface: Users should clean the surface of the mixer frequently to remove contaminants such as mucus, sand, and limestone. This will prevent overheating due to poor heat dissipation caused by surface fouling.
• Check the power cord: The power cord should be checked frequently to see if it is aging or damaged. In case of any sign of wear or damage, the user should replace or repair it immediately to avoid electrical leakage or abnormal operation.
• Lubrication of bearings: The bearings of the mixer should be lubricated regularly to ensure smooth operation and reduce frictional wear. The user should add a suitable lubricant according to the bearing manufacturer's recommendations.
• Keep an eye on the operating temperature: Users should pay attention to monitoring the operating temperature of the mixer to make sure it is within the specified range. If the temperature is too high, the user should check the cooling system or the workload and adjust it in time.
• Regular maintenance and repair: The user should establish a submersible mixer maintenance program so that regular maintenance and repair work can be scheduled. This will help to identify potential problems early and to fix them to ensure that the mixer is in good working condition.

Usage scenarios of a submersible mixer

• Wastewater treatment facilities: Submersible mixers are extensively used in wastewater treatment facilities. The main function of the mixer is to effectively mix and evenly distribute wastewater with additives like coagulants and flocculants before the treatment process occurs. By uniformly spreading these chemicals, submersible mixers assist in enhancing the quality of water and simplifying subsequent treatment stages. Furthermore, mixers facilitate the breaking down of sediments and organic substances in the wastewater, contributing to better wastewater management.
• Storage containers and ponds: Submersible mixers play a vital role in homogenizing liquids stored in tanks, silos, or other types of containers. They ensure uniform mixing of materials, chemicals, or products throughout the entire storage facility. Additionally, submersible mixers assist in the treatment of effluents or sludge in storage facilities or open ponds by preventing sedimentation and ensuring that the treatment chemicals are adequately dispersed.
• Marine and Environmental Remediation: Submersible mixers are useful in marine and environmental remediation applications. They can be employed in marine environments like oceans or lakes to facilitate the mixing of water or other substances. Moreover, submersible mixers are valuable in environmental remediation efforts, enabling the distribution and mixing of treatment agents or amendments in contaminated soils or groundwater to promote restoration and recovery.

In summary, submersible mixers have significant usage scenarios in various environmental and industrial sectors. Their ability to uniformly mix and distribute liquids, chemicals, and treatment agents makes them indispensable in wastewater treatment, storage, marine environments, and environmental remediation.

How to choose submersible mixers

When selecting suitable submersible mixers for business applications, there are several critical factors to consider.

• Flow characteristic requirements

  It is essential to determine the type of flow needed to be formed by the mixer, like turbulence or shear strength, and the quantity of flow that needs to be generated.

• Tank dimensions and depth

  The size and depth of the tank or chamber in which the mixer will be used should also be determined, as this will affect the dimensions and power of the mixer.

• The media to be mixed

  The type of material to be mixed, its viscosity, density, temperature, and any other specific characteristics, should also be considered.

• Operating environment

  The conditions in which the mixer will be operated, including temperature, pressure, and any hazardous or corrosive environments, should be taken into account to ensure that the mixer is suitable for the environment.

• Energy requirements

  Determine the power requirement of the mixer based on the viscosity and the desired mixing quality, which includes considering the energy efficiency of the mixer.

• Equipment integration needs

  When selecting a mixer, it is also essential to consider how it will integrate with other equipment in the system, like pumps, sensors, and control systems.

• Financial factors

  Finally, the initial investment and operating costs of the mixer, including maintenance and repair costs, should also be considered.

Submersible Mixer FAQ

Q1: Will a submersible mixer work in any shape or size of tank?

A1: Submersible mixers are very versatile in terms of being able to work in tanks of different shapes and sizes. However, while they can be expected to work in most tanks of different shapes and sizes, they can only do so if the tank is of a reasonable size.

Q2: Can the flow created by submersible mixers be manipulated?

A2: Yes, one of the many advantages of submersible mixers is that the flow they create can easily be manipulated. Typically, the positioning and angle of the mixer can be adjusted to give rise to the desired flow pattern.

Q3: Are submersible mixers safe to use in explosion-proof environments?

A3: Yes, submersible mixers are generally safe for use in explosion-proof environments. They come with explosion-proof motors that comply with the relevant standards. However, to ascertain utmost safety, buyers should consult the suppliers to ensure that the right mixer is selected for their specific application.

Q4: How can someone ensure that their submersible mixer is energy efficient?

A4: To ensure that a submersible mixer is energy efficient, buyers should look for a mixer with an energy-efficient motor. Also, they should ensure that the mixer is properly sized for their application. Finally, they should consider investing in variable frequency drives (VFDS).