Proper Mixer
Mounting and Positioning
In most applications involving small
mixing tanks of 1,000 gallons
(3,785.4 liters) or less, the mixer
is clamped to the side of the tank.
Optimum mixing will be achieved
when the mixer is angled from the
tank wall, either off-center (figure 1)
or on-center (figure 2). Improperly
mounting a portable mixer will
greatly lessen mixing efficiency, cause
vibration, and could possibly damage
the mixer.
Angling off-center is preferred when
good material turnover is required, as
in mixing slurry. Angling on-center is
desired for more gentle mixing and
when vortexing must be minimized.
Larger size tanks may require that
a mixer be mounted directly in the
center of the tank with the shaft
vertical (figure 3). When a mixer is
used in this arrangement, baffles
are recommended to prevent the
contents of the tank from turning in
the direction of the mix. If this occurs,
mixing action will be poor.
Such baffling will avoid vortexing and
allow mixing to be as thorough as
possible. Neptune suggests that four
baffles be used, located 90° apart and
sized approximately 1/12 of the tank
diameter. The baffle should not fully
extend to the bottom of the tank and
a gap should be provided between
the baffle and the tank wall.