7 Questions Engineers Should Ask Before Purchasing an Industrial Mixer
In this In The Mix blog, we look at the questions every engineer should ask when purchasing an industrial mixer. Too often price is the determining factor. However, choosing the lowest-priced option can lead to costly performance issues, increased maintenance, and production downtime.
Asking the right questions before specifying a mixer helps ensure the equipment is matched to the application and provides years of reliable service.
Here are the questions you should always ask yourself before purchasing an industrial mixer
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What Are the Fluid Properties?
The liquid being mixed is the foundation of proper mixer selection.
The following variables should be considered:
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- viscosity
- specific gravity
- suspended solids
- corrosiveness
- temperature
- density changes during the process
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What Is the Desired Mixing Objective?
The mixing objective influences impeller type, speed, shaft design, and motor horsepower.
Mixing objectives include the following:
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- blending
- solids suspension
- heat transfer
- gas dispersion
- chemical reaction
- settling prevention
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What Are the Tank Properties?
The mixing tank that will be used is critical to determining the right mixer.
All influence mixing performance. Important tank properties include:
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- tank diameter
- liquid height
- bottom configuration
- internal coils
- obstructions
- mounting locations
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Are Tank Baffles Required?
Tank baffles may or may not ne required for your mixing process. Properly designed baffles reduce swirling, improve circulation, enhance solids suspension, and increase mixing efficiency where appropriate.
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What Materials of Construction Are Needed?
To maximize mixer service life, wet components should be constructed of materials that are compatible with the mixing process. Materials include stainless steel, carbon steel, duplex alloys, specialty alloys, or protective coatings.
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What Operating Conditions Will the Mixer Experience?
Always account for operating conditions when designing an industrial mixer. Important conditions include continuous duty, pressure, vacuum, temperature, and location (indoor, outdoor, hazardous).
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Who Will Support the Mixer During and After Installation?
To maximize the long-term performance of your industrial mixer, it is critical to identify who will provide engineering support during installation as well a how replacement parts, field service, and technical support will be obtained during regular operation.
The Value of Asking the Right Questions
An industrial mixer is a critical component of your process. Addressing these seven questions helps improve product quality, reduce maintenance, minimize downtime, extend equipment life, and maximize return on investment.
At ProQuip, every mixer is engineered around the customer’s application to deliver dependable, long-term mixing performance.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
To speak with a ProQuip engineer about your mixing needs, contact us at applications@proquipinc.com or 1-330-468-1850.
