Agitation and Mixing

Forcing the chemical fluids inside the circular vessel by mechanical techniques is known as the Agitation technique. The mixing process refers to the random distribution of two or more different phases of fluids. The mixing movement of solids and fluids performs the accomplishment of agitation sources.  An illustration of the idea of Agitation mixing has been given with the description of agitation tanks. Differentiation between the agitation and mixing has been demonstrated here regarding the torque rating, spinning, and surface area of them. 

The idea of Agitation mixing 

Agitation mixing is the phase of mixing in which transmission of heat and mass are followed between different phases and with the external surfaces. The mixing technique is concerned with the combination of different phases such as gas phase with liquid phase or dispersion. Moreover, the different phase of mixing such as the gas phase with granular solid phase or fluidization is also the process of agitation mixing. The mass and heat transfer of the gaseous phase to granular solid phases are also known as the pneumatic conveying process or drying technique. The transmission of the liquid phase into the gaseous phases is done by spraying technique and automation process. 

The mixing of two similar phases or liquid with liquid mixing is processed by dissolution techniques and emulsification processes.  Dispersion techniques are also involved by the liquid with the liquid transmission in which heat and mass of two liquids get transferred in the agitation mixing process. Additionally, the suspension technique helps in the transmission of liquid phases with the granular solid phase in the heat and mass of two different phases transferred. The accomplishment of heat and mass transmission of liquid phases and granular solid phases is done with the external surfaces in an agitation mixing process. Mixing of two similar phases or solid with “solid mixing processes’ ‘ are done by “powder mixing processes”. The interaction and transmission process of gas, solids, and liquid phases are done by catalytic presence. In the agitation mixing process, a design of a basic stirred agitation tank is required with the vessel. 

The description on agitation tanks 

Agitators or agitation tanks are required for providing good mixing of different fluids by which the temperature of the fluids remains constant inside the tanks. Agitation tanks are small in size and different designing patterns are seen according to their weights. Light agitators, as well as heavy agitation tanks, are found depending on their working applications. The construction of the agitation tanks is followed by the stainless steel and mild steels which are aligned by natural rubber or the material of neoprene.  The agitation tanks are structured by the legs of stainless steel which have the steel truss along the center of the agitators.  

In the chemical industries or mineral industries, small size agitators or commercial propellers are used in slurry applications. The complete lining of the pilot plants can be utilized in the mineral industries as well as chemical industries. The small agitators have propellers with axial flows, which are particularly structured for gas diffusion performances and reagent conditioning processes. Moreover, the propellers and agitation tanks are structured for performances such as dissolution, leaching activities, reactor processes, scrubbing, and storage activities. 

The process of turbine mixing and pumping impeller techniques are also included within the solving extraction process of agitators. Various sizes of agitation tanks are available with different volumes among which 7 gallons and  52 gallons of agitators are found by their axial flow types. Additionally, agitators with 26 gallons and 100 gallons of agitator mechanisms are seen with the reduction of driving process and standard flow of propellers.  

Difference between agitation and mixing 

Agitation indicates the forcing mechanism of fluids by which circular flow within the mixing vessel is carried out. However, the process of mixing refers to the mixture or random distribution of two or more phases. The agitator process is carried out in an agitator or agitation tank whereas, the mixing process runs into the mixer with a random distribution of fluid mechanics.  Differences between the agitation and mixing can be explained by describing their torque rating, surface areas, and spin rates. Moving of the liquids and following their desired liquid movements are performed in agitators. Achievement of constant solution and different ingredients are done by the mixing process in a mixer. 

The agitation and mixing are different based on the sizes of agitators, mixers, and their total dimensions. Moreover, the properties of the materials, the viscosity of the final product as well as the initial product types are the components by which it can be differentiated. The flammable properties, solid concentration, solubility features, and outcomes of the products according to these techniques are important components by which differentiation can proceed. 

Conclusion 

Thus, this can be concluded that successful demonstration of Agitation and mixing, their relevant differences with the illustration of agitation tanks have been provided in this context. Analysis of light agitators as well as heavy agitation tanks, depending on their working applications has been done here. In this process, heat transmission and mass transmission are increased between different phases, and the agitation mixing process is accomplished with the help of an external surface. Evaluation of the suspension technique in the transmission of liquid phases with the granular solid phase in the heat and mass are described and concluded in this assignment.