Effect and Use of Baffles For Mixing

EFFECT AND USE OF BAFFLES FOR MIXING :
Baffles are internals, generally flat plates, used in agitated vessels to optimize and stabilize
the mixing flow pattern and minimize variation in agitator power draw. Baffle
recommendations are part of the agitator vendor’s scope although the baffles are designed
and fabricated by others. Proper baffle implementation dramatically impacts process
results. Baffles establish an axial flow pattern, minimizing the tangential or swirl
component imparted by the rotation of mixing impellers. The baffled flow pattern
facilitates top-to-bottom bulk motion, increasing the velocity across heat transfer surfaces
and facilitating blending and solid suspension. However, top entry on-center-mounted
agitators on a properly baffled vessel draw more power than on an un baffled vessel
because the impeller pumps more fluid in a given amount of time.
Different types of impellers are :
1) Axial Flow Impellers
Axial (down and up) pumping is an important flow pattern because it addresses two of the
most common challenges in mixing; solid suspension and stratification. In this process
both the superficial and annular velocities can be calculated to determine and control the
level of mixing.
2) Radial Flow Impellers
Radial impellers are designed in 4-6 blades. In radial flow impellers, the fluid moves
perpendicularly to the impeller. They produce a radial flow pattern which moves the
contents of the mixing tank to the sides of the vessel. The radial flow impacts the side
which causes in either an up or down direction which fills the top top and the bottom of the
impeller to be ejected once more. It is also important to note that setting up baffles helps to
minimize vortexing and swirling motions in the tank, therefore, enhancing agitation
efficiency. Radial impellers are a great fit for low-level applications inside longer tanks
based upon the production of higher shear due to the angle of attack.
Four Main Types of Mixing Blades and Dispersing Impellers
When selecting a mixer, it is important to consider the parts involved in the mixing and
dispersing process. The impeller blades you use with your mixers will ultimately determine
the accuracy of your mixture. An impeller blade is usually made of stainless steel, carbon
steel, aluminum, brass, bronze or plastic, and is designed to accelerate the liquid in a
specific direction. Different impeller blades are used for specific mixture types. There are
four main impeller blade types that you can choose from; airfoil, pitch blade, propeller
blade, or radial blade.
An airfoil or dynaflow impeller blade is designed to produce maximum airflow with the
lowest shear. A lower shear means that it would not be well-suited for thicker mixtures. An
airfoil impeller blade would be suitable for mixtures with a low to medium viscosity. Its
combination of high flow, high mixing intensity and low shear makes it the best for liquids
that are shear-sensitive. Shear-sensitive liquids can either be temporarily or permanently
damaged if you do not use the correct shear to mix the liquid.
The pitch blade impeller is the most versatile option out of any impeller you can choose
from. It was the standard blade until the airfoil was created. The pitch blade impeller is
ideal for applications that require a combination of pumping and shearing. It has a high
mixing intensity, with medium flow for mixtures that are of medium viscosity.
The propeller blade or marine-type impeller blades work well with low to medium
viscosity mixtures. They are modeled after the propellers on marine boats. They are used
mostly in smaller, portable direct drive mixers because they are efficient and economical.
The marine-type impeller blades have a medium shear with medium to high mixing
intensity.
Curved Radial impeller blades are also available. The application for these blades would
be for mixtures that require agitation close to the bottom of the tank, or applications where
shear is the main requirement. The angle of attack on these blades gives higher shear rates,
although the mixing intensity and flow is much lower than the other blade types.

Effect and Use of Baffles For Mixing

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EFFECT AND USE OF BAFFLES FOR MIXING :

Different types of impellers are :

1) Axial Flow Impellers

2) Radial Flow Impellers

Four Main Types of Mixing Blades and Dispersing Impellers

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