What really matters in the stirring process

When selecting a new agitator or redesigning a process, the initial focus is often on individual key figures: Speed, performance or container size. In practice, however, it quickly becomes clear that industrial agitating processes are influenced by many more factors.

This is because a functioning stirring process is not created by a single factor alone. It is the interaction between the medium, stirring task, container, flow and stirring technology that determines how a process actually behaves.

This is precisely why it is worth taking a look at the connections behind the process.

The medium

What should be processed?

Viscosity, solids content or temperature sensitivity influence how a product behaves during stirring. They determine the required energy input, the permissible shear forces and the requirements for the stirring technology.

The stirring task

What is to be achieved?

Whether homogenizing, suspending or heat exchange - every stirring task places different demands on flow, energy input and process control. This forms the basis for selecting the right stirring technology.

The container

Where does the process take place?

Diameter, height and internals have a considerable influence on the flow behavior in the tank. Therefore, identical stirring parameters in different containers can lead to completely different results.

The agitator

How is the movement generated?

The agitator determines to a large extent how the energy is introduced into the process. Depending on the geometry, different flow profiles are created, which have a direct effect on mixing quality, solids distribution and energy input.

Note: Just a few millimetres difference in diameter will noticeably change the circumferential speed and thus the behavior of the process.

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The speed

How much exercise is necessary?

The speed influences the energy input into the process. However, the actual effect depends on the medium, container and agitator and can vary greatly depending on the application.

The handling

What does day-to-day production look like?

The best technical solution only makes sense if it can also be used efficiently on a day-to-day basis. Container changes, cleaning effort, ergonomics and the availability of a forklift or crane should all be taken into account when making the selection.

The ambient conditions

What framework conditions must be met?

ATEX zones, hygienic requirements, positive or negative pressure, temperatures or aggressive media have a significant influence on the design of an agitator. The technology must not only match the process, but also the environment.

A good mixing process results from the interaction of all factors

In practice, there is rarely one decisive parameter. Even a powerful drive or a high-quality agitator will not automatically lead to the desired result.

It is the interplay of medium, mixing task, container geometry, agitator, speed, handling and ambient conditions that determines how efficiently and reliably a process works. If you look at individual factors in isolation, you risk unnecessary energy consumption, inadequate mixing quality or avoidable adjustments during operation.

That is why a successful design does not start with the agitator itself, but with the entire application. The better the framework conditions are understood, the easier it is to find a technically and economically viable solution.

Are you planning a new stirring process or would you like to optimize an existing process?

Every application has different requirements in terms of mixing quality, energy input, hygiene, handling or explosion protection. That is why we at PTM not only consider individual components, but the entire mixing task.

Talk to our experts about your application. Together we will find the right solution for your process.

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