Mixing tank

Types of mixing tanks

A mixing tank is a reactor or container used to mix different kinds of materials together. The mixing tanks are sometimes fitted with paddle stirrers which help to mix the materials together. Some mixing tanks also come with steam jackets that are used to heat the materials in the mixing tank. The mixing tank can come in different sizes and is used in various industries including food processing and chemical manufacturing.

There are sometimes custom-made mixing tanks available that can be fitted with any specification required to get the desired results. The mixing tanks are generally made of either stainless steel or carbon steel. However, if a customer wants, the carbon steel can be coated with e-Nok to help improve the durability of the mixing tank.

Based on the methods of mixing materials, mixing tanks can be divided into the following:

• Horizontal mixing tanks: The most prevalent type of mixing tank is the horizontal metal mixing tank. They possess a long body that is broader than their height. They are the ideal choice for mixing products that are solid-liquid or liquid-liquid. Moreover, they are also suitable for mixing kinds of stuff that are relatively difficult to mix up.
• Vertical mixing tanks: A vertical mixing tank comes with its width less than the height. It's more lucrative in terms of space use yet takes a less efficient way of mixing materials, leading to a more even spread in the tank. The vertical mixing tank serves a variety of purposes across industries. It's ideal for creating emulsions, dispersing solids in liquids, homogenizing mixtures, and other specific processing needs.
• Vacuum mixing tanks: A vacuum mixing tank can mix and stir liquids under a vacuum. The tank is fitted with a homogenizer that helps to break down the particles while stirring the liquid under a vacuum. Mixing tanks with a vacuum help to get rid of any air pockets and blowholes, thus improving the quality of the product.
• Stainless steel mixing tanks: The most prevalent type of mixing tank is the horizontal metal mixing tank. They possess a long body that is broader than their height. They are the ideal choice for mixing products that are solid-liquid or liquid-liquid. Moreover, they are also suitable for mixing kinds of stuff that are relatively difficult to mix up.

Specification & maintenance of mixing tanks

Specification

With the various applications and requirements, the specifications of mixing tanks can vary widely. Here are specifications for buyers to consider when purchasing mixing tanks.

• Sizes

  The mixing tank sizes are available in volume from a few liters to thousands of liters. Buyers can determine the sizes of mixing tanks based on their specific needs, such as the batch size, production capacity, and space limitations.

• Materials

  Generally, mixing tanks are made of various materials. Stainless steel is common for food, pharmaceutical, and chemical industries, and glass is suitable for corrosive chemicals or cleaner applications.

• Designs

  Mixing tanks have various designs, including cylindrical, conical, spherical, and more. Buyers can choose the proper design based on the gravity flow, discharge, and space constraints.

• Temperatures

  Depending on applications, mixing tanks can withstand high/low temperatures. For instance, in the food industry, mixing tanks must withstand -20°C to 60°C. Buyers should ensure that mixing tanks are made of proper materials and designed to meet temperature requirements.

• Pressure

  Mixing tanks are usually designed for atmospheric pressure or low/high pressures. For example, atmospheric pressure mixing tanks are suitable for chemical and food industries, while high-pressure mixing tanks are ideal for petrochemical industries.

Maintenance methods

Mixing tanks must be cleaned regularly to ensure products' quality and safety and to prevent contamination and residue buildup. Here are some essential maintenance methods.

• Regular inspection

  Users should check the external and internal parts of mixing tanks and ensure there are no leaks, cracks, or damage. At the same time, the condition of the coatings should also be inspected to ensure that the mixing tanks are not corroded or harmful to products.

• Cleansing and sanitization

  Users need to clean the residue and contaminants from the mixing tanks after each use. In addition, they can use detergent and disinfectant to clean the interior of the tank to ensure its cleanliness and avoid cross-contamination.

• Avoid harsh chemicals

  Mixing tanks are usually made of stainless steel. Therefore, users should choose proper cleaning agents to avoid harsh chemicals that may corrode or damage the tanks.

• Preventing residue buildup

  To avoid residues building up in the mixing tanks, users can choose appropriate cleaning methods and agents based on the products used to ensure the tanks are thoroughly cleaned.

• Regular maintenance

  Users should regularly maintain and repair the equipment parts of mixing tanks, such as motors, pumps, etc., to ensure their proper functioning. In addition, users can also lubricate movable components to ensure their smooth operation.

Scenarios of mixing tanks

Industries that use mixing tanks usually have large-scale production and need to keep the tanks full to meet demand. In some cases, there may be multiple tanks in a single facility. Offered at an affordable industrial mixing tank price, these tanks can be used in the following industries.

• Food and beverage

  Graze, Ranch Dressing, Power Greens, Antioxidant, Cranberry, Ginger, Zing, Live Soda

• Pharmaceuticals

  Processes like fermentation, cell culture, and mixing of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and excipients require mixing tanks.

  Vaccines, Antibiotics, Sterile liquids, Biological products, Hormones, and Enzymes

• Chemicals

  The production of various chemicals, including petrochemicals, specialty chemicals, and agrochemicals, involves using mixing tanks.

  Pesticides, Herbicides, Insecticides, Fertilizers, Plant Growth Regulators, Fungicides

• Cosmetics

  Mixing tanks are used to produce creams, lotions, emulsions, and other cosmetic products.

  Facial Moisturizers, Eye Creams, Night Creams, Anti-Aging Creams, Sunscreen, CC Cream

• Paints and dyes

  Mixing tanks are used to produce paints, coatings, inks, and dyes. The mixing tanks ensure uniform dispersion of pigments, solvents, and additives.

  Enamel, Alkyd, Acrylic, Latex, Watercolors, Acrylic Paints, Oil Paints, Ceramic Paints, Markers

• Petroleum

  Petrochemical companies use large mixing tanks to mix crude oil, natural gas, and other additives during processing and refining.

  Diesel, Kerosene, Unleaded gasoline, Oxygenates, Ethanol, Biodiesel, Synthetic blends

How to choose mixing tanks

Business buyers should choose mixing tanks based on the requirements of their processes. They should gather the following information before searching for industrial mixing tanks.

• Nature of products to mix

  Identify if the products to mix are solid, liquid, or gas. If they are liquid products, determine if they are Newtonian or non-Newtonian viscosity liquids. For example, mixing tanks for vortex oil should have features to handle high-viscosity liquid.

• Ingredients to add during the process

  Consider the addition of ingredients in the mixing process. Some ingredients can be solid, gas, or liquid. If the mixing tank has the addition of solid or gas ingredients, it should have a quality motor to break down solids or an industrial vent to facilitate the entry of gases. For example, a food mixing tank will add solids or powders through the hat, while a fermentation mixing tank will allow air to enter through the straw.

• Frequency of mixing

  When selecting the mixing tank's agitator, consider the frequency of mixing. Some industries like paint and chemicals require frequent mixing. An induction motor with a mechanical speed control feature is ideal for such processes. Using a high-speed motor helps reduce the frequency of mixing.

• Material of the mixing tank

  Choosing a suitable mixing tank material is essential. Most mixing tanks are stainless steel, carbon steel, or mild steel. Certain industries require specific mixing tank materials. For example, the food industry requires stainless steel because it's easy to clean and sanitized.

• Size of mixing tank

  The size of the mixing vessel is determined by the production volume. Mixing tanks with small capacities are ideal for small production but not for large production volumes. Large mixing tanks with a capacity of over 500 gallons are ideal for large production. For large production volumes, the cost per unit goes down.

• Temperature and pressure

  Some mixing processes require high temperatures and high pressure. Buyers need to choose mixing tanks designed to withstand high pressure and temperature. High-pressure valves and high-strength insulation are necessary for such processes.

• Types of mixing tanks

  Industrial mixing tanks come in different shapes. An industrial mixing tank supplier will have several shapes to choose from to meet specific needs. Decide on the shape that works best for the process. For example, round tanks are ideal for uniform mixing.

Mixing tank FAQ

Q1: How to select the proper mixing tank?

A1: Consider product characteristics, flow, temperature, pressure, volume capacity, tank material and size.

Q2: What is the purpose of a mixing tank?

A2: Mixing tanks are industrial containers used to combine or mix various liquids, substances or materials.

Q3: How to determine the amount of liquid in a mixing tank?

A3: For cylindrical vertical tanks, multiply the base area by height. For cylindrical horizontal tanks, it's base area times length. For rectangular tanks, it's length times width times height.

Q4: What are the common sealing methods for mixing tanks?

A4: The common sealing methods for mixing tanks are flat flanges, rubber sealing strips, flared edges and double-layer insulation.