Top-entering mixer

Top entering mixers are heavy duty equipment. They are usually fixed to a rigid structure or tank mounting. Either radial flow or axial flow turbines may be used. Speeds vary from 50 to 100 rpm and usually require a double set of helical gearing or a single set of worm gears to achieve these low speeds. Therefore, they are more expensive than single reduction mixers. 

Standard Geometry describes a vessel and mixer design based on a fluid depth equal to vessel diameter and a top-entering impeller having a diameter equal to 1/3 of vessel diameter and located with a clearance of 1/3 of vessel diameter above the bottom of the vessel. 

Top Entering describes a mixer design which has a vertical shaft entering through the top of a mixing vessel. 

The top entering mixer units are better for producing flow at constant power than the side entering units [29]. The radial flow impellers require more horsepower when compared to the marine impellers. 

Side entering mixers (usually propellers) as shown in Figure 5-23G are placed 18-24 inches above a flat tank floor with the shaft horizontal, and at a 10° horizontal angle with a vertical plane through the tank centerline. This equipment is used for fluids up to 500 centipoise [21]. For fluids from 500-5000 c.p., the mixer is usually top entering. 

Propeller/paddle mixers are used to blend or agitate liquid mixtures in tanks, pipelines, or vessels. Figure 38.1 illustrates a typical top-entering propeller/paddle mixer. This unit consists of an electric motor, a mounting bracket, an extended shaft, and one or more impeller(s) or pro-peller(s). Materials of construction range from bronze to stainless steel, which are selected based on the particular requirements of the application. 

Installation of propeller-type mixers varies greatly, depending on the specific application. Top-entering mixers utilize either a clamp- or flange-type mounting. It is important that the mixer be installed so the propeller or paddle placement is at a point within the tank, vessel, or piping that assures proper mixing. Vendor recommendations found in O M manuals should be followed to ensure proper operation of the mixer. 

Table V gives a typical values for estimation purposes of blending horsepower required for various low-and medium viscosity situations. Mixers may be either top entering or side entering. Again, a side-entering mixer requires more power and less capital dollars, and this must be evaluated in looking at practical equipment. Side-entering mixers have a stuffing box or mechanical seal and are limited for use on materials that are naturally lubricating, noncorrosive, or nonabrasive.

Three types of impellers are commonly used in the low viscosity region, propellers, Fig. 1 turbines. Fig. 2 and axial flow turbines. Fig. 3. Impellers used on small portable mixers shown in Fig. 4, are oflen inclined at an angle as well as being off-center to give a good top-to-bottom flow pattern in the system. Fig. 5. Large top-entering drives usually use either the axial flow turbine or the radial flow flat blade turbine. For aerobic fermentation, the radial flow disc turbine is most common and is illustrated in Fig. 6. 

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