Blending Tanks
A blending tank is a tank used for mixing a variety of liquid materials together. It typically consists of an outer vessel (also known as a jacket), an inner vessel, and a bottom agitation system, such as an agitator, impeller, or scraper blade. These tanks are widely used in a variety of industries and processes, from pharmaceuticals to chemicals to food and beverages, to improve the consistency of their products.
Blending tanks have several fundamental components. The inner vessel, also referred to as the tank or body, is where the actual mixing and blending of materials takes place. It is generally constructed of stainless steel and, depending on the process and driving forces, can be cylindrical or conical in shape. The outer jacket or jacketed vessel surrounds it and is used to keep the materials at a consistent temperature and pressure during the process (pressure can range from 50 to 300 psi). It includes heating or chilling components and insulation to help maintain the temperature.
At the bottom of the tank is a drive system that is used to rotate the blender shaft and mix the materials in the tank. The type of drive system varies based on the product being processed and the tanks size. It can be driven by air, electric motors, electric gear motors, or steam. The agitator is the component that actually rotates the tank and can include impellers, scraper blades; high-speed mixers, eductors, propellers, helixes, and propellers. This component is critical for achieving the desired consistency.
The choice of engineering material for the blending tank and its components wear resistance, corrosion resistance, and non-toxicity are all critical considerations when choosing a blending tank. It is important that the tank and its components do not react with the materials being processed. Steel, glass, and plastics are all commonly used materials for blending tanks and their components.
Finally, the temperature of the materials to be blended must be taken into consideration. Temperature control systems, such as steam jacketing or cooling and heating jackets, can be used to maintain a consistent temperature in the blending tank.
Blending tanks are an essential component of many industrial processes, from chemicals and pharmaceuticals to food and beverages. Choosing the right type of tank and specific components is critical for achieving the desired consistency.
