Macro-mixing: overall uniformity of materials in the tank
Micro-mixing: molecular-level contact to promote reactions
Solid suspension: preventing settling of solid particles
Liquid-liquid dispersion: forming emulsions from immiscible liquids
Gas-liquid dispersion: breaking gas into fine bubbles, increasing interfacial area
(3) Heat Transfer
For processes requiring heating or cooling, the tank can be equipped with jackets, coils, or external circulation heat exchangers. The agitator motion enhances contact between the material and heat transfer surfaces, improving heat transfer coefficients and temperature uniformity.
(4) Process Control
Online sensors (temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, pressure, etc.) monitor tank conditions in real time. The control system automatically adjusts agitation speed, heating/cooling medium flow, feed rate, and other parameters to ensure process stability.
(5) Discharge
After completion of reaction or mixing, the material is discharged through the bottom outlet or by pump to the next process step.
Stirred tanks can operate in batch, semi-continuous, or continuous modes, depending on process requirements.
3. Main Types and Classification
Based on shape, agitator type, and application, stirred tanks are classified as follows:
Classification by Tank Shape
Type | Structural Features | Suitable Applications |
Vertical Cylindrical | Straight shell with elliptical/dished/conical heads | Most common, suitable for most applications |
Horizontal Cylindrical | Horizontal orientation, dished ends | Large volume, bottom discharge needed |
Rectangular | Rectangular cross-section | Special processes, atmospheric pressure |
Classification by Agitator Type
Type | Structural Features | Suitable Applications |
Paddle Agitator | Flat or pitched blades, low speed | Low-viscosity mixing, solid suspension |
Turbine Agitator | Straight, curved, or pitched blades, medium-high speed | Liquid-liquid dispersion, gas-liquid dispersion |
Propeller Agitator | Propeller shape, high speed | Low viscosity, high circulation rate |
Anchor/Frame Agitator | Close to wall, low speed | High viscosity, scraping |
Helical Agitator | Spiral ribbon, low speed | High viscosity, pasty materials |
Magnetic Agitator | Non-contact drive | Aseptic, high cleanliness |
Classification by Seal Type
Type | Seal Method | Suitable Applications |
Packing Seal | Packing gland compression | Low pressure, atmospheric, non-toxic media |
Single Mechanical Seal | Rotating seal faces | Medium pressure, general media |
Double Mechanical Seal | With seal fluid circulation | High pressure, toxic, flammable media |
Magnetic Drive Seal | No shaft penetration | High cleanliness, absolute seal |
Classification by Material
Type | Material | Suitable Applications |
Stainless Steel Stirred Tank | 304, 316L | Corrosive media, food, pharmaceutical |
Carbon Steel Stirred Tank | Q235B, Q345R | Non-corrosive media |
Glass-Lined Stirred Tank | Carbon steel + glass lining | Strong acids, bases, metal ion prevention |
Titanium Stirred Tank | Titanium and titanium alloys | Strong corrosion, chloride-containing media |
Plastic Stirred Tank | PP, PVDF | Low pressure, strong corrosion |
4. Main Structure and Materials
4.1 Main Structural Components
Component | Function |
Tank Body | Vertical or horizontal vessel, contains materials, withstands pressure |
Heads | Top/bottom heads (elliptical/dished/conical), seal the tank |
Agitator | Blades (paddle, turbine, anchor, etc.), achieve mixing |
Agitator Shaft | Transmits torque, connects motor to agitator |
Drive Unit | Motor, gearbox, coupling, provides power |
Seal | Packing or mechanical seal, prevents leakage |
Jacket/Coils | Heating or cooling medium channels |
Insulation | Reduces heat loss, prevents burns |
Feed Inlet | Entry point for liquid, solid, or gas materials |
Discharge Outlet | Bottom or side discharge |
Manhole/Handhole | Internal access for maintenance |
Sight Glass | Observes tank interior |
Thermowell | Temperature sensor installation |
Pressure Gauge Port | Pressure gauge installation |
Safety Valve Port | Overpressure protection |
Supports | Supports tank, lug or leg type |
4.2 Common Materials and Selection Criteria
Component | Common Materials | Applications |
Tank Body | 316L stainless steel | Corrosive media, pharmaceutical, food |
Tank Body | Carbon steel + glass-lined | Strong acids, bases |
Tank Body | Titanium | Strong corrosion, chloride |
Agitator | 316L stainless steel, titanium, glass-lined | Corrosion resistance |
Shaft | 316L stainless steel, carbon steel | Corrosion resistance, strength |
Jacket | Carbon steel, stainless steel | Matching tank body |
Seals | PTFE, fluororubber, graphite | Temperature resistance, corrosion resistance |
Insulation Material | Rock wool, aluminum silicate fiber | Thermal insulation |
For pharmaceutical and food industries, all wetted parts shall be 316L stainless steel with mirror-polished surfaces (Ra ≤ 0.4–0.8μm) to meet GMP requirements.
5. Main Technical Parameters
The following table lists typical design and operating parameters for stirred tanks. Actual values are determined by process requirements, material characteristics, and scale.
Parameter | Typical Range | Remarks |
Nominal Volume | 0.05–200 m³ | Single unit |
Design Pressure | -0.1–2.5 MPa | Tank/Jacket independent |
Design Temperature | -40–300 °C | Depends on material |
Agitation Speed | 10–1000 rpm | High for propeller, low for anchor |
Motor Power | 0.25–200 kW | Based on volume and viscosity |
Heat Transfer Area | 0.5–50 m² | Jacket or coils |
Agitator Type | Paddle, turbine, anchor, frame, etc. | Selected by material |
Seal Type | Packing/single/double mechanical/magnetic | By pressure and media |
Material | Carbon steel, stainless steel, glass-lined, titanium | By corrosivity |
Operation Mode | Batch/semi-continuous/continuous | By process |
Typical Specifications Reference
Model | Nominal Volume | Tank Diameter | Tank Height | Agitator Power | Applications |
Small | 50–500 L | DN400–DN800 | 600–1200 mm | 0.55–3 kW | Laboratory, pilot |
Medium | 1–10 m³ | DN1000–DN1800 | 1200–2500 mm | 4–22 kW | Industrial production |
Large | 10–50 m³ | DN2000–DN3200 | 2500–5000 mm | 30–110 kW | Large-scale production |
Extra Large | 50–200 m³ | DN3400–DN4500 | 5000–10000 mm | 132–315 kW | Very large scale |
6. Features and Advantages
Excellent Mixing Performance
By selecting the appropriate agitator type for different material properties, uniform mixing, dispersion, suspension, and emulsification of low- to high-viscosity materials can be achieved, with high mixing uniformity.
High Heat Transfer Efficiency
Jackets or coils combined with forced convection from the agitator significantly improve heat transfer coefficients, ensure uniform temperature distribution, and provide fast heating/cooling rates, suitable for temperature-sensitive reactions.
Flexible Operation
Adjustable agitation speed, controllable feed, discharge, heating, and cooling parameters allow batch, semi-continuous, and continuous operation modes, offering strong adaptability.
Reliable Sealing
Depending on process pressure and media characteristics, packing seals, mechanical seals, or magnetic drive seals can be selected to ensure leak-free operation, suitable for toxic, flammable, and explosive media.
Compact Structure, Easy Maintenance
Vertical design occupies minimal floor space. Manholes/handholes facilitate internal inspection and cleaning. The agitator is removable for easy maintenance.
High Automation
Can be integrated with PLC/DCS control systems for automatic regulation and interlock of temperature, pressure, speed, level, and other parameters, supporting data logging and remote monitoring.
Strong Adaptability
Capable of handling liquid, solid-liquid, gas-liquid, and liquid-liquid systems. Rich material selection (stainless steel, glass-lined, titanium, etc.) adapts to corrosive, high-temperature, aseptic, and other demanding conditions.
Meets Sanitary Standards
Food and pharmaceutical grade stirred tanks feature mirror-polished surfaces and dead-leg-free design, supporting CIP cleaning and SIP sterilization, meeting GMP and FDA requirements.
7. Application Areas
Industry | Typical Applications | Common Material | Agitator Type |
Chemical | Chemical reactions, solvent mixing, polymerization, crystallization | 316L, Glass-lined | Turbine, paddle |
Pharmaceutical | Drug solution preparation, fermentation, reaction, crystallization | 316L | Propeller, magnetic |
Food | Syrup blending, dairy mixing, sauce stirring | 304/316L | Paddle, anchor |
Environmental | Wastewater treatment, chemical preparation, sludge mixing | 316L, Carbon steel | Paddle, turbine |
Coatings | Paint dispersion, pigment mixing, resin dissolution | 316L, Carbon steel | Turbine, paddle |
Metallurgical | Leaching, extraction, slurry agitation | Titanium, Duplex | Turbine, paddle |
New Materials | Nanomaterial dispersion, precursor reaction | 316L | Turbine, magnetic |
8. Safety Accessories and Installation
8.1 Safety Accessories
Accessory | Function | Configuration Requirement |
Safety Valve | Overpressure protection | Mandatory for pressure vessels |
Pressure Gauge | Monitors tank pressure | Mandatory |
Thermometer | Monitors material temperature | Mandatory |
Level Gauge | Monitors liquid level | Recommended |
Sight Glass | Observes tank interior | Recommended |
Emergency Stop Button | Rapid shutdown in emergencies | Mandatory |
Grounding Device | Anti-static | Mandatory for flammable media |
Nitrogen Blanket System | Inert gas during shutdown or reaction | For heat-sensitive, flammable media |
Explosion-Proof Motor | For hazardous areas | Based on explosion rating |
8.2 Installation Requirements
Foundation Requirements
Stirred tank shall be installed on solid concrete foundations with load capacity at least twice the total weight when filled with liquid
Vertical tank verticality deviation ≤ 3 mm/m
Sufficient operating space shall be reserved around the tank
Agitator Installation
Agitator shaft verticality deviation ≤ 0.5 mm/m to ensure smooth rotation
Clearance between agitator and tank bottom/wall shall meet design requirements (anchor/frame: 5–15 mm)
Manual rotation check after installation to ensure no binding
Piping Connections
Feed, discharge, and jacket inlet/outlet lines shall have valves
Avoid stress transmission to the tank body during piping connection
Steam inlet shall have a steam trap
Electrical and Instrumentation
Motors and instrument cables shall meet explosion-proof requirements where applicable
Control system shall provide automatic regulation and interlock of speed, temperature, and pressure
Temperature and level signals shall be integrated into the control system
Insulation and Tracing
High-temperature media piping and equipment shall be insulated
Insulation surface temperature ≤ 50°C to prevent burns
Crystallization-prone media lines shall have tracing
Commissioning and Acceptance
Perform hydrostatic test at 1.5× design pressure for 30 minutes after installation
Conduct no-load trial to check agitator operation for smoothness and abnormal noise
Perform water trial to check sealing, heating/cooling system, discharge system
Conduct load trial to confirm mixing performance and heat transfer before handover
9. Maintenance and Precautions
9.1 Routine Maintenance
Task | Frequency | Description |
Visual Inspection | Daily | Check for leaks, corrosion, abnormal vibration |
Pressure, Temperature | Per shift | Record key parameters, compare with design values |
Seals | Per shift | Check packing or mechanical seal for leakage |
Agitation System | Daily | Check motor current, gearbox oil level, bearing temperature |
Lubrication | Monthly | Lubricate gearbox and bearings |
Cleaning | Per batch or periodically | Clean tank interior, agitator, baffles |
Periodic Inspection | Every 3–6 years | Conduct periodic inspection per pressure vessel codes |
9.2 Common Issues and Troubleshooting
Issue | Possible Causes | Corrective Actions |
Poor Mixing | Wrong agitator type, low speed, material stratification | Replace agitator, increase speed, adjust feed sequence |
High Current | High viscosity, agitator binding, bearing damage | Adjust process, shut down and inspect, replace bearings |
Leakage | Seal wear, loose flange, corrosion perforation | Replace seal, tighten flange, repair |
Temperature Runaway | Temperature control failure, insufficient heat transfer medium | Repair controller, check jacket/coils |
Vibration, Noise | Bent shaft, loose impeller, bearing wear | Straighten shaft, tighten impeller, replace bearings |
Seal Overheating | Packing too tight, dry running of mechanical seal | Adjust packing gland, check seal cooling |
9.3 Safety Precautions
Operational Safety
Operators must be trained and familiar with equipment and procedures
Do not exceed design pressure, temperature, or speed
Confirm agitator rotates freely without binding before startup
Do not open manholes or inspection ports during operation
Maintenance Safety
Depressurize, drain material, and purge with nitrogen (if applicable) before maintenance
Follow confined space entry regulations when entering the tank
Use non-sparking tools in flammable areas
When servicing agitator, disconnect power and lock/tag out
Media Safety
For flammable media, ensure proper grounding and explosion-proof electrical equipment
Wear protective equipment when handling corrosive media
When handling high-temperature media, prevent burns
Emergency Response
In case of leakage, immediately stop material flow and initiate emergency procedures
In case of overpressure, immediately open safety valve to relieve pressure
In case of mechanical failure, perform emergency stop
Periodic Inspection
Pressure vessels shall be periodically inspected per codes
Safety valves and pressure gauges shall be calibrated periodically
Glass-lined tanks shall be regularly inspected for lining integrity
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