Principles of Propellers:
Propellers mixers operate on the principle of creating axial and radial flow patterns in liquids.
The propeller blades create a vortex that circulates the liquid, promoting thorough mixing.
Construction:
Propeller Blades: Three or more angled blades mounted on a central shaft.
Drive System: Includes a motor and gearbox to rotate the propeller.
Mounting: Can be mounted on the top, side, or bottom of the mixing vessel.
Mixing Vessel: A container that holds the liquid to be mixed.
Working:
The propeller is submerged in the liquid to be mixed.
When the propeller rotates, it creates a vortex, drawing the liquid from the top and pushing it downward.
This circulation pattern ensures thorough mixing of the liquid throughout the vessel.
Mixing continues until the desired homogeneity is achieved.
Uses:
Chemical Industry: Mixing solutions, suspensions, and emulsions.
Water Treatment: Ensuring uniform distribution of chemicals in water.
Food Industry: Blending beverages, syrups, and other liquid ingredients.
Merits:
Efficient for low to medium viscosity liquids.
Simple design and easy to operate.
Can be used for continuous mixing.
Low energy consumption compared to other mixers.
Demerits:
Not suitable for high-viscosity materials.
Limited shear force, which may be insufficient for certain applications.
Propeller blades can cause foaming in some liquids.