How to Choose the Right Agitator for a Reactor

The agitator is the “heart” of a reactor. Choosing the wrong impeller type may lead to uneven mixing, slow reaction, material sticking to the vessel wall or settling at the bottom, and excessive energy consumption.

This guide simplifies the selection process by matching impeller types with viscosity, process requirements, and material characteristics—making it easier to choose the right agitator with confidence.

1. 7 Common Agitator Types Used by Yuanhuai

1. Paddle Agitator
Suitable for basic mixing, low-viscosity materials, and fast convection.

2. Turbine Agitator
Provides strong shear force and is ideal for dispersion, emulsification, and gas-liquid mixing.

3. Anchor Agitator
Designed for wall scraping and anti-sticking performance. Suitable for high-viscosity materials and helps improve heat transfer along the vessel wall.

4. Frame Agitator
Creates large-area circulation and is suitable for medium- to high-viscosity materials, offering good suspension stability.

5. Ribbon Agitator
Provides strong lifting and convection effects. Designed for extremely high-viscosity and paste-like materials.

6. Spiral Agitator
Generates axial conveying flow and is suitable for mixing granules and powder materials.

7. Scraper Agitator
Offers strong wall-scraping performance and is preferred for materials that crystallize easily or tend to stick to the vessel wall.

More agitator styles can be customized. Feel free to leave us a message for more details.

2. Selection by Material Viscosity

Low-Viscosity Liquids

Examples: water-like liquids, thin solvents
Recommended types: Propeller agitator, paddle agitator, turbine agitator

Features:
Small diameter, high speed, strong circulation, and fast mixing.

Medium- to High-Viscosity Liquids

Examples: syrup-like liquids, colloids
Recommended types: Anchor agitator, frame agitator

Features:
Large diameter and low speed, helping prevent wall sticking and improve heat transfer uniformity.

Extremely High-Viscosity Materials

Examples: pastes, gels
Recommended types: Ribbon agitator, spiral agitator

Features:
Strong axial flow, dead-zone-free mixing, reduced bottom settling, and less material adhesion to the wall.

3. Selection by Mixing Purpose

Fast mixing of low-viscosity homogeneous liquids:
Propeller agitator ＞ Turbine agitator ＞ Paddle agitator

Dispersion of immiscible liquids or gas-liquid mixing:
Turbine agitator ＞ Propeller agitator ＞ Paddle agitator

Suspension of solid particles:
Frame agitator, ribbon agitator, spiral agitator

Materials prone to sticking or crystallization:
Anchor agitator, scraper agitator
These provide forced wall scraping to prevent material buildup.

Distillation, concentration, and gentle reactions:
Paddle agitator, anchor agitator
These provide low-shear mixing and help prevent splashing.

4.Key Points for Agitator System Configuration

5. Quick Tips for Agitator Selection

For low-viscosity materials, choose fast-running paddle or propeller agitators.
For high-viscosity materials, choose slow-running anchor or frame agitators.
For dispersion and emulsification, choose a turbine agitator.
For powders and granules, choose a spiral agitator.
For sticky or crystallizing materials, choose a scraper agitator.
For dead-zone-free mixing, choose a ribbon agitator.

The higher the viscosity, the lower the mixing speed should be.
The higher the operating pressure, the stronger the sealing system should be.