Agitator Types in Stirred Tank Reactors: Anchor, Paddle, Turbine, Propeller and Their Applications

The agitator is the center of the effective stir tank reactor (STR). It is well known that the decision to select the appropriate type of impeller is a decision of critical process issues that directly affect mixing efficiency, heat transfer, reaction yield, and total productivity. Which, as we observe it, being an important supplier of integrated reactor, the Series of Reactor designed by YHCHEM provides us with a complete series of agitator designs, each is also designed to suit particular process requirements in a variety of industries, such as biopharmaceuticals, new energy, and petrochemicals. We are sure that knowing of the advantages and uses of each type is the way to optimize your operation.

Anchor and Paddle Agitators: Experts of Viscous Fluids.

The high viscosity and non-Newtonian fluid mixing is the trend of anchor and paddle agitators as horses of work. We observe that they are characterized by the proximity to the vessel wall.

The anchor agitators are seen to form to suit the curvature of the tank. It might be known that this prevents stagnation and foulings, and provides a great deal of heat transfer via the jacket the important quality of a temperature sensitive process, such as polymerizations, or candy manufacturing. YHCHEM uses this design where the products are viscous such that applications that demand homogenous bulk mixing and efficient heat exchange.

We see the use of paddle agitators, with their plain, flat blades, which are two-thirds as effective in Shear and best used in the blending of low viscosity liquids, or in keeping solids in suspension. We believe that their durable design makes them a good option in simple mixing tasks within the food processing and adhesives companies. We observe that YHCHEM incorporates those agitators into systems whereby mild and yet effective mixing is the highest priority.

Turbine Agitators: the All Round High-Performance Agitators.

One of the most popular agitators, which we deem to be quite versatile is the turbine agitators. We are aware of the fact that they are defined by several blades being placed radially on a central axis, where they create high shear rates, and radical fluid flow is intense.

We point out their main advantage: these are very good at disperging gas bubbles and developing a powerful pumping effect, and are suitable both in gas-liquid dispersion, i.e. fermentation or hydrogenation, and in liquid-liquid emulsification.

We are witness to the fact that with its vast Reactor Series, YHCHEM frequently uses turbulent agitators when forced to accomplish chemical syntheses in petrochemicals and so-called state-of-the-art material production. We know that by design, they promote a fast mass transfer and homogenous mixing, which is needed because of uniform product quality and scalable reactions. We equally observe that the ability is further advanced in combination with YHCHEM series of Temperature Control to combat exothermic reactions.

Propeller Agitators: The Monarchs of the Axial Flow and Circulation.

We are familiar with propeller agitators which work, similar to marine propellers, with a vigorous pattern of axial, top-to-bottom flow. We understand that such design is ideal in low medium viscosity liquids.

Their main use, which we observe, is that of perfect mixing of miscible liquids, a constant suspension of solids, and good general circulation of large tanks. We think their high-flow, low-shear property is ideal in cases where light mixing is required to eliminate degradation and damage of particles or cells.

We find that YHCHEM implements the use of propeller agitators in operations utilized in the bio-pharmaceutical and environmental protection industries like large fermentation broth tanks or wastewater treatment tanks. We know that their effectiveness in designing a continuous, circulating movement makes sure that the same conditions prevail all over the vessel, which is a very important aspect of the reliability and yield of the process.

The Engine that best fits your Process: doesn’t the Right Agitator?

We have known that the agitator option of choice is determined by fluid characteristics like viscosity and density, process requirements like dispersion or suspension or heat transfer, and required levels of shear. We are adamant about the non-one-size-fits-all solution.

As far as we are concerned, since the soft action of an anchor, up to the stern of a turbine, each form of agitator has its object. We felt collaborating with such a professional, as YHCHEM, who already has more than 10,000 installed systems worldwide, is sure to make you not only an impeller, but a carefully designed part of a high-performance, dependable reactor system that will work to make your industry successful.