A tank mixing eductor,
also known as a circulating tank eductor or tank liquid agitator, is a device
used to mix liquids in open or enclosed tanks without the need for mechanical
agitators. It works by utilizing the Bernoulli principle to create a low-pressure
zone that draws surrounding liquid into the device and mixes it with a pressurized
motive liquid.
Here's a breakdown of
how a tank mixing eductor functions:
Motive liquid: A
pump forces a liquid (the motive liquid) through a narrow nozzle within the
eductor.
Bernoulli principle: As
the motive liquid travels through the narrow nozzle, its velocity
increases, causing a decrease in pressure according to the Bernoulli
principle. This creates a low-pressure zone around the nozzle outlet.
Suction effect: The
low-pressure zone created by the fast-moving motive liquid sucks surrounding
liquid from the tank into the eductor.
Mixing: The
motive liquid and the sucked-in liquid mix together within the
eductor's venturi chamber.
Discharge: The
mixed liquid is then discharged back into the tank at a higher
velocity, creating a circulation flow within the tank.
Benefits of using tank
mixing eductors:
No moving parts: Unlike
mechanical agitators with moving parts, eductors offer a simpler design and
require minimal maintenance.
Efficient mixing: They
provide effective and thorough mixing throughout the tank volume,
ensuring uniformity in characteristics like temperature, pH, or
solids distribution.
Versatility: Eductors
can handle a variety of liquid viscosities and types, including slurries
and suspensions.
Energy-efficient: They
require less pumping power compared to traditional mechanical mixers,
as they utilize the motive liquid's momentum to draw in and mix additional
liquid.
Non-clogging: Their
design generally makes them resistant to clogging by solid particles.
Applications of tank
mixing eductors:
Dissolving powders: Mixing
powdered materials into liquids to create solutions or suspensions.
Blending liquids: Combining
different liquids to achieve a desired mixture or uniformity.
Maintaining uniform
properties: Ensuring consistent temperature, pH, or solids distribution
throughout the tank volume.
Agitation in large
tanks: Providing efficient mixing in large tanks where mechanical
agitators might be impractical or expensive.
Mixing viscous
liquids: Handling liquids with high viscosities that are challenging for
traditional mixing methods.
Overall, tank mixing
eductors offer a reliable and efficient solution for mixing liquids in various
industrial applications, particularly when simplicity, energy efficiency, and
versatility are desired.
