The basic types of mechanical agitators are:
Paddle Agitators
This is one of the most primary
types of agitators with blades that reach up to the tank walls. Paddle
agitators are used where an uniform laminar flow of liquids is desired.
Anchor Agitators
This simple agitator consists
of a shaft and an anchor type propeller and can be mounted centrally or at an
angle. It is mainly used in reactors.
Radial Propeller Agitators
Radial agitators consist of
propellers that are similar to marine propellers. They consist of two to four
blades that move in a screw like motion, propelling the material to be agitated
parallel to the shaft.
Propeller Agitators
A propeller agitator is shaped
with blades tapering towards the shaft to minimize centrifugal force and
produce maximum axial flow. Propeller agitators are popular for simple mixing
jobs.
Turbine Agitators
Turbine agitators can create a turbulent
movement of the fluids due to the combination of centrifugal and rotational
motion.
Helical Agitators
These agitators have blades with a twisted
mechanism, just like the threads of a screw. The curves result in a vigorous
motion of the fluids to be agitated. Helical agitators are most useful for
mixing viscous liquids.
Choosing an agitator depends upon the specific gravity and viscosity of the products to be mixed.
Choosing an agitator depends upon the specific gravity and viscosity of the products to be mixed.