Mixing types of liquids

The main types of fluid mixing are divided into three methods: mechanical, pneumatic and circulation. Currently, the most common and effective mixing method is mechanical. This method of mixing implies the direct action of the device (mixer) on the liquid medium.

The primary factor affecting mixing quality is the type of fluid flow. In turn, the type of flow depends on the shape and size of the mixing device (mixer), the number of revolutions, and also on the power of the mixer drive. Two forms of motion (flow) are possible in a liquid: laminar motion and turbulent.
Laminar flow is a flow in which fluids move in layers without mixing.
The transition from the laminar to the turbulent type is observed when a certain fluid velocity is reached. Turbulent flow is a fluid flow accompanied by intense mixing.

Depending on the shape of the mixer, turbulent motion is divided into: tangential, radial, axial (axial) and mixed.

1. Tangential mixing -Provides good heat transfer and gentle mixing of the product with minimum turbulence values. It is used when mixing medium to high viscosity liquids at low and medium speeds.
2. Axial (axial) mixing - Creates an axial flow that moves fluid from the bottom to the top, or from top to bottom depending on the direction of the blade. It is used when mixing medium and low viscosity liquids at medium and high speeds.
   
3. Radial mixing - Creates high turbulence and shear of particles which results in crushing of materials. It is used when mixing medium and low viscosity liquids at high speeds.