Tank Mixing Eductors

Tank Mixing Eductors provide an effective way to mix liquids in open or enclosed tanks. They produce an intimate mixing action between the components of a liquid, while keeping the contents of the tank in constant motion. In many cases they produce a mixing action that cannot be duplicated using mechanical methods. Tank eductors can handle a variety of viscosities and types of liquids, including slurries and suspensions. Their thorough mixing action makes them especially useful for maintaining uniform liquid characteristics throughout the tank contents , such as temperature, pH , or solids distribution. The tank eductor is also used to prevent separation of non-mixable liquids or stratification of liquids having different specific gravities. Tank mixing eductors offer low initial cost, lightweight and easy installation. They are inherently non-clogging and with no moving parts, require little or no maintenance . Tank eductors allow the use of a smaller recirculating pump than normally would be needed to move a given volume of liquid. This saves energy while providing more effective mixing and circulation. They are available in materials to suit a variety of applications in food, chemical, refining and other process industries.  related: see plastic tank eductors

Tank mixing eductors are devices used to mix liquids in tanks without the use of moving parts. They work by using a high-velocity stream of fluid to create a low-pressure zone, which draws in surrounding fluid. This mixing action is very effective at creating a uniform mixture, even in difficult applications such as mixing slurries and suspensions.

Tank mixing eductors are typically used in a variety of industries, including:

• Chemical processing
• Food and beverage processing
• Mining and mineral processing
• Oil and gas
• Pulp and paper
• Wastewater treatment

Some of the benefits of using tank mixing eductors include:

• Low initial cost and maintenance requirements
• Ability to handle a variety of viscosities and types of liquids
• Gentle mixing action that preserves product integrity
• No moving parts, so there is no risk of contamination or explosion

Tank mixing eductors are typically installed in the bottom of a tank and connected to a recirculating pump. The pump provides the motive fluid for the eductor, which is typically water or another low-cost fluid. The eductor then creates a high-velocity stream of fluid that draws in surrounding liquid from the tank. The mixed fluid is then discharged back into the tank, creating a continuous mixing loop.

The size and type of tank mixing eductor required for a particular application will depend on a number of factors, including the tank size, the type of liquids being mixed, and the desired mixing performance. It is important to consult with a qualified engineer to select the right eductor for your specific needs.

Here are some examples of how tank mixing eductors are used in different industries:

• In the chemical processing industry, tank mixing eductors are used to mix a variety of chemicals, including acids, bases, and solvents. They are also used to mix slurries and suspensions, such as titanium dioxide slurry and paint pigments.
• In the food and beverage processing industry, tank mixing eductors are used to mix a variety of food products, such as liquid ingredients for baked goods, juices, and sauces. They are also used to mix cleaning and sanitizing solutions.
• In the mining and mineral processing industry, tank mixing eductors are used to mix slurries of ore and water. They are also used to mix chemicals and water to create flotation slurries.
• In the oil and gas industry, tank mixing eductors are used to mix drilling muds and other fluids used in oil and gas exploration and production.
• In the pulp and paper industry, tank mixing eductors are used to mix pulp and water, as well as other chemicals used in the papermaking process.
• In the wastewater treatment industry, tank mixing eductors are used to mix wastewater with chemicals to remove pollutants.

Tank mixing eductors are a versatile and effective solution for mixing liquids in a variety of industries. They are low-cost, easy to maintain, and can handle a wide range of viscosities and types of liquids.

Turnover rate

The rate at which fluid in the tank must be completely turned over will determine the overall capacity of the tank eductors needed. When the inlet pressure supplied to the tank eductor is within a range of 20 to 70 PSI (133 to 483 kPa) , 3-5 gallons of tank contents can be mixed for every gallon of operating fluid passing through the tank eductor . That is, the volume of fluid discharged from the tank eductor will be four times greater than the volume of operating fluid entering the circulating tank eductor inlet. The ratio of tank contents that can be mixed for each gallon of operating fluid will be approximately 2.6:1 for pressures outside the 20 to 70 PSI (1 38 t o 483 kPa) range, listed in the capacity chart. Fluid viscosity In fluids such as water or mineral oil (Newtonian fluids), the length of the tank eductor discharge plume increases proportionally with increased operating fluid pressure . Flow will b e evident one foot away from the tank eductor discharge for every 1 PSI of pressure drop across the nozzle (or one meter away for every 23 kPa pressure drop).

An approximation of the discharge plume length can be obtained by substituting operating fluid pressure for 6. P in the above relationships. In some fluids (dilatent), the length of the discharge plume decreases as the operating fluid pressure is increased. In still other fluids ( thixotropic), very little flow will be evident at the circulating tank eductor discharge until the operating fluid pressure is increased beyond a critical value, after which lo increases rapidly. If necessary, contact us when dealing with such fluids.

Tank shape and size
Tank shape and size influence the placement and number of circulating tank eductors required to assure even agitation of the entire volume of fluid. A spherical tank with a single circulating tank eductor mounted as shown in the illustration makes the best use of the mixing and flow characteristics of the circulating tank eductor. With no corners to impede fluid flow, the fluid circulates evenly and naturally. A single circulating tank eductor will often be sufficient to circulate the entire tank contents. The angular intersection of surfaces in cylindrical , square or rectangular tanks can interrupt fluid flow patterns and cause fluid stagnation in these areas. A single circulating tank eductor, mounted as shown in the illustration, will tend to minimize this effect . However, multiple circulating tank eductors can often produce more efficient mixing when using these tank shapes.

Long, narrow tanks such as tank trucks or railroad cars, normally require multiple circulating tank eductors when the ratio of their length to diameter is greater than 2:1. This applies to horizontal or vertical tanks and for any shape of tank cross section.

Larger tanks of any shape may require multiple circulating tank eductors to maintain agitation in all parts of the tank.

NCI Tank Eductor Performance Table - Model TLM