An agitator is a machine that is used in a tank to mix different types of process media. All liquids, gases, and solids are considered media (such as salts, powders, granules etc).
In a nutshell, it works by transferring energy to the medium that interact and mix by rotating an impeller. The motor and gearbox, shaft, and impellers suited for the job make up an agitator in general.
Magnetic drive agitator impellers are powered by magnets rather than a shaft. Under hermetic conditions, the impeller can rotate without a shaft. Because there is no mechanical seal, there is no chance of product contamination, hence magnetic agitators can be used for operations with particularly stringent aseptic standards or for chemical or biologically harmful media.
Mag drive application
When solids or liquids are put to the magnetic agitator's vortex, they are transmitted directly to the rotor.
The rotor converts the medium's axial movement into a radial acceleration from the rotor's centre towards the vessel's wall.
The added medium is evenly distributed, ensuring that the entire amount is thoroughly mixed.
It is strongly recommended that the agitator be assembled in an eccentric position to reduce vortex and prevent the need of deflectors.
Look for the following features in a Mag Drive Agitator:
- It must be built to be easy to clean and sterilise (CIP and SIP).
- Make sure there is no magnetic coupling and no leakage.
- Particle creation is extremely low.
- It should be installed from the bottom.
- Look for any suspensions.
- Rotor that can be autoclaved.
What is a magnetic agitator and how does it work?
A magnetic stirrer is made out of a magnetic bar that is inserted into the liquid and stirs it. Another revolving magnet or assembly of electromagnets in the stirrer mechanism, beneath the liquid-filled vessel, drives the stir bar's motion.
The Magnetic Stirrer is an excellent tool for repairing mechanical seals.
Magnetic Stirrer Applications and Limitations
In chemistry and biology, magnetic stirrers are frequently used to stir hermetically closed vessels or systems without the use of complicated rotational seals.
They're favoured over gear-driven motorised stirrers since they're quieter, more efficient, and don't have any moving components that could fail or wear out (other than the simple bar magnet itself).
Because glass has little effect on a magnetic field, magnetic stir bars operate well in glass jars often employed for chemical processes.
Magnetic stirrers can only be used for small experiments of 4 litres or less due to the limiting size of the bar. Stir bars have a hard time handling viscous liquids or thick suspensions. Mechanical stirring (e.g., an overhead stirrer) is usually required for higher quantities or more viscous liquids.
What are the different pieces or components that make up an agitator?
An agitator is made up of three basic parts: a shaft with impellers, a mechanical seal, and a motor with the option of a gearbox for lower RPM applications.
In the water industry, the agitator is attached to the vessel or supported by a bridge. Depending on the duty, the mechanical seal offers a variety of alternatives, including single/double mechanical seals, dry or wet mechanical seals, and gas lift off mechanical seals.
The impellers for mixing are welded or bolted onto an agitator shaft, which is coupled to the driving unit (motor and gearbox). There are magnetically driven units that have a hermetic seal rather than a mechanical seal.
Final Thoughts:
So, that was all about magnetic drive agitator.
Mechanical and material appropriateness for product can vary depending on the customer's industrial sector.
Author’s Bio:
Mehul is an eminent content writer who is well versed in drafting content that is related to agitators.
Not only this, but he has a good number of experiences in writing content about different types agitators and its uses.
