Calculation of time needed to mix liquids

Calculation for pitch blade impellers

1. STEP 1 : calculate the Reynolds number

2. STEP 2 : calculate the dimensionless blend time
3. STEP 3 : Calculate the mixing time required
4. STEP by STEP example : blending time requirement calculation
5. Free Excel calculation tool for time required for uniform blending calculation
This page is explaining step by step how to calculate the time required for a pitch blade agitator

Introduction
Tanks holding liquid are often equipped with an agitator. The agitator is often used to homogeniz
One of the key design parameter to calculate when implementing such an agitator is the time r

WARNING : the calculation is only an estimation, for miscible liquids, and for a specific type of im
however it is not giving assurance that the agitation in the tank will be adequate, further calculations or

1. STEP 1 : calculate the Reynolds number

The Reynolds number for an agitator can be calculated with the following formula :

NRe = D2.N.ρ / μ

With :

NRe = impeller Reynolds number (-)

D = impeller diameter (m)
N = agitator speed (r/s)
ρ = liquid density (kg/m3)
μ = liquid viscosity (Pa.s)

2. STEP 2 : calculate the dimensionless blend time

The Reynolds number allows to calculate a dimensionless blend time by using an abacus.
The graph for pitch blade impellers is give below :
Graph 1 : dimensionless blend time as a function of NRe = D2.N.ρ/μ

This graph is valid for pitched blades impellers, if another impeller is used, another graph should

The dimensionless blend time is defined with the following equation :

dimensionless blend time = tb.N.(D/T)2.3

With :
tb = Blend time (s)
D = impeller diameter (m)
N = agitator speed (r/s)
T = tank diameter (m)

3. STEP 3 : Calculate the mixing time requi

Now that the value of the dimensionless blend time is known, it is possible to go back to the defi
of the dimensionless blend time to calculate the required power :

dimensionless blend time = tb.N.(D/T)2.3

tb = dimensionless blend time / (N.(D/T)2.3)

With :
Dimensionless blend time as read on the graph above
tb = Blend time (s)
D = impeller diameter (m)
N = agitator speed (r/s)
T = tank diameter (m)

4. STEP by STEP example : blending time requirement calcula

A mixing is done in a tank of diameter 2 m with an agitator of diameter 0.5 m.
The impeller is a pitched blade turbine rotating at 50 rpm.
The liquid mixture has a density of 1100 kg/m3 and a viscosity of 0.4 Pa.s.
One component is added quickly to the mixture for an acid-base reaction, which is a fast reaction.
How long should we plan to mix for a uniform blending ?

D = impeller diameter = 0.5 m

N = agitator speed = 50 rpm
ρ = liquid density = 1100 kg/m3
μ = liquid viscosity = 0.4 Pa.s
T = tank diameter = 2 m

Step 1 : Calculate the Reynolds number

The Reynolds number can be calculated as :

NRe = D2.N.ρ / μ = 0.52*(50/60)*1100/0.4 = 573

Step 2 : Calculate the dimensionless blend time

The dimensionless blend time can be calculated thanks to the graph 1, by using the Reynolds nu

The dimensionless blend time is 40.

Step 3 : Calculate the required blend time

From the definition of the blend time :

tb = dimensionless blend time / (N.(D/T)2.3) = 40 / (50*(0.5/2)2.3) = 524 s

A margin should be taken in practice, the responsibility of the tank operator, typically 2 times this
duration or more, which should be validated through actual trials.
ed for a pitch blade agitator to homogenize a liquid mixture.

r is often used to homogenize different liquid.

ch an agitator is the time required to reach a uniform blending.

and for a specific type of impeller,

quate, further calculations or further date for other types of agitators are required.

wing formula :

nd time
e by using an abacus.
 used, another graph should be established.

ng time required
ssible to go back to the definition
equirement calculation

which is a fast reaction.

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perator, typically 2 times this