Mixers and Agitators

What is the difference between a Mixer and an Agitator?

The purpose of a mixer is to rapidly blend two or more components which may be liquid/solid or liquid/liquid and are often difficult to combine.

Products may be dilutions, pastes, creams, emulsions or suspensions.

An agitator is generally designed to maintain equilibrium and homogeneity in an existing mixture, suspension or emulsion. A common application would be storage of bulk product prior to packaging or further processing.

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Propeller Mixer

Dry Running Ultra Hygenic Mechanical Seal Pharma Grade

Dry Running Ultra Hygenic Mechanical Seal (Pharma Grade)

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Key features and benefits:

  • Suitable for a wide variety of applications
  • Side entry mixer options for storage tanks
  • Energy and cost efficient
  • Easy to clean
  • Low wear, low maintenance
  • Highly reliable
  • ATEX variants to Zone 0 & Zone 20
  • Abrasive and corrosive resistant options
  • High pressure & vacuum shaft sealing options
Elevating Batch

Elevating Mobile Batch Mixer

Shaft sealing options

Shaft seal selection is a critical factor in specifying any mixing system. Greaves offers a comprehensive range of high performing seal options to meet the most demanding process requirements.

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Mixers & Agitators FAQ’s

A mixer is designed and manufactured to blend at least two components together. An agitator is usually designed and manufactured to maintain consistency of a pre-mixed batch of product – i.e. to prevent a change to its consistency, temperature or performance.

Usually by axial flow. Axial flow is the common method to circulate material within a vessel. Typically circulating material in a flow pattern from the base, up the vessel walls and back down the central axial impeller. For low to medium viscosities, baffles may be used or in some instances off-centre is often preferred. Our team will be pleased to advise which method is most appropriate for your application. Download here for further info:
  • Greaves have a wealth of knowledge in shaft seals for hygienic applications, high pressure/temperature applications and high-speed applications. Options include:-
    • Lip seals.
    • mechanical seals (single or double acting).
    • Liquid or gas lubricated and dry running options are available.
Each Greaves Mixer or Agitator is designed and calculated for a specific range of applications. This approach maximises efficiency, minimising process time and energy consumption. When visiting new customers we often find they experience problems with mixers and agitators that are underpowered – which causes excessive process times and variable results. We also sadly see too many instances where poor design results in deformed shafts and impeller blades. To avoid these issues, get in touch with our mixing experts.
Since 1922, so over 100 years! We have produced over 43,000 mixing systems to date.