Introduction to the Mixing Forum
This page is the launching point for discussions on
definitions of mixing,
nomenclature, mixing theory,
mixing applications, impeller data,
scale-up, mixing vendors or suppliers,
mixing reps, and hopefully everything you are looking for in industrial fluid mixing. Each of
the cells in the table above links to a specific section of the Mixing Forum. Even the
column headers are links to more detailed discussions of that topic. Click and explore!
The table above separates the world of fluid mixing into 12 categories. The
phase properties of the batch, mixture,
tank contents, media, fluid, or reactants and products (the middle olive green column) is the
main criteria that distinguishes the different mixing subjects. They are further broken
down depending on whether they are considered
physical processes (the blue buttons) or chemical
processes (the purple buttons).
If you are interested in mixing, you are surely aware of the many different processes that
are affected by mixing. In fact just about every reaction needs some kind of mixing. Consider
your process and think of which step is rate limiting, or which one is causing you problems,
or the one you want to optimize. This is your starting point of getting a better understanding
of how mixing affects your process. Each link has two or three applications listed on the
buttons. These are by no means inclusive, just suggestive. If you don't see your application
in the table above, check the phases and then decide if the problem calls for a physical
process or a chemical process. If you don't know or not sure, start with the physical process.
Most of the time when you have solved the physical process the chemical process fixes itself.
Physical Processes
Physical processes take place on the
macro level. This means you can generally see with your eyes how mixing is affecting
your process. The size scale that matters is about 1 mm or larger.
Chemical Processes
Chemical processes take place on the micro level. You
can't see how mixing is affecting your process, but you can usually find a way to measure
the effect with a probe or by doing a chemical analysis. The size scale is about 50 microns
or less.
So what happens between 50 microns and 1000 microns? That's a good question. The answer is
it depends. It is the gray area and either process may be rate limiting. Start looking by
studying the physical process and then the chemical process. The answer will be there.
The buttons in the table above are jumping points to other pages in the Post Mixing Forum
. Click and explore! Instead of waiting until the Mixing Forum
is completely finished before publishing it, this section will always be a work in
progress. You may find some links are not finished yet. If the subject that interests
you the most is not yet here, please use Contact Us and let us know. Your feedback will
be used to steer our completion plans. Updates of this page will be announced in
News.
The above are only some examples of physical and chemical processes which are affected
by mixing. If your example is not shown here:
All of these buttons will soon be linked to examples and services. Stay tuned. When they
are ready, they will be announced in News.
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