FAQ
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions on Agitation and Mixing
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I know which agitator I need for my mixing process?
You don’t need to know — we take responsibility for offering you the right agitator based on: over 50 years of experience, our calculation programs, ANSYS simulation and our pilot plant. At Vak Kimsa we provide a double guarantee on our mixing equipment: mechanical and process.
What is a counter-rotating agitator?
When is the installation of a side-entry agitator recommended?
Side-entry agitators are suitable for simple homogenisation processes and low-viscosity products.
When is the use of baffles necessary?
When working with low- or medium-viscosity products and centrally mounted agitators, two phenomena may occur: the product rotates as a whole and a vortex forms. As a result, neither turbulence nor effective mixing is generated.
The way to prevent these effects is to install baffles inside the tank. For low-viscosity products, another option is to mount the agitator off-centre, avoiding the need for baffles.
Can Vak Kimsa design equipment for sterile or aseptic processes?
We offer agitators with sterile or aseptic designs featuring mechanical seals suited to these working conditions, external couplings to the tank and a 320-grit surface finish plus electropolishing.
How can I carry out a mixing process without incorporating air?
Working under vacuum guarantees 0% air in the mixture. Under atmospheric conditions, an agitator with an appropriate design — large blade diameters and low speeds — minimises air entrainment. Working through an in-line mixer also reduces air incorporation.
When is the installation of an in-line mixer necessary?
For dissolution, dispersion and emulsification processes involving large volumes or difficult-to-mix products.
What are the advantages of an in-line mixer?
Up to 10 advantages can be highlighted over a traditional agitator: no lump formation, minimal air entrainment, lower power consumption than a conventional agitator, batch volume flexibility, a single mixer for production across multiple tanks, ground-level component loading, tanks free of solids adhering to their walls, complete dissolution of hygroscopic solids, low-particle-size dispersions and small droplet-size emulsions.
What are the differences between batch and continuous production?
Batch production with an in-line mixer is carried out using a tank through which the product recirculates. For continuous production, raw materials must be held in stock, dosed directly into the mixer head, and the finished blend exits in the required proportions.
How can I prevent lumps from forming in the mixture?
In-line mixers ensure that no lumps form, as solid and liquid come into contact precisely at the mixing point, drastically reducing production times.
How can I make sure that the mixing process will be successfully carried out?
At Vak Kimsa we base mixing success on 4 pillars: over 50 years of experience, our calculation programs, ANSYS simulation and our pilot plant. At VK we provide a double guarantee on our mixing equipment: mechanical and process.
Can Vak Kimsa supply equipment anywhere in the world?
Positive! Our market is the world. We have equipment in more than 50 countries.
Does Vak Kimsa offer remote technical assistance?
Yes, technology allows remote technical assistance to be provided within 1 to 24 hours, depending on the time difference.