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Research & Development
It's no accident that Mixing Solutions has the largest research and testing laboratory in the world. In fact, this has been the case for decades, because at Mixing Solutions, we believe whole-heartedly in the utility of laboratory testing.
And we have used that philosophy to solve customer problems and guarantee full scale success through laboratory tests. Using extensive state-of-the-art Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) software tools, laser-Doppler anemometers, and years of design experience, Mixing Solutions focus is on constant innovation.
Additionally, every test run through the Mixing Solutions lab follows the same 5-step procedure:
1. Maintain Geometric Similarity
Geometric similarity means keeping all geometric ratios constant for small scale tests - impeller tank diameter ration, vessel shape, impeller type and positions. All of the scare-up/scale-down equations are accurate only for geometrically similar systems.
2. Use Actual Customer Samples
It is important to use customer's actual material for testing. It is rare that a fluid has a constant viscosity-shear rate curve, or that solids are perfectly sized. The particular anomalies of real samples are important to obtaining accurate results.
3. Scale-down Speed to Simulate Problem/Opportunity
The crux of Mixing Solutions test technique is scaling down the process to simulate the problem or identify the opportunity for process improvement. If the test pertains to an existing application, we want to simulate its particular process shortcomings. If the test is for a new application, we want to test at a low enough level of agitation to discover what kinds of problems may occur. It is as important to know what can cause process failure as well as what will lead to process success.
4. Scientifically Determine Solution
After establishing a process benchmark, different power and torque levels are employed to achieve optimal results. Different impellers or geometries may be called for as a result of these scientific experiments.
5. Scale-up the Solution so There Are No Surprises in the Field
After achieving a good outcome in the laboratory, the results must then be scaled-up and duplicated at full size. Mixing Solutions has had excellent success with a torque-based scale-up methodology. Not all processes scale-up the same way, but all can be described by the general expression that torque per unit volume is proportional to mixing volume raised to an exponent. This exponent will vary from zero to two-thirds for any mixing process.
By working with you to optimise your processing results, by placing at your disposal our full expertise and laboratory facilities, and by maintaining a comprehensive team of experts, engineers and scientists, Mixing Solutions is able to offer the most effective answers to your fluid mixing questions.
