Side entry mixer FAQ

A side entry mixer, also called a side entry agitator, is a propeller mixer mounted through a nozzle in the side wall of a tank, near the bottom. The drive is outside the tank. The propeller throws a jet across the floor that circulates the whole tank contents.

Choose a side entry mixer for large tanks whose diameter is about equal to or greater than the liquid height, such as storage tanks, stock chests and digesters, and where you want no load on the roof and maintenance from the ground. Top entry agitators suit tall tanks, reactors and high-viscosity duties. See how a side entry mixer works for a comparison.

An impeller (hydrofoil or propeller), a short overhung shaft, a bearing housing, a mechanical seal, a drive (gearbox or single-stage V-belt), a motor and a mounting flange that bolts to the tank nozzle.

Motor ratings of 2.2, 3.7, 5.5, 7.5, 11, 15, 18.5, 22, 30 and 37 kW, with a mixer shaft speed of 280 or 450 rpm. See the range and specifications.

A gear drive is compact, enclosed and preferred for severe duty, and it is the only option for dairy, pulp and paper, and distillery service. A single-stage V-belt drive is available for oil & gas, FGD, edible oil, water and biogas duties. We recommend one with the offer.

No. Every unit is engineered and made to order for the tank and duty, so there is no ex-stock range.

Mainly the tank diameter, the duty and the product decide this. Small tanks often need one unit. Large crude oil tanks and digesters commonly use two to four, grouped on one side of the shell. We work it out from your data.

Tank diameter and height (or chest dimensions), normal and minimum liquid level, product, specific gravity, viscosity at operating temperature, solids or pulp consistency, temperature, pressure, hazardous area classification, and what the mixer has to achieve. The quote form asks for all of these.

From the duty and the product. Blending and sludge control in oil tanks, consistency control in stock chests, and solids suspension in slurries each follow different sizing rules. The same tank can need very different power for different duties.

On round tanks the mixer is aimed a few degrees off the tank centre. The jet then sets up a rotation of the whole tank as well as sweeping the floor, which mixes faster and leaves fewer dead zones.

A mechanical seal, because the seal sits below the liquid level. FMT fits a single mechanical seal as standard, and offers a double mechanical seal for oil & gas and FGD service where an extra barrier against leakage is needed.

Yes. It needs a flanged nozzle on the lower shell. If there is none, one can be added during a planned shutdown. We supply the nozzle size, rating, elevation and orientation.

Routine checks of belt tension, bearing lubrication and the seal, all done from the ground outside the tank. Seal and bearing life depend on the duty and on running hours. We recommend spares with each offer.

Motor rating, gear or belt drive, single or double seal, wetted materials (SS 304, SS 316 or duplex), and whether a flameproof motor is needed. All units are made to order, so send us your tank details for a price.

Yes. We supply from Pune and can export. Tell us the destination and any standards your project follows.

Fluid Mixing Technologies (FMT), an agitator and mixing equipment manufacturer in Pune, Maharashtra. See fluidmixtech.com for our full range.