Mixing a water-like liquid is a different job from blending a thick adhesive or re-suspending settled paint. Choosing the right tote mixer starts with understanding how your product flows.
Viscosity describes a liquid’s resistance to flow. It helps determine the motor power, torque, operating speed and impeller arrangement needed for effective mixing.
How Does Your Product Behave?
Some liquids, including water and many oils, have a relatively constant viscosity at a given temperature. These are known as Newtonian fluids.
Other products change consistency during mixing. Many paints, inks and adhesives become less viscous as mixing intensity increases—a behavior called shear-thinning.
Some products also become progressively thinner during continued mixing and thicken again when left standing. This is known as thixotropic behavior. For these materials, getting the product moving after storage can require more torque than keeping it moving once mixed.
Temperature matters too. Most liquids become thicker when cold, so equipment selected only for warm operating conditions may struggle during startup.
Matching the Mixer to the Duty
US Mixers’ LBC tote mixers use a gear drive to provide high torque at low operating speeds. Their folding impellers allow mixing directly inside the tote through its standard 6-inch opening.
The appropriate motor size and impeller configuration depend on the product and the task. Some applications benefit from two impellers to improve circulation throughout the container.
Tell Us What You Are Mixing
For a recommendation, send us:
- Product viscosity and the temperature at which it was measured.
- Specific gravity and any solids or settling characteristics.
- Tote size and normal working volume.
- Whether you need to blend ingredients, maintain suspension or re-mix settled product.
Not sure of the viscosity? Tell us about the product and how it behaves. Our team can help identify the information needed to select a suitable mixer — get in touch.