Industrial applications involve the mixing of solids to solids such as free-flowing solids to pasty materials, solids to liquids, and solids to gas, liquids to liquids, and liquids to gas.
Difference Between Solid and Liquid Mixing
|
Liquid
Mixing |
Solid Mixing
|
|
(i)
Fluid mixing is generally associated with liquid-liquid mixing and liquid-gas
mixing.
|
(i)
Mixing of solids to some extent resembles the mixing of low-viscosity
liquids. |
|
(ii) Liquid mixing depends on the
creation of flow currents, which transport unmixed material to the mixing
zone adjacent to the impeller.
|
(ii) In heavy masses of particulate
solids there are no such currents possible and mixing is accomplished by some
other means. |
|
(iii)
Power required for mixing and blending liquids is less.
|
(iii)
Power required for mixing dry solids is comparatively higher. |
|
(iv) In liquid mixing, a well-mixed
product is usually a truly homogenous liquid phase. |
(iv) In solid mixing the product often
consists of two or more easily identifiable phases, each of which may contain
individual particles of considerable size.
|
|
(v)
A “well-mixed” liquid product samples are homogenous in nature.
|
(v)
A “well-mixed” solid product samples differ markedly in composition. |
|
(vi) Design, construction, and operation
of fluid mixing equipment are specific and are termed as liquid agitators. |
(vi) Design, construction, and operation
of solid mixing equipment are different than liquids and are commonly
referred to as mixers and blenders.
|
|
(vii)
The liquid mixing technology has been extensively studied and understood. |
(vii)
The understanding of solid mixing and the design of solid mixers is an art
rather than a science.
|
|
(viii) The liquid mixing technology is
simple. |
(viii) Solid mixing is more complex.
|
Make sure you also check our other amazing article on : Factors Affecting Mixing