Construction Of Propeller Agitator

5 Chapters
|
50 Pages
|
6,161 Words

The construction of a propeller agitator involves several key components meticulously engineered to enhance fluid mixing and agitation processes. At its core, a propeller agitator comprises a shaft connected to a motor, with a propeller affixed at one end. The shaft, typically made of durable materials like stainless steel or reinforced polymers, provides structural support and transmits rotational motion from the motor to the propeller. The propeller, often crafted from materials such as aluminum or stainless steel for corrosion resistance and strength, features multiple blades angled to efficiently move fluid within a vessel or tank. These blades, varying in number and shape based on application requirements, are designed to generate axial and radial flow patterns, facilitating thorough blending and dispersion of substances. Additionally, the agitator assembly may incorporate elements like shaft seals, bearings, and support structures to ensure smooth operation and minimize maintenance needs. Overall, the meticulous design and integration of these components culminate in a robust propeller agitator system capable of effectively mixing a diverse array of fluids in industrial, chemical, and pharmaceutical processes, thereby optimizing production efficiency and product quality.

ABSTRACT

Propeller agitator is a specialized of various types of substances. It consists of three basic components which are the shaft, blade and the vessel.
In the construction, mild steel was chosen due to it’s inherent properties. After the procurement, the following constructional operations were carried out which included marking out, center punching folding, welding, filling operation, assembling, and painting to beautify the equipment and for other purposes.
The shapes and forms are formulated to obtain the following dimensions of the agitator. These are length of handle = 320mm, diameter of gear teeth = 100mm, thickness of shaft = 20mm, thickness of gear = 12mm, size of blade = 50mm x 100mm, blade diameter = 63mm, inside diameter of pump = 12mm, outside diameter of pump = 20mm, shat height = 470mm, vessel diameter = 340mm and height = 560mm
The agitating mixer has high efficiency of comparable to those produced industrially. The estimated rate of rotation is 1720 rpm.
The cost of construction of the agitator is however minimized due to the preferred choice of the raw material and method of fabrication.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENT

Title page
Letter of transmittal
Dedication
Acknowledgement
Abstract
Table of contents

CHAPTER ONE
1.0 Introduction
1.1 The objective of the project

CHAPTER TWO
2.1 The theory and concept of agitation
2.2 Type of mixers
2.3 The impeller mixers for liquids
2.31 Paddles
2.32 Turbines
2.33 Propellers
2.4 The particle mixer for free flowing solids
2.5 Mixers for heavy paste or cohesive solids
2.6 Agitator effectiveness & agitation index
2.7 Degree of agitation
2.8 Power consumption in agitators
2.9 Agitation rate
2.10 Materials for the construction of propeller agitator
2.11 Equipments for the fabrication of propeller agitator

CHAPTER THREE
3.1 Construction and fabrication procedure
3.2 Steps of fabrication process

CHAPTER FOUR
4.0 Cost analysis
4.1 Material cost
4.2 Labour cost

CHAPTER FIVE
5.1 Discussion
5.2 Recommendation
5.3 Conclusion

CHAPTER SIX
Nomenclature
References

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION
Propeller agitator mixing is one of the most common operations carried out in chemical, processing and allied industries. The terms “mixing” is applied to the processes used to reduce the degree of non uniformity or gradual of a property in a system such as concentration, viscosity, temperature and so on.
Mixing is achieved by moving material from one region to another. It may be of interests simply as a means of achieving a desired degree of homogeneity or it may be used two promote heat undergoing a chemical reaction.
At the outset I t is useful to consider some common examples of problems encountered in industrial mixing operations, since this will not only reveal the ubiquitous nature of the process but will also provide an appreciation of some of the associated. Difficulties. Several attempts have been made to classify mixing problems, and for example “REAVELL” used as a criterion for mixing of powders, the flowability of the final products, HARNEY et al based their classification on the phases present, that is liquid – liquid, solid – liquid and so on. This is probably the most useful description of mixing as it allows the adoption of a unified approach to the problems encountered in a range of industries.
The term agitation is applied to a variety of operations differing in the degree of homogeneity of the mixed material. In chemical engineering, it is conventional to treat agitation and multi purpose operations for which the principles of equipment design and operation can be stated generally, such operations in agitation like crystallization, Ion exchange and colliding are advanced of this study and construction.
In most homes, industries and chemical operations, two or more substances are required to be mixed for users demand, in mixing as a unit operation, the substance is fed into the vessel or mixing tank containing the agitator in either one form, liquid, solid or gas. The product obtained should either be homogenous or heterogeneous depending on demand or desired product.
The selection of a particular agitator for a particular purpose requirement, the flow properties of the process fluid, equipment cost and the construction material required must be considered. Ideally, the equipment chosen should be that which has the lowest cost but meets all process requirement. In a given problem, the agitator given must handle the material when it is in it’s worst condition and may not be so effective as other design during other parts of mixing cycle. As with other equipments, the choice of an agitator for heavy material is always a compromise and arbitrary.
Liquids are agitated for a number of purpose, depending on the objective of the processing step, soe of the purpose includes
1. Promoting heat transfer between the liquid and a coil or jacket
2. Blending immiscible liquids, for example, methyl alcohol and water.
3. Dispensing a second liquid, immiscible wt h the first to form an emulsion or suspension of fine drops
4. Suspending solid particles
5. Dispersing a gas through the liquid in the form of small bubbles.
A typical application of propeller agitator is in mixing of high viscosity liquids or solid in solids. Most factories produce and products using blended liquids like in the confectionery industries, liquids food drinks like canned juices as well as canned and bottled drinks.
Many a times, one agitator serves several purposes at the same time, as in the catalytic hydrogenation of a liquid, in a hydrogenation vessel, the hydrogen gas is dispersed through the liquid in which solid particles of catalyst are suspended, with the heat of reaction simultaneously removed by a cooling coil or jacket.

1.1 OBJECTIVE OF THE PROJECT
The objective of the project is to construct a portable propeller agitator with high efficiency and durability, which will be used for good mixing operation in smalls scale industries or in the laboratories and other applications such as domestic and pharmaceutical industries.
The preferred choice of raw material of the construction is mild steel because of it’s excellent properties which included high resistance to corrosion, machineability, ductility, malleability, it resistance to react with the material or reactant when agitating as any reaction between the vessel and the material to be mixed will affect the product. Moreover, it is cheap and available.
The dimensions of the propeller agitator are length of handle = 320mm, diameter of gear teeth = 100mm, thickness of shaft = 20mm, thickness of gear = 12mm, size of blade = 50mm x 100mm, blade diameter = 63mm, inside diameter of pump = 12mm outside diameter of pump = 20mm, shaft height = 470mm, vessel diameter = 340mm and vessel height = 560mm.

SIMILAR PROJECT TOPICS:
Save/Share This On Social Media:
MORE DESCRIPTION:

Construction Of Propeller Agitator:

A propeller agitator is a type of mixing device commonly used in various industrial and laboratory applications to stir and mix liquids or suspensions. It consists of a rotating propeller blade mounted on a shaft, which is driven by a motor. Here are the steps to construct a basic propeller agitator:

Materials and Tools Needed:

Propeller blade: You can purchase a commercially available propeller blade suitable for your application or fabricate one if necessary.
Shaft: Typically made of stainless steel or other corrosion-resistant materials.
Motor: Choose an appropriate motor with the required power and speed for your specific application.
Bearings: To support the shaft and allow it to rotate smoothly.
Motor mounting bracket: To secure the motor in place.
Shaft coupling: To connect the motor shaft to the agitator shaft.
Baseplate or stand: To provide stability and support for the entire assembly.
Fasteners: Bolts, nuts, and washers to secure components together.
Wiring and electrical components: If the motor requires wiring, you’ll need appropriate electrical components.

Construction Steps:

Design the Agitator:
Determine the size and type of propeller blade required for your application. Consider factors like the volume of liquid you need to mix, the viscosity of the fluid, and the desired mixing intensity.
Calculate the required motor power and speed based on your mixing needs.
Design the agitator shaft and bearings arrangement to support the propeller and transmit power from the motor.

Assemble the Shaft:
Attach the propeller blade to one end of the agitator shaft. Ensure that it is securely fastened using appropriate fasteners.
Mount the bearings on the shaft at suitable intervals. The number and placement of bearings depend on the shaft’s length and weight.

Install the Motor:
Mount the motor on the motor mounting bracket.
Attach the shaft coupling to the motor’s output shaft.

Connect the Motor and Shaft:
Securely connect the shaft coupling to the agitator shaft. Ensure that it is aligned properly to prevent any wobbling during operation.
Use set screws or other appropriate fasteners to secure the coupling.

Mount the Assembly:
Attach the motor mounting bracket and motor to a baseplate or stand. Ensure that the agitator assembly is stable and firmly anchored to prevent vibrations.

Wiring and Electrical:
If necessary, wire the motor to the appropriate power source and install any necessary electrical components like switches, relays, and speed controllers.

Testing:
Before using the propeller agitator in your application, conduct a test run to ensure it operates smoothly and safely.
Make any necessary adjustments to the motor speed or agitator position to achieve the desired mixing results.

Maintenance:
Regularly inspect and lubricate bearings as needed.
Keep the agitator clean and free from debris or material buildup to ensure efficient operation.

Always follow safety guidelines and manufacturer instructions when working with motors and electrical components. Additionally, consider any specific requirements or standards applicable to your industry or application.