The most common questions about specifying, ordering and using LIGHTNIN are listed to the right.
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Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
- What kind of mixers does LIGHTNIN make?
- Whom do I contact to get more information or make an inquiry?
- Does LIGHTNIN manufacture concrete mixers?
- Does LIGHTNIN sell tank/mixer packages?
- Will the LIGHTNIN mixer I have now work in a new application?
- Does LIGHTNIN select mixer in-tank materials for my application?
- With my reduced maintenance staff, I need to outsource PM. What does LIGHTNIN offer?
Process Questions
- LIGHTNIN mixers use much lower horsepower than other manufacturers' products. Why is that?
- Two mixers of equal power do not provide the same results. Why?
- What is the difference between LIGHTNIN's A310 and A510 impellers?
- I'm using a clamp-on portable mixer, and the contents of the tank are swirling. Why is this happening?
- Do I need baffles?
- How do I know what size baffles I need?
- Our reactor mixer is not "loaded up" during the reaction. Why not?
Mechanical Questions
- Can LIGHTNIN help me design tanks for my application?
- How far off the bottom should my impeller be?
- I arranged the existing impellers in my fermenter in an up-pumping configuration, but it did not work. Why?
- Why do I need an in-tank coupling?
- There are so many different mechanical seal designs. How do I know which one to use and when?
- Is the elastomer material used in a mechanical seal more a function of compatibility with tank contents or vessel pressure?
- What should I use to lubricate the seal on my mixer?
Pharmaceutical and Biotech Applications
- Do LIGHTNIN mixers meet cGMP?
- What are LIGHTNIN's polish standards?
- Is there any new impeller technology that can improve my fermentation results?
Pulp and Paper Applications
Water and Wastewater Treatment Applications
Paint Applications
- When can I use a "standard" impeller rather than a high-shear impeller?
- For tint and shade tanks, how do I incorporate dry materials into my batch?
- What is the preferred impeller for mixing and holding paint in my paint kitchen? I work in an automotive factory.
General Questions
Q. What kind of mixers does LIGHTNIN make?
A. LIGHTNIN primarily makes low-speed fluid mixers for a variety of processes and markets.
Q. Whom do I contact to get more information or make an inquiry?
A. LIGHTNIN has a global network of local Sales Representatives who can answer your questions. To find the representative in your area, please go to the Rep Locator.
Q. Does LIGHTNIN manufacture concrete mixers?
A. Not the truck-mounted mixers we see on the road, but LIGHTNIN mixers are used in specialized continous-pour applications.
Q. Does LIGHTNIN sell tank/mixer packages?
A. LIGHTNIN does supply solvent extraction mixer settler tanks. All LIGHTNIN Sales Representative can assist in the specification and supply of a tank/mixer package.
Q. Will the LIGHTNIN mixer I have now work in a new application?
A. Get the Serial Number off the mixer name plate and give this number and details on the new application to your local LIGHTNIN Sales Representative. He/she can tell you whether your current mixer configuration is appropriate or recommend modifications to meet your process needs.
Q. Does LIGHTNIN select mixer in-tank materials for my application?
A. No, materials compatibility requires end-user input.
Q. With my reduced maintenance staff, I need to outsource PM. What does LIGHTNIN offer?
A. LIGHTNIN offers complete maintenance services, including a 4-Step Program designed specifically for aging equipment in the water and wastewater treatment industry. For specifics on the 4-Step Program and other LIGHTNIN Service Programs, click here.
Process Questions
Q. LIGHTNIN mixers use much lower horsepower than other manufacturers' products. Why is that?
A. The secret is in LIGHTNIN's exclusive impeller designs. The LIGHTNIN A310 and A510 impellers were laser-designed to provide better flow than the impellers most other manufacturers provide. This means that LIGHTNIN mixers can produce the same results with much lower power consumption.
Q. Two mixers of equal power do not provide the same results. Why?
A. The power indicated on the mixer's motor nameplate says little about the mixing efficiency. Power consumption is completely independent of performance! Mixing impellers generate flow and shear, and selection of the design that provides the right combination for the application is critical. Impeller diameter, system geometry and speed are also key to mixer performance.
Q. What is the difference between LIGHTNIN's A310 and A510 impellers?
A. The A310 is part of the A510 impeller family. Both impellers deliver true axial flow and high flow-per-horsepower. The A510 also provides application flexibility because the impeller blades can be set at 2 additional angles. This means you can optimize your mixing, even when the impeller-to-tank diameter ratio is not optimum.
Q. I'm using a clamp-on portable mixer, and the contents of the tank are swirling. Why is this happening?
A. Improper positioning of the mixer is the most likely problem. The mixer should be mounted so that the shaft is 10 to 15 degrees from vertical, to the right of the tank centerline.
Q. Do I need baffles?
A. Generally speaking, for fluids with viscosities less than 10,000 cps, you should have 3 or 4 baffles (equal to the number of impeller blades), located 90° or 120° apart.
Q. How do I know what size baffles I need?
A. For mixing of water-like fluids at power levels less than 10 HP/1000 gallons, the following rules apply:
- Baffle width: 1/12 tank diameter
- Baffle off wall: 1/3 baffle width
Q. Our reactor mixer is not "loaded up" during the reaction. Why not?
A. Sparged air and viscosity fluctuations each impact power draw. Power draw may drop with increasing air rate. Viscosity increases during reaction will increase power draw.
Mechanical Questions
Q. Can LIGHTNIN help me design tanks for my application?
A. Yes, LIGHTNIN can assist in the specification of geometry and internals suitable for optimal mixing.
Q. How far off the bottom should my impeller be?
A. The impeller should be located 1/2 to 2D (diameter) off bottom, depending on a variety of factors, including the solid suspension level, the viscosity and the low liquid mixing criteria.
Q. I arranged the existing impellers in my fermenter in an up-pumping configuration, but it did not work. Why?
A. The types of impellers as well as the physical configuration of the mixer in the tank (off-bottom distance, spacing between impellers and the ratio of impeller diameter to tank diameter) are critical to successful up-pumping. Your local LIGHTNIN Sales Representative can help you implement up-pumping successfully.
Q. Why do I need an in-tank coupling?
A. There are a variety of in-tank coupling designs. Each is used to facilitate the installation and maintenance of mechanical seals, shafts and impellers in closed tank environments. In some cases, an in-tank coupling is essential; in others, it is simply a convenience. Your LIGHTNIN Sales Representative can explain the benefits of an in-tank coupling in your application.
Q. There are so many different mechanical seal designs. How do I know which one to use and when?
A. Selection of a seal is affected by the pressure and temperature in the tank, the speed of the mixer, lubrication options and the cleanability requirements specific to the product and mixing environment. Your LIGHTNIN Sales Representative will work with you to find the seal most appropriate for your application.
Q. Is the elastomer material used in a mechanical seal more a function of compatibility with tank contents or vessel pressure?
A. Both are important, but in the majority of cases, compatibility with tank contents is more critical.
Q. What should I use to lubricate the seal on my mixer?
A. There are several types of lubricants available, and the best choice depends on the nature of your process. Your LIGHTNIN Sales Representative can help you select the right lubricant for your application.
Pharmaceutical and Biotech Applications
Q. Do LIGHTNIN mixers meet cGMP?
A. LIGHTNIN is a UL Registered ISO9001:1994 firm, and cGMP protocol virtually mirrors ISO guidelines. LIGHTNIN mixers are used throughout the world in cGMP facilities. LIGHTNIN's quality system, which is substantiated with a detailed documentation package, is designed to support customers' cGMP validation requirements.
Q. What are LIGHTNIN's polish standards?
A. LIGHTNIN's Enhanced Finish Standards were developed specifically to comply with the strict requirements of the aseptic industries. All measurements are in Ra values and are verified with calibrated equipment traceable to NIST. All results are verified and recorded. A final report is issued as part of the QA Documentation required by customers for their Validation Protocol. Contact your local LIGHTNIN Sales Representative for documentation outlining these standards.
Q. Is there any new impeller technology that can improve my fermentation results?
A. Up-pumping technology, using multiple A340 impellers pumping in an upward motion, has demonstrated significant improvements in product purity, yield and uniformity. Up-pumping also offers better control of foaming and temperature and pH distribution.
Pulp and Paper Applications
Q. My agitator no longer mixes the entire chest. Why not?
A. A change in consistency is probably to blame. Small changes in consistency can impact process results dramatically because agitation results are a function of consistency cubed! Your LIGHTNIN Sales Representative can analyze your process and determine how to bring your system back to optimum efficiency.
Q. Why fillet?
A. Fillets are used to enable Controlled Zone Agitation. Controlled Zone Agitation is generally accomplished by pouring a concrete horseshoe-shaped wedge into a chest. This limits the agitated volume to 10 - 15 minute retention. This allows for good agitation at reduced agitator power and operating costs.
Water and Wastewater Treatment Applications
Q. My aerators are 30 years old. Has anything changed in aerator technology during that time?
A. Modern impeller technology has reduced splash and minimized power requirements. Your LIGHTNIN Sales Representative can bring you up to date.
Paint Applications
Q. When can I use a "standard" impeller rather than a high-shear impeller?
A. Generally, any time pigment extension is not required, but it varies with the type of pigment.
Q. For tint and shade tanks, how do I incorporate dry materials into my batch?
A. Use an A200 upper impeller for better surface turbulence and locate it approximately 2/3 to 3/4 D below the liquid level.
Q. What is the preferred impeller for mixing and holding paint in my paint kitchen? I work in an automotive factory.
A. The impeller of choice is a low-shear axial-flow impeller, such as the A510, since it minimally shears the batch. Even at 350 rpm, it won't hurt your product due to the uniform velocities it imparts.
