Impeller Size and Power: Do I Have Enough Horsepower?

In an effort to achieve increased agitation, we sometimes see well intentioned customers do more harm than good. Industrial mixers come equipped with impeller types and sizes suited to the materials they will mix and with the proper horsepower motors to drive them. So how much larger can you go with the mixer’s impeller? It could be very little depending on how conservatively the mixer is sized to the application. Remember this: regardless of type, the power needed to drive an impeller is related to its diameter raised to the fifth power! The relationship is exponential, not linear. See the link below if you are interested in a more detailed discussion of an impeller (high shear blade in this case) and its relationship to power consumption.

http://www.chemicalprocessing.com/experts/mixing/show/874/

You can call us at any time to analyze your application or for impeller sizing assistance.