55-Gallon Drum Mixing Solutions from INDCO

The 55-gallon drum is one of the most common containers used for distribution and storage of a wide array of liquid products.  The most popular materials of construction are carbon steel, stainless steel and polyethylene plastic. While some products are originally mixed in the drums during production, in many instances the products stored in drums must be agitated to restore consistency prior to being dispensed.  That’s why at INDCO, we pride ourselves on having one of the most diverse lines of industrial drum mixing products on the market to meet all industry needs. In order to make the most effective mixer selection answers to a few simple questions are needed:

• What are the material properties of the drum contents? 
  
• How gentle or aggressive does the mixing need to be for success?
• How should the mixer mount to the drum?

Answers to the first two questions include the liquid viscosity and density or specific gravity. These pieces of information will primarily determine the required horsepower and torque.  Additionally, characteristics such as solids content or flammability are also critical.  The answer to the third question depends upon the style of drum being used, i.e. open or closed top, and operational or safety considerations.  Once the properties are understood consideration can be given to the various types of drum mixers suited to common product types.

Paint, Coatings and Sealants

Industrial grade drum mixers are a great option for the paint, coatings and sealants industries. Drum mixers provide homogeneity to produce reliable color and consistency.  Variable speed models give the operator increased process flexibility to process a wider range of product properties.  Speed can be adjusted for higher agitation or reduced for gentler motion and reduced shearing of the materials.

Electric models such as the 1 HP DL1-V or the 4 HP DL4-A air-powered model are both great options for mixing industrial grade products.

Chemical and Petroleum

Drum mixers are a great option for chemicals and petroleum products. They have the safety advantage of closed container operation, can be air-powered or equipped with explosion proof electric motors for use with flammable materials and are constructed from corrosion-resistant 316 stainless steel wetted components.  Standard drum lid mixers can be optionally provided with stainless steel lids as an upgrade.

Electric motor models like our 1 HP DLG-1E or air-powered options like the 4 HP DLG-4A are popular, rugged models built to withstand harsh industrial use

Sanitary, Pharmaceutical, Food and Beverage, Cosmetic

Drum lid mixers can be well-suited for sanitary industries such as pharmaceutical and food and beverage when constructed of appropriate materials and equipped with mechanical or lip seals, polished impellers and other features as required.  Drum mixers for these industries are almost always customized to meet the customer’s specific needs.  Contact one of our engineers for assistance.

The following are standard drum mixer products specifically for closed top drums with access through a 2” bung fitting.

BU Series

For mixing in closed drums with mixer entry through a 2” NPT bung, the BU series is often the answer.  The simple casting screws directly into the threaded 2” NPT bung fitting.  Because these mixers utilize a folding impeller design that opens when in rotation, impeller customization is limited.   The standard design results in a closed drum mixing configuration but is not fully sealed.  A lip seal or mechanical seal can be implemented as a customization where needed.

DL Series

For a fully-integrated drum lid and mixer combination that is ready to install on an open drum our Drum Lid mixers (DL series) comes pre-mounted on a painted carbon steel drum lid.  Since the mixer is already attached to the drum lid you can quickly move the mixer from drum to drum.  Impeller type and material are customizable in this line and a stainless steel drum lid is an available upgrade option.  Similar to the BU series, this unit can be provided with a lip seal or mechanical. See our video guide on how to assemble and operate a DL1-A mixer on a 55 gallon drum. The video demonstrates what is shipped with your order and how to assemble the mixer on the 55 gallon drum. The video also demonstrates the mixer in action.

Our engineering department and technical sales staff can develop your complete customized mixing system solution. We are available to speak directly to the end user to be sure we understand their needs and design a model appropriate for the application.   Immediate response and attention to details are advantages of working with INDCO.

When it comes to drum mixers, INDCO provides unparalleled quality with unparalleled care. To talk to a customer service representative about which model is right for you, or work with one of our engineers, visit our contact page today or call us at 1-800-851-1049.