1. Choose a suitable stirring device
The stirring device is one of the most critical components in the PE chemical dosing box, responsible for ensuring uniform mixing of the reagents in the box. The selection of a suitable stirring device needs to be determined based on the physical and chemical properties of the reagents (such as viscosity, solubility, etc.). For example, liquids with higher viscosity or reagents with particles usually require more powerful mechanical stirrers or stirring blades, while low-viscosity reagents can use lightweight stirrers. Common stirring equipment includes:
Mechanical stirrer: The blades rotate driven by an electric motor, suitable for most liquids and solutions, and can provide a continuous and uniform stirring effect. For high-viscosity liquids, it is usually necessary to increase the power of the stirrer, or use a specially designed high-viscosity stirrer.
Bubble stirrer: By introducing air or other gases into the bottom of the dosing box, bubbles are formed to stir the reagent liquid. It is suitable for occasions where some reagents need to be mixed with gas. Bubble stirring can effectively improve solubility, especially for reagents such as oxidants and surfactants.
Magnetic stirrer: This stirrer drives the stirring blades through a magnetic field, avoiding mechanical contact and reducing wear. It is suitable for dosing boxes with smaller volumes and is easy to clean and maintain. Magnetic stirrers are commonly used in small laboratory-scale dosing boxes and are suitable for mixing low-viscosity liquids.
Centrifugal stirrers: They generate centrifugal force through high-speed rotation and are used to mix different substances quickly and efficiently. They are especially suitable for processing solid-liquid mixtures and chemical liquids with high viscosity.
2. Optimize stirring speed and time
The stirring speed and time directly affect the mixing effect of chemical agents. In actual operation, the speed and stirring time of the stirrer need to be adjusted according to the type, viscosity and mixing requirements of the agent:
Stirring speed: Different chemical agents have different requirements for stirring speed. For liquids with high viscosity, too high a stirring speed may cause uneven dispersion of the agent or even excessive foaming; while too low a speed will lead to insufficient stirring and failure to achieve the desired mixing effect. An appropriate stirring speed should be selected according to the characteristics of the agent so that the agent is fully stirred while avoiding bubbles.
Stirring time: Stirring time is another key factor to ensure that the agent is fully mixed. Some agents may take a long time to completely dissolve, while other agents may achieve a uniform mixing effect in a short time. Generally speaking, the stirring time should not be too long, because excessive stirring may cause degradation or failure of the agent. In practical applications, regularly monitor the mixing state of the reagents, adjust the stirring time, and ensure that the reagents reach the optimal dissolution or mixing state.
3. Reasonably configure the method of adding the reagents
The method of adding the reagents has an important impact on their uniform mixing effect. Choosing the appropriate method of adding the reagents can avoid uneven distribution or incomplete dissolution of the reagents:
Addition in batches: For reagents with high viscosity and slow dissolution, it is best to add them in batches. This can avoid the concentrated addition of the reagents in a short period of time, resulting in local over-concentration and difficulty in dissolving. Addition in batches can help the reagents better contact with the solvent, ensuring gradual dissolution and uniform distribution.
Uniform spray addition: When adding certain types of reagents, the reagents can be evenly distributed by spraying. This method is particularly suitable for liquid reagents, which can make the reagents evenly distributed throughout the liquid and reduce the dissolution time. Spray dosing is particularly suitable for those reagents that need to be dissolved quickly.
Drip addition: For highly concentrated reagents, they can be added slowly by dripping to ensure that the amount added each time does not exceed the dissolution capacity. The drip method can usually better control the speed of reagent addition and avoid adding too much reagent at one time, resulting in uneven dissolution.
4. Use mixing aids or solvents
For some chemical agents that are difficult to dissolve or mix, using appropriate mixing aids or solvents is an effective solution. Mixing aids can not only help improve the solubility of the agent, but also improve the dispersibility of the agent in the solution:
Selection of solvents: According to the chemical properties of the agent, selecting a suitable solvent (such as water, alcohol solvents, surfactants, etc.) can effectively promote the dissolution process of the agent. For some solid agents, solvents can increase their dissolution rate, reduce residues, and ensure uniform mixing of the agent.
Application of surfactants: Surfactants can reduce the interfacial tension between the agent and the solvent, and promote the dissolution and dispersion of the agent. Especially suitable for those granular agents, surfactants can help the particles disperse evenly and avoid precipitation or agglomeration.
Mixing aids: Some special mixing aids, such as thickeners, flow agents, etc., can also be added according to the specific needs of the agent to help improve the mixing effect of the agent in the dosing box. For example, thickeners can increase the viscosity of the liquid, making the agent easier to mix with the solution.
5. Optimize the design of the dosing box
The design of the PE chemical dosing box should consider how to promote uniform mixing of the agent and reduce dead corners and accumulation of agents:
Streamlined design: The internal structure of the dosing box should avoid dead corners as much as possible. The streamlined design can make the liquid flow evenly in the box and reduce the possibility of accumulation of agents in the box. The streamlined design can effectively reduce the stagnant area of the liquid and promote the comprehensive mixing of the agent.
Sloped bottom design: The sloped design of the bottom of the dosing box can effectively avoid the accumulation of agents at the bottom, ensuring that the agents can flow smoothly and participate in stirring. The sloped bottom design also helps to reduce precipitation and accumulation of solid particles.
Inlet and outlet design: The inlet and outlet positions of the dosing box should be reasonably set to avoid obstruction of the flow of the liquid. The feed port of the agent is preferably set at the upper or middle part of the box, and the discharge port is set at the bottom to ensure the smooth flow of the liquid. This design helps to maintain the fluidity of the agent in the box, thereby ensuring uniform mixing of the agent.
6. Regular inspection and maintenance
Regular inspection and maintenance of the dosing box and stirring device are the key to ensure long-term and efficient operation:
Check the agitator and pipeline: Regularly check whether the agitator is damaged, loose or worn to ensure its normal operation. Check whether there is blockage or scaling in the pipeline to avoid affecting the fluidity and mixing effect of the agent. Pipes and agitators should be cleaned regularly, especially when dealing with high-viscosity or precipitated agents.
Cleaning and maintenance: Regularly clean the inside of the dosing box to remove agent residues and prevent cross contamination or agent degradation. Cleaning the inside and outside of the dosing box not only helps to improve the mixing effect, but also prevents bacterial growth or corrosion.
Maintenance: Regularly maintain the dosing system and check whether all accessories, pipelines, valves, etc. have aging, damage and other problems. Replace worn parts in time to ensure that the dosing system is in the best condition.