ADA MIX IBC Mixers

IBC (Intermediate Bulk Container) is the general name given to containers used for the transport and storage of liquid materials. They generally consist of a plastic tank in the shape of a rectangular prism, a metal cage surrounding it, and a pallet at the bottom suitable for forklift transport. Their low cost and easy availability, ease of transport and stackability, and reusability have made them extremely widespread worldwide, particularly for chemical products. [caption id="attachment_130510" align="aligncenter"] Figure 1.1 – Metal Pallet IBC Tank[/caption] From time to time, products stored in IBCs need to be mixed and homogenized due to settling or separation problems. The narrow opening of IBCs and their high volume of around 1m³ make the mixing process somewhat difficult. The mixer blade must be able to pass through a narrow opening of about 15 cm but also effectively mix liquids at such a high volume, so it must have a collapsible design. Electric motor-driven mixers, which are frequently used for mixing IBCs, generally have sufficient power and perform effective mixing, but they also have certain disadvantages. First, because of the electric motor, they are too heavy for one person to lift and place on an IBC single-handedly, and can only be transported with the help of a forklift or crane system. A mixer with an electric, pneumatic, or hydraulic self-rising and lowering structure cannot be used mobile. [caption id="attachment_130511" align="aligncenter"] Figure 1.2 – Electric IBC Mixer[/caption] To adjust variable speed on an electric mixer, a frequency inverter is needed, as well as an electrical connection to power the motor, and equipment such as buttons, fuses, and switches. These severely limit the mobility of the electric mixer. Thanks to anti-static special-type IBCs that can be grounded, flammable and explosive chemicals have increasingly begun to be transported in IBCs. For this reason, IBC mixers are also required to be ex-proof. However, ex-proof electric motors and switching equipment are both larger and heavier, and their costs are quite high. [caption id="attachment_130512" align="aligncenter"] Figure 1.3 – Air Motor IBC Mixer[/caption] [caption id="attachment_130513" align="aligncenter"] Figure 1.4 – Air Motor IBC Mixer[/caption] Due to these drawbacks listed above, the most suitable solution for mixing IBCs mobile has been air motor-driven IBC mixers powered by pressurized air. As Kairos Makina, we designed the ADA MIX IBC mixers to meet this need. The 1.25 kW ex-proof air motor is both powerful and significantly smaller and lighter than an electric motor. Its ability to operate simply by connecting a compressed air hose, and the ease of infinitely variable and simple adjustment of the mixing speed through the air valve on it, provides great convenience. With different types of collapsible blade designs and reducer options with different ratios, effective mixing of liquids with different viscosities and densities can be achieved. The blade, shaft, and mixer body made of stainless steel provide the product with a robust structure and long service life against various chemicals. With the help of locking mechanisms on the body, the mixer can be easily attached to the metal IBC cage and used safely. The lightweight design of ADA MIX IBC mixers allows them to be placed on and removed from the IBC without additional equipment. This now allows IBCs to be easily mixed wherever the air hose can reach.  

Cevdet Kaplan Research and Development and Production Manager Kairos Makina ve Mühendislik A.Ş.