Suspending bodies in magnetic stirring

Suspension is a process corresponding to the mixing of a solid body in a liquid body of different sizes. The phases are lifted to be set in motion in a tank equipped with a turbine or propeller and create a heterogeneous mixture, with the solid phase separating from the liquid phase.

Suspension of particles of different densities can take place at a distance from an emulsification, dispersion, homogenization or dissolution process. The choice of the magnetic stirrer depends on the expected reaction; the type, size and/or shape of the solids to be suspended.

Magnetic stirring allows the solid components to be maintained in the mixture without remaining on the surface or at the bottom of the tank. The speed of the agitation, the viscosity of the liquid phase and the choice of material (tank, agitator, propeller or turbine) must be taken into account to obtain optimal suspension.
 

What type of equipment is suitable for obtaining a two-body suspension?

The MARLLIN Ax1, Ax2, Ax4 propellers and the profiled marine propeller with moulded blades are perfectly adapted to the suspension of different bodies in tanks thanks to their 3 blades allowing a movement at reduced speed. The direction of rotation of these propellers can be clockwise or anticlockwise depending on the desired flow.

It is necessary to take into account the impact of the risk of gas introduction during mixing when using these propellers in blowing flow.

The 3PC turbine, by its average shearing effect at maximum speed (average peripheral speed), mainly installed at the bottom of the tank, generates an important centrifugal effect which avoids any risk of settling of solid products.
 

Suspension is often used in cosmetics

In this field, the texture of fluid products (such as gels, body lotions, shampoos, etc.) is a key criterion. The technique of suspension by means of magnetic stirrers is very suitable.  

A typical example of a material that is widely used in many cosmetic compositions is clay. Indeed, clay has a very high suspension capacity. The fine clay powder introduced into the mixture does not stick to the walls of the tank and is one of the components of baby care products, face masks, shampoos and other toothpastes.