New Lightnin portable/fixed mount mixer

SPX Process Equipment is once again moving this technology forward with its introduction of the Lightnin ECL mixer range, giving users improved performance and enhanced process results

SPX Process Equipment is once again moving this technology forward with its introduction of the Lightnin ECL mixer range, giving users improved performance and enhanced process results.

Portable/fixed mount mixers offer an economic solution for many mixing applications where efficiency, performance, flexibility, ease of operation and simple maintenance are the key factors that influence selection.

The very fact that this type of mixer can be readily transferred from one application to another with the minimum of effort and without any cross-contamination is a prime factor in their popularity.

The three major areas that affect mixing performance are the design of the drive shaft mechanism, the impeller and the mounting arrangement.

The essential element in efficient mixing is the impeller and for each application there is a specific impeller design.

With the ECL mixer comes the Lightnin A310 impeller, designed specifically for low viscosity and flow-controlled applications.

This axial flow design outperforms all other types of impellers in the turbulent mixing regime by generating up to 70% more flow for the same speed power.

For more specialist applications, the ECL can be used with several other types of impeller, which can be specified according to the application.

"With portable/fixed mount mixers, users are looking for a low maintenance unit that can accept a range of impellers and a method of securely mounting the unit to the vessel," says Neil Meadows of SPX Process Equipment.

With the new ATEX accredited ECL mixer, sealing all the shaft bearings for life and using gears that are synthetic grease lubricated for continuous lifetime service give maintenance free operation of the drive mechanism.

In addition, large output shaft bearings have been included in order to accommodate longer shaft lengths.

The other elements that contribute to an extended working life include a unique motor coupling that protects the gearing from shock torque loads and increases the life of the motor bearings.

Fixing portable mixers to vessels has always been a concern for many users and SPX has addressed this issue by designing a mechanism that incorporates a clamp indexing and locking system, thereby guaranteeing precise and repeatable locking.

Employing Finite Element Analysis, SPX has developed a heavy-duty clamp assembly with slotted stabilising wings and four-point clamping that provides maximum strength.

"The development of the Lightnin ECL has involved extensive testing and field trials over an extended period," reports Neil Meadows.

"We now have many units in operation across a wide range of industry sectors in the USA and close monitoring of these has demonstrated that the design enhancements implemented have fulfilled their promise.".

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