Pulsair Systems

Mixing and Blending
Pulsair Systems and Linde Gases have partnered to provide a more effective and efficient way to mix liquids. Pulsair’s pulsed-air technology releases compressed air or gas, supplied by Linde, from beneath flat round plates at the bottom of a tank or vessel to create circulation and effect mixing of the liquid(s). As the gas is forced out between the plates and the tank floor, the sudden burst shocks the liquid and sweeps away the heavier liquid(s) and solids. The gas accumulates above the plate into a single large, oval-shaped bubble that rises to the surface, creating a vacuum that pulls heavier liquids and solids up from the bottom of the vessel and pushes the lighter liquid up and out toward the tank perimeter. The lighter liquid moves to the sides of the tank and travels down the tank walls to the bottom so the process can be repeated. The use of pulsed compressed air ensures complete and even blending of different-density materials. The technology significantly reduces operational costs and downtime — with no moving parts inside the tank, the mixers require minimal maintenance and can be expected to complete 100 million blending cycles without incident. Pulsair Systems, www.pulsair.com and Linde Group, www.linde.com

“Big bubble” mixing technology
“Big bubble” mixing technology provides a cost-effective method of pH equalization using magnesium hydroxide rather than sodium hydroxide. Unlike NaOH, which is toxic, Mg(OH)2 is nontoxic, and it is four times more effective than NaOH at lowering the pH of water. Sodium hydroxide is typically used for neutralization because Mg(OH)2 tends to settle, making it difficult to mix using conventional equipment. This new technology effectively mixes Mg(OH)2 in tanks of almost any size, configuration or material of construction. To be used for Mg(OH)2, conventional mixers require additional structural supports, baffles, special openings, and new power sources. Big bubble technology can be installed in new and existing tanks without these costly enhancements; it requires only the installation of an accumulator plate (or multiple plates) that sweeps the tank floor. Compressed air injected under the plate forms a large bubble that pulls particles and heavy liquids behind it as it rises to the surface, creating vertical circulation and mixing. The mixer’s control system can be either electronic or pneumatic.