BAFFLES: To prevent gross vortexing, which is detrimental to mixing, particularly in low viscosity systems, baffles are often fitted

to the walls of the vessel. These take the form of thin strips about one-tenth of the tank diameter in width, and typically four equi-spaced baffles may be used. In some cases, the baffles are mounted flush with the wall, although occasionally a small clearance is left between the wall and the baffle to facilitate fluid motion in the wall region. Baffles are, however, generally not required for high viscosity liquids because the viscous shear is then sufficiently great to damp out the rotary motion. Sometimes, the problem of vortexing is circumvented by mounting impellers off-centre.

PROPELLRS: (a) are self-cleaning in operation, (b) can be used at a wide range of speeds, (c) give an excellent shearing effect at high speeds (d) do not damage dispersed particles at low speeds, (e) are reasonably economical in power, provided the pitch is adjusted according to (f) by offset mounting, vortex formation is avoided, (g) if horizontally mounted, a stuffing box is required in the liquid, and they are not the speed effective in viscous liquids.

SHROUDED TURBINES: (a) are excellent for providing circulation (b) are normally mounted on a vertical shaft. (c) are effective in fluids of high viscosity, (d) are easily fouled or plugged by solid particles, (e) are expensive to fabricate, (f) are restricted to a narrow range of speeds, and (g) do not damage dispersed particles at economical speeds. OPEN IMPELLERS: (a) are easily plugged than shrouded type (b) are less expensive, and (c) give a less well-controlled flow pattern.