How to choose the right overhead stirrer?
With over 50 stirrer models available from different manufacturers and brands, here are our recommendations to consider to ensure you select the best stirrer for your specific needs:
- What type of materials are you stirring?
Different materials may require different stirring capabilities, especially when dealing with varying chemical properties or reactions.
- What are your volume and viscosity requirements?
Larger volumes typically require more powerful stirrers. High-viscosity substances, like gels and thick liquids, need stirrers with higher torque and power.
- Narrow down the product selection by torque
Torque is a measure of the rotational force that the motor can apply. It is typically measured in Newton-meters (Nm) or pound-feet (lb-ft).
Torque determines the motor's ability to overcome resistance and initiate movement. It is crucial for starting the stirring process, especially with high-viscosity materials that resist initial movement.
- Choose your motor power based on your mixing volume
Look for a stirrer with a motor powerful enough to handle your specific applications. Higher motor power is essential for mixing larger volumes or more viscous materials.
- Choose your speed range
Variable speed control is beneficial for applications requiring precise speed adjustments.
- Look for features
Digital displays, programmable settings, remote control, quick-clamp mechanisms, and straightforward maintenance can enhance precision and ease of use.
- Choosing the right propeller or blade
Selecting the appropriate propeller or blade depends on the specific requirements of your mixing application.
- Compatibility with your existing equipment
Consider the compatibility with stirring rods, vessels, and other accessories you may already use.
SECO offers a diverse range of overhead stirrers designed to deliver reliable performance and adaptability to suit various needs. Explore our selection to find the perfect stirrer for your laboratory or industrial processes.
Top stirrer bands and types of overhead stirrers we recommend
SECO proudly partners with leading manufacturers to offer a diverse selection of high-quality overhead stirrers. Here are some of the top brands available:
Caframo overhead stirrers are known for their exceptional build quality and performance. They offer a range of models suitable for various applications, from standard laboratory tasks to more demanding industrial processes. Their ergonomic designs and user-friendly controls make them a preferred choice for many professionals.
Glas-Col overhead stirrers are designed with durability and versatility in mind. They provide powerful motors and precise speed control, making them suitable for a wide range of mixing tasks. Glas-Col products are also known for their innovative safety features and reliable performance.
Arrow Engineering offers a range of high-torque stirrers designed for heavy-duty applications. Their products are renowned for their robust construction and high torque capabilities, making them ideal for mixing highly viscous materials. Arrow Engineering stirrers also feature advanced digital controls for enhanced precision.
Explore our product range to find the perfect overhead stirrer that matches your specific needs and ensures efficient and effective mixing in your processes.
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Find the right overhead stirrer propellers and blades for your application
You need the right propeller or blade for your overhead stirrer to achieve optimal mixing performance.
Different types of propellers and blades are designed for specific mixing tasks, each offering unique benefits for various applications.
Flat-blade propellers: Consists of flat, rectangular blades attached to a central hub. Provides efficient axial flow, moving materials up and down within the vessel. Suitable for a wide range of laboratory and industrial processes.
Applications: Ideal for general-purpose mixing and blending of low to medium viscosity liquids. Commonly used in applications where a simple, uniform mixing action is needed, such as in the preparation of solutions and suspensions.
Pitched-blade propellers: Features blades that are angled or pitched relative to the axis of rotation. Generates both axial and radial flow, enhancing mixing efficiency. Increases turbulence, improving the mixing of viscous and heterogeneous mixtures.
Applications: Best for moderate to high viscosity liquids and where shear is required to break down materials. Often used in the mixing of emulsions, dispersions, and viscous solutions.
Anchor blades: Consists of a large, anchor-shaped blade that sweeps the sides and bottom of the vessel. Ensures complete material movement, preventing the buildup of materials on the vessel walls. Provides gentle mixing, minimizing the introduction of air and maintaining the integrity of the mixture.
Applications: Ideal for mixing very high viscosity materials, such as pastes, gels, and creams. Common in industries like pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, where thorough blending of thick materials is required.
Turbine blades: Features multiple flat or curved blades attached to a central disk or hub. Creates high shear and intense mixing action, ideal for breaking down solids and ensuring homogeneity. Efficient at dispersing gases into liquids, making it suitable for aeration processes.
Applications: Suitable for high-shear mixing, gas dispersion, and rapid mixing applications. Frequently used in chemical reactions and processes requiring vigorous agitation.
Helical blades: Spiral-shaped blades that provide a helical flow pattern. Promotes vertical flow, ensuring uniform mixing throughout the entire vessel. Reduces dead zones and improves mixing efficiency in high-viscosity applications.
Applications: Used for mixing high viscosity fluids and creating thorough mixing from top to bottom. Common in polymer production and other processes involving thick, non-Newtonian fluids.
Sawtooth blades: Sharp, tooth-like edges along the blade perimeter. Generates high shear forces, making it effective for dispersing and emulsifying. Provides efficient particle size reduction and ensures fine, homogeneous mixtures.
Applications: Ideal for high-speed dispersion and shearing applications. Used in breaking down agglomerates and incorporating powders into liquids.
By matching the propeller or blade type to your specific mixing needs, you can optimize the performance of your overhead stirrer and achieve the best possible results in your laboratory or industrial processes.
SECO offers a wide range of high-quality propellers and blades to suit various applications, ensuring you have the right tools for your mixing tasks.
Overhead stirrers maintenance guidelines
Proper maintenance of overhead stirrers is essential to ensure their longevity, reliable performance, and safety in laboratory and industrial applications. Below are general maintenance guidelines to help you keep your overhead stirrers in optimal condition:
- Visual checks: Inspect the stirrer and its components regularly for signs of wear, damage, or corrosion. Don't forget to check the power cord and plug for any signs of damage or fraying.
- Operational checks: Verify that all controls, switches, and display panels are functioning correctly. Ensure that the motor runs smoothly without unusual noises or vibrations.
- Post-use cleaning: After each use, clean the stirrer and its attachments to remove any residues or contaminants. Use appropriate cleaning solutions that are compatible with the materials of the stirrer and blades.
- Deep clean: Periodically perform a more thorough cleaning, disassembling parts as necessary to clean hard-to-reach areas. Avoid using abrasive materials or harsh chemicals that could damage the stirrer.
- Lubricate moving parts: Regularly lubricate moving parts such as the drive shaft and bearings to reduce friction and prevent wear. Use lubricants recommended by the manufacturer to ensure compatibility and effectiveness.
- Speed calibration: Periodically check the calibration of the speed control to ensure accurate and consistent mixing speeds. Adjust the settings as needed according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Alignment: Ensure that the stirrer and mixing vessels are properly aligned to prevent uneven wear and ensure effective mixing.
- Component replacement: Replace worn or damaged components such as blades, clamps, and seals promptly to maintain the stirrer's performance and safety. Keep an inventory of spare parts to minimize downtime. Follow the manufacturer's guidelines for the replacement intervals of critical components.
Proper maintenance not only extends the life of your equipment but also ensures safety and accuracy in your mixing processes.
Read this far and still can't decide what you need?
Give us a call to talk about what your lab needs. We have an extensive offline catalog that likely has everything you need and more.