PULSAIR in Slurry Mixing Tests
Suspending slurry and maintaining slurry in suspension is a demanding task for many mixers. PULSAIR can be a very effective way of meeting the challenge of slurry suspension.
PULSAIR has been involved in recent tests of slurry suspension and has installed systems now successfully engaged in this task. Dealing with slurry can be thought of as two tasks:
Settled slurry can take on concrete-like consistency and can be difficult to break up. By contrast, once in suspension slurry can continue to be suspended by a moderate application of PULSAIR's power.
SUSPENDING SETTLED SLURRY
Tests conducted by PULSAIR and our customers have determined that accumulator plates can re-suspend slurry within a radius three times that of the plate itself. For example, a 12" plate would have an effective mixing diameter of 3'. If you put three double plates, equally spaced down the centerline of each 4' x 8' chamber, then you will achieve excellent solid re-suspension and slurry maintenance.
In contrast to the task of maintaining a slurry in suspension, breaking up a settled slurry and mixing it into suspension will require a great deal of PULSAIR's power and frequent pulsing.
MAINTAINING SLURRY IN SUSPENSION
A slurry can be maintained in suspension using a moderate amount of PULSAIR power. One customer reports it is necessary to pulse just one of the multiple plates every 30 seconds at a low pressure setting to keep a 20% kaolin clay in water slurry mixture in suspension.
The danger with slurries is the solids settling out if the system is turned off. When the lime settles, it becomes very condensed and heavy and it is possible to plug one of the plates by burying it in settled solids. PULSAIR has developed specialized control and injector technology to prevent the plugging of accumulator plates.