Frequently Asked Questions

LIGHTNIN offers complete maintenance services, including a 4-Step Program designed specifically for aging equipment in the water and wastewater treatment industry. For specifics on the 4-Step Program and other LIGHTNIN Service Programs, click here.

No, materials compatibility requires end-user input.

Get the Serial Number off the mixer name plate and give this number and details on the new application to your local LIGHTNIN Sales Representative. He/she can tell you whether your current mixer configuration is appropriate or recommend modifications to meet your process needs.

LIGHTNIN does supply solvent extraction mixer settler tanks. All LIGHTNIN Sales Representative can assist in the specification and supply of a tank/mixer package.

Not the truck-mounted mixers we see on the road, but LIGHTNIN mixers are used in specialized continous-pour applications.

LIGHTNIN has a global network of local Sales Representatives who can answer your questions. To find the representative in your area, please go to the Rep Locator.

LIGHTNIN primarily makes low-speed fluid mixers for a variety of processes and markets.

When repairs to your LIGHTNIN mixer are needed, we guarantee the results for one full year.This exclusive warranty covers all parts and labor.Talk to your LIGHTNIN sales representative for more information.

Returns of unused equipment or parts will be accepted with a pre-approval. Your LIGHTNIN Sales Representative will provide a Return Goods Authorization number and instructions. The contact information for your LIGHTNIN Sales Representative can be found on your Order Acknowledgement, and also with the Rep Locator on this website.

Please note that a minimum 20% restocking fee will apply to the unused equipment or parts. This is due to shafts being made to order.

There are several types of lubricants available, and the best choice depends on the nature of your process. Your LIGHTNIN Sales Representative can help you select the right lubricant for your application.

Both are important, but in the majority of cases, compatibility with tank contents is more critical.

Selection of a seal is affected by the pressure and temperature in the tank, the speed of the mixer, lubrication options and the cleanability requirements specific to the product and mixing environment. Your LIGHTNIN Sales Representative will work with you to find the seal most appropriate for your application.

There are a variety of in-tank coupling designs. Each is used to facilitate the installation and maintenance of mechanical seals, shafts and impellers in closed tank environments. In some cases, an in-tank coupling is essential; in others, it is simply a convenience. Your LIGHTNIN Sales Representative can explain the benefits of an in-tank coupling in your application.

The types of impellers as well as the physical configuration of the mixer in the tank (off-bottom distance, spacing between impellers and the ratio of impeller diameter to tank diameter) are critical to successful up-pumping. Your local LIGHTNIN Sales Representative can help you implement up-pumping successfully.

The impeller should be located 1/2 to 2D (diameter) off bottom, depending on a variety of factors, including the solid suspension level, the viscosity and the low liquid mixing criteria.

Yes, LIGHTNIN can assist in the specification of geometry and internals suitable for optimal mixing.

The impeller of choice is a low-shear axial-flow impeller, such as the A510, since it minimally shears the batch. Even at 350 rpm, it won't hurt your product due to the uniform velocities it imparts.

Use an A200 upper impeller for better surface turbulence and locate it approximately 2/3 to 3/4 D below the liquid level.

Generally, any time pigment extension is not required, but it varies with the type of pigment.

Up-pumping technology, using multiple A340 impellers pumping in an upward motion, has demonstrated significant improvements in product purity, yield and uniformity. Up-pumping also offers better control of foaming and temperature and pH distribution.

LIGHTNIN's Enhanced Finish Standards were developed specifically to comply with the strict requirements of the aseptic industries. All measurements are in Ra values and are verified with calibrated equipment traceable to NIST. All results are verified and recorded. A final report is issued as part of the QA Documentation required by customers for their Validation Protocol. Contact your local LIGHTNIN Sales Representative for documentation outlining these standards.

LIGHTNIN is a UL Registered ISO9001:1994 firm, and cGMP protocol virtually mirrors ISO guidelines. LIGHTNIN mixers are used throughout the world in cGMP facilities. LIGHTNIN's quality system, which is substantiated with a detailed documentation package, is designed to support customers' cGMP validation requirements.

Sparged air and viscosity fluctuations each impact power draw. Power draw may drop with increasing air rate. Viscosity increases during reaction will increase power draw.

For mixing of water-like fluids at power levels less than 10 HP/1000 gallons, the following rules apply:

• Baffle width: 1/12 tank diameter
• Baffle off wall: 1/3 baffle width

Generally speaking, for fluids with viscosities less than 10,000 cps, you should have 3 or 4 baffles (equal to the number of impeller blades), located 90° or 120° apart.

Improper positioning of the mixer is the most likely problem. The mixer should be mounted so that the shaft is 10 to 15 degrees from vertical, to the right of the tank centerline.

The A310 is part of the A510 impeller family. Both impellers deliver true axial flow and high flow-per-horsepower. The A510 also provides application flexibility because the impeller blades can be set at 2 additional angles. This means you can optimize your mixing, even when the impeller-to-tank diameter ratio is not optimum.

The power indicated on the mixer's motor nameplate says little about the mixing efficiency. Power consumption is completely independent of performance! Mixing impellers generate flow and shear, and selection of the design that provides the right combination for the application is critical. Impeller diameter, system geometry and speed are also key to mixer performance.

The secret is in LIGHTNIN's exclusive impeller designs. The LIGHTNIN A310 and A510 impellers were laser-designed to provide better flow than the impellers most other manufacturers provide. This means that LIGHTNIN mixers can produce the same results with much lower power consumption.

Fillets are used to enable Controlled Zone Agitation. Controlled Zone Agitation is generally accomplished by pouring a concrete horseshoe-shaped wedge into a chest. This limits the agitated volume to 10 - 15 minute retention. This allows for good agitation at reduced agitator power and operating costs.

A change in consistency is probably to blame. Small changes in consistency can impact process results dramatically because agitation results are a function of consistency cubed! Your LIGHTNIN Sales Representative can analyze your process and determine how to bring your system back to optimum efficiency.

Modern impeller technology has reduced splash and minimized power requirements. Your LIGHTNIN Sales Representative can bring you up to date.