February 2002

Engineering Case Histories

Case 7: Why is the agitator agitated?

Analytical modeling can help identify the root cause

Sofronas, A., Consulting Engineer

I enjoy analytical modeling, both the simple and the complex. It helps bring clarity to chaotic situations. Most of us have experienced such times during high-profile failures. The number of possible causes seems to model helps to quantify the true cause. Agitators are mixing devices used to blend products. Most pressured vessel designs require a mechanical shaft seal and the shaft must run true to prevent leakage. In this case history a high-speed agitator had a shaft that was bolted together in sections for easy installation. On startup external vibration of the agitator was excessive and vibration measurements indicated the amplitude to be at shaft rotating frequency, mean

Log in to view this article.

Not Yet A Subscriber? Here are Your Options.

1) Start a FREE TRIAL SUBSCRIPTION and gain access to all articles in the current issue of Hydrocarbon Processing magazine.

2) SUBSCRIBE to Hydrocarbon Processing magazine in print or digital format and gain ACCESS to the current issue as well as to 3 articles from the HP archives per month. $409 for an annual subscription*.

3) Start a FULL ACCESS PLAN SUBSCRIPTION and regain ACCESS to this article, the current issue, all past issues in the HP Archive, the HP Process Handbooks, HP Market Data, and more. $1,995 for an annual subscription.  For information about group rates or multi-year terms, contact email Peter Ramsay or call +44 20 3409 2240*.

*Access will be granted the next business day.

Related Articles

From the Archive

Comments

Comments

{{ error }}
{{ comment.comment.Name }} • {{ comment.timeAgo }}
{{ comment.comment.Text }}