Side Entry Gear Drive Mixers: The Workhorse of Large Tank Mixing

Overview

Side entry gear drive mixers are engineered for efficient blending and homogenization in large storage tanks where top entry solutions become impractical or cost-prohibitive. Widely used in crude oil storage, terminals, and bulk chemical tanks, these mixers deliver high flow with lower installed power by inducing horizontal circulation patterns across the tank floor.

At MIXCO-LOTUS MIXERS, side entry units are designed for reliability, ease of maintenance, and optimized hydraulic performance—critical for continuous-duty industrial applications.

How Side Entry Mixers Work

Unlike top entry mixers that drive vertical flow, side entry mixers are mounted horizontally through the tank wall. A gear-driven motor transmits torque to a shaft and impeller, generating strong axial flow across the tank diameter.

Key hydrodynamic effects:

• Bulk circulation: Sweeps settled solids from the tank bottom

• Stratification control: Eliminates layering in stored fluids

• Thermal uniformity: Maintains consistent temperature profiles

Key Design Features of MIXCO-LOTUS MIXERS Side Entry Gear Drive Mixers

1. Heavy-Duty Gear Drive SystemRobust helical or bevel gear drives provide high torque at optimal RPM ranges, ensuring long service life under continuous operation.

2. Engineered Seal SystemsSingle or double mechanical cartridge seals are designed for hydrocarbon and chemical service, minimizing leakage and maintenance.

3. Optimized Impeller TechnologyHydraulically efficient impellers (axial flow or modified hydrofoils) maximize flow per horsepower while minimizing shear.

4. Rugged Shaft and Bearing DesignDesigned to operate below 65% of first critical speed, ensuring mechanical stability and long-term reliability.

5. Easy Installation & MaintenanceSide entry mixers can be installed without opening the tank roof—reducing downtime and improving safety.

Typical Applications

Side entry gear drive mixers are widely deployed across multiple industries:

• Crude oil storage tanks (BS&W control)

• Refined fuels and petrochemical storage

• Asphalt and heavy hydrocarbons

• Bulk chemical blending tanks

• Wastewater equalization basins

Engineering Considerations

Proper selection and placement are critical to performance:

• Tank diameter and fluid properties (viscosity, density)

• Number of mixers required (often multiple units per tank)

• Impeller type and diameter

• Mounting angle and elevation

• Power per unit volume (HP/1000 gal or kW/m³)

At MIXCO-LOTUS MIXERS, each application is analyzed to ensure optimal circulation patterns and mixing efficiency—not just equipment supply.

Reliability Matters

Industrial tank mixing is not just about moving fluid—it’s about uptime, consistency, and long-term cost control.

MIXCO-LOTUS MIXERS side entry gear-driven units are built with:

• Proven industrial gearboxes

• Precision-machined shafts

• Heavy-duty seal housings

• Field-tested impeller designs

This results in:

• Reduced downtime

• Lower maintenance costs

• Extended equipment life

Why Choose MIXCO-LOTUS MIXERS

When selecting a side entry mixer, engineering expertise matters as much as the hardware. MIXCO-LOTUS MIXERS combines decades of process knowledge with proven mechanical design to deliver solutions that outperform and outlast.

What sets us apart:

• Application-driven impeller selection

• Heavy-duty mechanical design standards

• Competitive pricing vs. SPX (Lightnin/Philadelphia) and NOV Chemineer

• Fast delivery with in-stock options

• Strong aftermarket support

Get Expert Help on Your Tank Mixing Application

Whether you are designing a new crude oil storage facility or optimizing an existing tank, the right side entry mixer can significantly improve performance and reduce operating costs.

Contact MIXCO-LOTUS MIXERS today:

• Phone: (941) 966-1885

• Email: info@lotusmixers.com

• Web: www.lotusmixers.com

MIXCO-LOTUS MIXERS — The Mixer Company People You Can Trust for Proven Process Mixing Solutions.