How to Troubleshoot Stir Tank Reactors
People use different types of chemical products on a daily basis, either for personal use or in their profession. The creation of these products involves different chemicals pumped into a stir tank reactor, mixed through agitation, heated and pumped out as a new product ready for the appropriate application. If the chemicals fail to mix or aren't pumped into the tank as required, or if the fill level decreases without the chemical being pumped out, problems could occur with the stir tank reactor. Perform troubleshooting methods to detect the problem so you can take the correct repair action.
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Instructions
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Check lines leading into and out of the reactor if you notice problems with the fluid level of liquid materials. Flush the intake line if the liquid level in the main chamber decreases rapidly. Inspect the outlet line for cracks and leaks that may be allowing too much of the liquid to disperse. Replace damaged lines with new pipes.
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Drain the reactor. Inspect for cracks along the tank walls and bottom. Seal cracks using the appropriate sealant based on the type of material used to build the tank and what type of product is mixed in the tank. Glass and plastic tanks may require an epoxy-based sealant, for example, while sealing steel tanks may require welding.
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Perform maintenance on the turbine engine that spins the agitator blades. Replace the drive belts if they show wear and tear. Tighten bearings and nuts with a wrench if the agitator shaft wobbles. Use welding tools tools to repair damaged agitator blades if the reactor is not mixing the product well.
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Tips & Warnings
File a repair report with your supervisor if you need to order parts or schedule repairs with maintenance staff.
The stirred tank reactor will have pressure and flow gauges to monitor and control the amount of products entering the tank.
Always perform diagnostic tests on all electrical and computer operations to ensure the readings are correct before troubleshooting the physical reactor.
Always leave the work of troubleshooting stir tank reactors to the appropriate personnel. If you suspect a problem with the reactor tank, inform the operations supervisor immediately so your team can undertake the proper maintenance guidelines.
