Mixing has been a part of water tank maintenance ever since water tanks have existed. For decades water tank owners relied on engineering a complex piping system to mix their water only when it filled, otherwise called a passive mixing system. Today owners have the luxury of installing an active water mixing system.
With water quality standards rising, more and more tank owners are opting to install an active water mixing system. However, many are still not sure of how a mixing system can accomplish better water quality over time. Here are a few answers to the most common questions we receive:
What is an Active Mixing System?
Any system that mixes your water continuously. It’s a piece of equipment that provides continuous water flow to prevent the opportunity for stagnation, whereas passive systems only operate when they are being filled through the pipe.
How Does an Active Mixing System Work?
It takes fresh water on the bottom of the tank and recirculates the water up to make the stratified water move and become eliminated. Essentially, it replaces the old with new so that the stratified water gets fully mixed and creates a homogenized water temperature.
Why Would I Need a Mixer?
There are many reasons why a tank might need a mixer. The most common include removing the stratification layer, preventing ice formation, preventing the buildup of biofilm, and maintaining overall high water quality and chlorine residuals.
What Kind of Tanks are Compatible?
All tanks are compatible with a mixer, but some types of tanks may require specific mixers or strategic placement for optimal results.
How Do I Choose What Mixing System is Right for Me?
When choosing a mixing system, it is important to take every element about your tank into consideration. Some of the main points to go over include:
- Capacity: the size and power of your mixing system should work for how many gallons of water your tank holds and the usage or turnover amount with your storage.
- Style: what type of tank style should also be taken into consideration, as it may require strategic placement in order to properly mix the entire tank.
- Color: darker paint colors on the outside of the tank can heat up the tank more in the summer, which can increase the risk of biofilm developing and would require more efficient mixing.
- Power Source: your power source must be able to support the equipment.
- Chemicals: because a mixing system helps maintain higher water quality, it is important to take into consideration what chemicals are already being used to reduce the growth of bacteria in the tank and possibly adjust those chemical levels once the mixer is installed.
- Climate: tanks located in colder climates must take into consideration how the mixer will work in the winter to prevent ice formation.
If you have more questions on how to choose the right mixing system or aren’t sure where to start, give Dewey Prinzing a call at KLM Engineering, Inc. in Woodbury at 651-773-5111 or email him directly at dprinzing@klmengineering.com.