scope:

Rather than specific instructions, a collection of techniques is presented to guide the user. Emphasis is placed on practical methods that are likely to produce reliable results.

This procedure includes widely accepted nomenclature and definitions to assist in the collection of data and communication of results. General methods are provided for collecting and analyzing process results, but because of the enormous variety of possible applications for impeller-type mixing equipment, little specific detail is included.

Many useful indirect measures of process conditions involve mechanically related observations. Because mechanically sound equipment is necessary for successful process operation, many aspects of the testing are mechanical. Observations of mechanical operation are also essential for long equipment life and personnel safety.

Purpose

This procedure offers methods of conducting and interpreting performance tests on impeller-type mixing equipment.

These tests may be conducted to determine process performance, mechanical reliability, or suitability of equipment for the intended use. Since the correct identification of the "real" problem can be the most difficult part of the tests conducted on mixing equipment, several procedures follow troubleshooting tactics.

Tests may be conducted to determine scale-up or scale-down criteria and to collect data for equipment sizing and design.

Many reasons exist for conducting performance tests. The methods presented here should be generally applicable to most situations. Care should be taken to set testing priorities and to select the most suitable methods for a given situation.