Industrial Stainless Steel Reactor Tank with Top Agitator for Liquid Processing

Equipment Overview

This stainless steel reactor tank is built for industrial liquid processing where mixing, heating, cooling, and reaction control are required in a single vessel. The top-mounted agitator configuration suits applications that need a clean, accessible vessel interior and straightforward maintenance access. We fabricate these tanks in our own workshop, which means we control the welding, surface finish, and assembly tolerances from start to finish.

Material and Fabrication

We use 304 or 316L stainless steel depending on the process media and corrosion requirements. The inner vessel wall thickness is selected based on the working pressure and mechanical load—typically we start at 4 mm for atmospheric duties and increase for pressure or vacuum service. All welds are full penetration and ground smooth where they contact the product. Internal surfaces are mechanically polished to a Ra of 0.6 µm or better, which helps with cleaning and product release. The top head can be flanged or welded, and the agitator shaft is sealed with a mechanical seal or stuffing box, depending on the pressure and cleanliness level you need.

Heating and Cooling

For temperature control, we offer a jacketed design with a heating/cooling medium circulating through the outer shell. The jacket can be dimpled, half-pipe coil, or full jacket, depending on the heat transfer rate and the viscosity of the medium. We also provide internal coils if the process demands more surface area. The choice of heating—steam, hot oil, or electric—affects the jacket design and the overall footprint. We will help you match the configuration to your utility supply.

Agitation and Mixing

The top agitator can be fitted with a range of impeller types: anchor, paddle, turbine, or helical ribbon. The correct choice depends on the viscosity, the need for radial or axial flow, and whether you need to suspend solids or promote heat transfer. We size the motor and gearbox based on the batch volume and the required tip speed. Variable speed drives are available for processes that need gentle agitation at one stage and high shear at another.

Industries and Applications

Typical users include chemical plants producing polymer solutions, pharmaceutical manufacturers handling APIs in solution, food processors making sauces or emulsions, and cosmetics companies preparing creams and lotions. The tank can also be used for crystallization, neutralization, or fermentation when configured appropriately. We have supplied similar units for batch capacities from 100 liters to 20,000 liters, but we do not publish standard sizes because nearly every order is customized to the process.

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I choose the right stainless steel grade?

If you are processing chlorides, acids, or pharmaceutical intermediates, 316L is usually safer. For general-purpose food or cosmetic mixing, 304 is often sufficient. Tell us the chemical composition and concentration of your media, and we will recommend a grade.

What is the maximum working pressure you can design for?

We can design reactors for pressures up to 10 bar, but higher pressures require thicker walls and different head designs. Send us your required pressure and temperature, and we will calculate the appropriate thickness and verify the design.

Can I clean the tank with CIP?

Yes, we can add a CIP spray ball and design the internals with smooth surfaces and no dead zones. The top agitator is removable for manual cleaning if needed.

How does the agitator choice affect the process?

An anchor agitator works well for viscous fluids and promotes heat transfer near the wall. A turbine impeller gives higher shear for dispersing powders or emulsifying. A helical ribbon is best for high-viscosity pastes. We can help you select based on your product\’s rheology.

Do you provide custom nozzles and instrument connections?

Yes, we can add any number of nozzles for inlet, outlet, vents, temperature probes, pH sensors, and sample ports. Just provide your P&ID or a list of connections.

Practical Sourcing Guidance

Before requesting a quote, please have the following details ready: the exact chemical composition and concentration of your materials, the batch volume and working volume, the operating temperature and pressure, the required heating/cooling medium, the viscosity and solids content, and the desired mixing intensity. Also note any cleaning or compliance standards (e.g., FDA, ATEX, or GMP). With this information, our engineers can propose a vessel configuration that fits your process—not a generic unit.

If you are unsure about any parameter, send us what you know and we will ask the right questions. We have been building stainless steel reactors for over a decade, and we are used to working with incomplete data. The goal is to get you a tank that performs reliably in your production line without over-engineering.

To receive a detailed quotation and a recommended specification, please contact us with your process requirements. Include your material, batch size, temperature, pressure, and agitation needs. We will respond with a technical proposal and a clear price.