Liquid mixing system for closed vessels

Abstract

A mixing apparatus (21) for use with a vessel (22) having a contiguous sidewall substantially centered about and defining a longitudinal axis (A), the mixing apparatus having a base plate (25) removably mountable atop the vessel, a table frame (55) removably mountable atop the base plate and a housing (42) removably mountable atop the table frame. The apparatus also features a mixing head (30) comprising a generally annular blade body (72) for immersion into the fluids to be mixed within the vessel, the blade body having a centrally positioned hub member (70) defining a substantially vertically directed hub axis, said hub member being attached to and surrounded by a ring portion defining an orifice having a centre of symmetry. A drive shaft (84) is provided for supporting the mixing head within the vessel and extending from the hub member to the housing. A reciprocating drive assembly (40) is mounted within the housing, the reciprocating drive assembly being operatively connectable to the drive shaft for imparting reciprocating longitudinal movement to the mixing head. A linear bearing assembly (90) is mounted on the table frame in proximal relation to the housing, with the drive shaft operatively slidable within the linear bearing assembly. With this arrangement, the mixing apparatus is positionable atop the vessel with the drive shaft, hub axis and centre of symmetry all being substantially aligned with said longitudinal axis. The housing is easily removable for servicing of the apparatus without disassembly of the remainder of the assembly.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.