Tip Speed Formula:
| From: | To: |
Tip speed calculation determines the linear velocity at the outermost edge of an agitator blade. It is a critical parameter in mixing processes that affects shear rates, mixing efficiency, and particle suspension.
The calculator uses the tip speed formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula converts rotational speed to linear velocity by multiplying the circumference (π×D) by the rotational speed in revolutions per second (RPM/60).
Details: Tip speed is crucial for determining mixing intensity, shear sensitivity of materials, power consumption, and equipment sizing in various industrial applications including chemical processing, pharmaceuticals, and food production.
Tips: Enter agitator diameter in meters and rotational speed in RPM. Both values must be positive numbers. The calculator will compute the tip speed in meters per second.
Q1: What is a typical tip speed range for agitators?
A: Typical tip speeds range from 1-10 m/s depending on the application, with lower speeds for gentle mixing and higher speeds for high-shear applications.
Q2: Why is tip speed important in mixing?
A: Tip speed directly affects shear rates, which influence particle size reduction, emulsion stability, and the mixing of viscous fluids.
Q3: How does tip speed relate to power consumption?
A: Power consumption is proportional to the cube of tip speed, so small increases in tip speed can significantly increase power requirements.
Q4: Can I use different units for diameter?
A: Yes, but ensure consistency - if diameter is in cm, the result will be in cm/s. The calculator assumes meters for diameter input.
Q5: What factors affect optimal tip speed selection?
A: Fluid viscosity, mixing objectives (blending, suspension, dispersion), shear sensitivity of materials, and equipment constraints.