How effective is the P43® at mixing tanks?
A centre mount P43® was permanently installed in tank number C3 at the Irish Refining Companies, Whitegate Refinery. The tank, which is 150 feet in diameter, was filled with approximately 24 feet of water. The P43® system was connected to the refinery fire water which was used to run the P43® during the test. Due to limitation of the fire water system, the P43® would only be operated at 57 percent of its rated flow. This corresponded to a mixing horse power input of .3 horse power per thousand barrels. As the P43® was running, a dye, Rhodamine WT, was injected in the P43® feed line. Water samples were taken at 2 minute intervals from dip hatches located 90° apart on the tank roof and analysed for dye concentration. A steady state concentration of dye, signifying complete mixing of the tank contents, was reached in approximately 30 minutes. The concentration profile followed the classic pattern for tank mixing and demonstrated the ability of the P43® to rapidly turn over the tank volume
