Dynamic mixing head

Overview
The Tetra Pak® Radial Jet Mixer uses high‑speed liquid jets generated by a recirculation pump to create controlled turbulence inside a tank. The liquid volume in the tank becomes the agitator, enabling efficient batch mixing without internal rotating agitators.

Benefits

• Efficient mixing and improved tank cleaning capability.
• Low risk of foaming due to low‑shear mixing.
• Flexible configurations to suit tank size and process needs (single or twin nozzle).
• Reduced installation and maintenance complexity compared with conventional agitators.

Summary / Quick facts

• Mixing and cleaning by high‑speed liquid jets from a recirculation pump.
• Available as single (S) or twin (T) nozzle depending on tank dimensions.
• Typical mixing time for standard beverages: 2–10 minutes after last ingredient (product and tank dependent).
• Suitable for batch viscosities up to ~200 cP.
• Operating fill level range: approx. 6%–100% (greater flexibility than conventional agitators).

Capacity & Applications
Capacity: Configurable with single (S) or twin (T) mixing nozzles according to tank dimensions.
Applications: Beverage processing (carbonated soft drinks, juices, nectars, still drinks, functional drinks), dairy and plant‑based beverages, and formulations containing pulps or fibres.

Key Features (detailed)

• Single or twin nozzle — configured for tank geometry: S or T nozzle options create steady turbulence via high‑speed jets; nozzle design yields low local shear compared with agitator blade tips, helping to preserve product integrity.
• Fast mixing — reduces batch time: Demonstrated significant reduction in mixing time (example: ~6 min with T model vs 20 min with conventional agitator in a 20 m3 trial).
• Cascade cleaning — improved CIP efficiency: T model supports cascade cleaning where spray ball media are expelled as strong jets via the mixer nozzle, shortening CIP cycles for viscous or sticky products.
• Homogeneous mixing — handles floating and sinking ingredients: Turbulence disperses pulps, fibres and powders evenly; suitable for tall tanks and for mixing without separate pre‑mixers.
• Three stages in one mixer (T model): T nozzle includes horizontal and upper outlets to enable low/high mixing stages and a CIP stage; stage switching via valve position (pneumatic).
• Simple installation and maintenance: Single flange welded into tank bottom; pump and valves mounted at ground level for easy access; fewer internal fittings than agitators.
• Flexible batch size: Operates from very low fill levels (~6%) up to full tanks, supporting both small research or seasonal batches and full production runs.
• Hopper option: Optional manual hopper with butterfly valve for floor‑level addition of small quantities.

Technical description / Documents
Technical details and installation guidance are available in the product technical leaflet (brochure / PD leaflet).

Characteristics / Specifications

• Model name: Tetra Pak® Radial Jet Mixer (S = single nozzle, T = twin nozzle with staged outlets)
• Mixing principle: high‑speed radial liquid jet(s) from a recirculation pump creating tank turbulence
• Typical mixing time: 2–10 minutes after last ingredient (product and tank dependent)
• Maximum recommended viscosity: up to ~200 cP
• Fill‑level flexibility: approx. 6%–100%
• Nozzle shear: low‑shear mixing, preserving product quality
• Installation: single flange welded to tank bottom; pump and butterfly valves external at ground level
• CIP/cleaning: cascade cleaning capability (T model) to reduce CIP time for sticky beverages
• Options: hopper with manual butterfly valve; single or twin nozzle; T‑model staged outlet with valve control