Mixing Time Estimator
Estimate the time required to achieve a uniform mixture in a vessel. This tool helps visualize how impeller speed, fluid properties, and geometry impact mixing efficiency in pharmaceutical processes.
Estimated Mixing Time (Tm)
0 min
Reynolds Number
0
Flow Regime
N/A
Tank Diameter (Est.)
0 m
Power Consumption
0 W
Assumptions & Steps:
Mixing Time Estimator
Welcome to the Mixing Time Estimator on PharmacyFreak.com. This tool is built to help you estimate the time needed to achieve proper mixing inside a tank. Whether you’re dissolving a drug, blending powders, or emulsifying liquids, understanding mixing time is essential.
This calculator gives you instant results, based on fluid properties, impeller speed, and tank geometry. It also tells you how much power your impeller uses and classifies the flow as laminar or turbulent using the Reynolds Number.
What Is Mixing Time?
Mixing time is the time required to achieve uniform distribution of all ingredients in a vessel. It is a key factor in pharmaceutical production and formulation.
Mixing time depends on:
Tank size
Fluid viscosity and density
Impeller speed and type
Flow regime (laminar or turbulent)
This tool brings all these variables together to calculate mixing time accurately and visually.
What Is Mixing Time?
Mixing time is the time required to achieve uniform distribution of all ingredients in a vessel. It is a key factor in pharmaceutical production and formulation.
Mixing time depends on:
Tank size
Fluid viscosity and density
Impeller speed and type
Flow regime (laminar or turbulent)
This tool brings all these variables together to calculate mixing time accurately and visually.
Key Features of the Mixing Time Estimator
✅ Regime-Based Calculation
The tool first calculates the Reynolds Number (Re) to determine the flow type:
Laminar Flow: Low energy, slow mixing
Turbulent Flow: Fast, efficient mixing
Based on the flow regime, it applies the correct formula for mixing time estimation.
✅ Impeller Type Presets
Select common impeller types like:
Rushton Turbine
Pitched Blade Turbine (PBT)
Hydrofoil
Each impeller has a preset Power Number (Np). You can also choose “Custom” to enter your own value.
✅ Power Consumption Output
Along with mixing time, the calculator tells you how much power (in Watts) your impeller will consume. This helps you understand the energy cost of mixing.
✅ Unit Flexibility
All input fields accept common units:
Volume – liters or m³
Diameter – cm or m
Viscosity – cP or Pa·s
Speed – RPM
The calculator handles conversions behind the scenes.
✅ Formula Transparency
The “Assumptions & Steps” box explains:
How Reynolds Number is calculated
Which mixing time formula was used
What each variable means
This helps you learn while solving real-world problems.
✅ PNG Export Option
Download your results, formulas, and flow classification as a clean PNG image. Add it to reports, assignments, or study notes.
How to Use the Mixing Time Estimator – Step-by-Step
Step 1: Enter Vessel and Impeller Details
Tank Volume (V): Enter in liters or cubic meters
Impeller Speed (N): Enter in RPM
Impeller Diameter (D): Usually about 1/3 of tank diameter
The tool estimates tank diameter assuming liquid height = diameter, a standard mixing tank shape.
Step 2: Choose Impeller Type
Pick from the dropdown. The tool will load the correct Power Number (Np). Use “Custom” to enter your own value if needed.
Step 3: Enter Fluid Properties
Density (ρ): In kg/m³
Viscosity (μ): In cP or Pa·s
These determine the Reynolds number and help classify the flow regime.
Step 4: Click “Calculate”
The results appear instantly. You’ll see:
Estimated Mixing Time (Tm) in minutes
Reynolds Number (Re)
Flow type (Laminar or Turbulent)
Power consumption in Watts
A full breakdown of steps and assumptions
Understanding the Output
🔄 Mixing Time (Tm)
This is the estimated time to reach 95% homogeneity. Shorter times mean faster production. Longer times may risk ingredient separation or inefficiency.
🌀 Reynolds Number and Flow Regime
Re < 10 = Laminar flow
Re > 10,000 = Turbulent flow
Between = Transitional flow (unstable)
Flow regime affects which formula is used.
⚡ Power Consumption
Shows how much power the impeller uses. Higher speed = more power (Power ∝ N³). Use this to estimate motor size and energy cost.
📘 Assumptions & Steps
Learn what formula was applied:
For laminar flow: Power and time depend heavily on viscosity
For turbulent flow: Power is more constant and mixing is faster
You’ll also see estimated tank diameter, impeller-to-tank ratio, and more.
Interpreting Flow Regimes
🟢 Laminar Flow (Re < 10)
Fluid moves in smooth layers
Common in viscous materials like gels or creams
Mixing is slow and energy-intensive
Useful in sensitive mixing where shear must be low
🔴 Turbulent Flow (Re > 10,000)
Fluid moves with swirling eddies and chaos
Common in water, ethanol, or thin solutions
Mixing is fast and efficient
Best for suspensions, dissolving salts, and general blending
Why This Tool Is Perfect for Pharmacy Students
Understanding mixing is essential in:
Granulation and tablet production
Solution prep and buffer blending
Emulsions and suspensions
Sterile solution preparation
This tool helps with:
Assignments
Lab reports
Viva questions
Scale-up case studies
Use it to test “what-if” scenarios—how changing speed or impeller type affects time and energy.