Editorial Technical Reference

Agitator

This page explains how Agitator is classified within Food Manufacturing. Technical values and manufacturer relationships are research references; confirm the current specification and supplier evidence for each order.

Technical Definition & Core Assembly

A mechanical component within an ingredient hopper that mixes, blends, or stirs materials to prevent settling, ensure homogeneity, and facilitate material flow.

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Agitator in a manufacturing environment
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Product Specifications

Technical details and manufacturing context for Agitator

Definition
The agitator is a critical part of an ingredient hopper designed to maintain material consistency and prevent issues like bridging, rat-holing, or segregation. It operates within the hopper's storage chamber, continuously or intermittently mixing ingredients to ensure uniform distribution of particles, prevent compaction, and promote smooth discharge through the hopper outlet. This component is essential for maintaining product quality and process efficiency in material handling systems. The agitator typically consists of rotating blades, paddles, or screws driven by an external motor. As it rotates within the hopper, it creates shear forces and movement that break up clumps, mix different materials, and prevent material from adhering to hopper walls. The design ensures thorough blending while minimizing dead zones where material could accumulate. In food manufacturing, the agitator is often constructed from stainless steel (grades 304 or 316) to meet hygiene and corrosion resistance requirements. Key parameters include rated power (0.75–7.5 kW), agitator speed (50–300 rpm), impeller diameter (200–800 mm), shaft length (500–2000 mm), operating temperature (-10 to 80 °C), operating pressure (0.1–0.6 MPa), ingress protection (IP54–IP65), and weight (15–120 kg). These values are reference ranges and must be verified for the specific model and application. The agitator is designed to operate within a hopper, and its selection depends on factors such as material properties, hopper geometry, and required mixing intensity. It is important to confirm compatibility with the hopper's outlet and discharge system. For procurement, verify that the agitator meets relevant standards, such as for pressure and IEC 60529 for ingress protection, and that materials comply with ASTM A276. Always consult the legal manufacturer or supplier for model-specific specifications and certifications.
Working Principle
The agitator is driven by an external motor that rotates blades, paddles, or screws inside the hopper. This rotation creates shear forces and bulk movement, breaking up clumps, mixing different ingredients, and preventing material from sticking to the walls. The design minimizes dead zones, ensuring uniform blending and promoting consistent discharge through the hopper outlet. The agitator can operate continuously or intermittently, depending on process requirements.
Common Materials
Stainless Steel
Technical Parameters
ParameterTypical rangeNotes & selection driver
Rated Power0.75–7.5 kWDepends on agitator size and viscosity
Agitator Speed50–300 rpmAdjustable for mixing intensity
Impeller Diameter200–800 mmMatches hopper size
Shaft Length500–2000 mmCustomizable per hopper depth
Operating Temperature-10–80 °CSeals and materials rated for this range
Operating Pressure0.1–0.6 MPaAtmospheric to low pressure
Ingress ProtectionIP54–IP65Dust-tight and water-resistantIEC 60529
Shaft Material304/316 SS316 for corrosive environmentsASTM A276
Impeller Material304/316 SSFood-grade finishASTM A276
Weight15–120 kgVaries with size and material

Ranges are indicative industry figures for RFQ preparation, not a supplier commitment. Confirm every value and standard with the legal manufacturer before ordering.

Components / BOM
  • Agitator Shaft Part
    Central rotating component that transmits torque from the motor to the mixing elements
    Material: Stainless Steel
  • Mixing Blades/Paddles Part
    Elements attached to the shaft that physically contact and move the material
    Material: Stainless Steel
  • Drive Coupling
    Connects the agitator shaft to the motor drive system
    Material: Steel Alloy
  • Bearing Assembly
    Supports the rotating shaft and reduces friction during operation
    Material: Stainless Steel with Polymer Seals

Application & selection

Application Fit & Sizing Matrix

Operational Limits
pressure: Atmospheric to 10 bar
flow rate: 0-100 m³/h
temperature: -10°C to +80°C
slurry concentration: Up to 70% solids by weight
Media Compatibility
✓ Food-grade slurries ✓ Chemical solutions ✓ Pharmaceutical suspensions
Unsuitable: Highly abrasive media with >5% silica content
Sizing Data Required
  • Vessel volume (m³)
  • Material viscosity (cP)
  • Required mixing intensity (RPM)

Risk, maintenance & compliance

Reliability & Engineering Risk Analysis

Failure Mode & Root Cause
Bearing failure
Cause: Inadequate lubrication, contamination ingress, misalignment, or excessive loading leading to overheating, wear, and eventual seizure or spalling.
Impeller wear/corrosion
Cause: Abrasive or corrosive process media causing material loss, thinning, or pitting, often accelerated by cavitation due to improper operating conditions or design mismatch.
Maintenance Indicators
  • Unusual vibration or noise (e.g., grinding, knocking) indicating mechanical looseness, bearing issues, or impeller imbalance.
  • Excessive heat on motor or gearbox housing, suggesting overloading, lubrication failure, or misalignment.
Engineering Tips
  • Implement condition-based monitoring (vibration analysis, thermography) to detect early degradation and schedule proactive maintenance.
  • Ensure proper alignment during installation/repair and use compatible, clean lubricants with regular replenishment schedules to prevent bearing and seal failures.

Indicative industry ranges for design and RFQ preparation. Confirm the exact figures and applicable standard with the manufacturer before specifying.

Compliance & Manufacturing Standards

Applicable Standards
ISO 2858:2022 - End-suction centrifugal pumps (Designation, nominal duty point and dimensions) ANSI/ASME B73.1-2021 - Specification for Horizontal End Suction Centrifugal Pumps for Chemical Process DIN 24256:2017 - Agitators; definitions, main dimensions, nominal powers

Quoted from the published standard.

Manufacturing Precision
  • Shaft runout: ≤0.05mm at coupling end
  • Impeller balance: G6.3 grade per ISO 1940-1
Quality Inspection
  • Hydrostatic pressure test (1.5x design pressure for 30 minutes)
  • Vibration analysis (ISO 10816-3 compliance at rated speed)
Technical documentation
Request current drawings, revision history, and a signed specification sheet.
Manufacturing capability
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Inspection readiness
Confirm test methods, calibrated equipment, sampling plans, and traceable reports.
Supplier transparency
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Manufacturers of Agitator

Manufacturer profiles associated with Agitator.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of an agitator in an ingredient hopper?

The agitator mixes, blends, or stirs materials inside the hopper to prevent settling, ensure uniform distribution, and facilitate smooth material flow. It helps avoid issues like bridging, rat-holing, and segregation.

What materials are commonly used for agitators?

Agitators are often made of stainless steel, typically grades 304 or 316, to meet food-grade hygiene and corrosion resistance requirements. The specific grade should be confirmed with the manufacturer.

How do I select the right agitator for my hopper?

Selection depends on factors such as material properties, hopper size, required mixing intensity, and operating conditions. Key parameters include power, speed, impeller diameter, shaft length, and temperature range. Always verify these with the supplier.

What standards apply to agitators?

Relevant standards may include. Material standards like ASTM A276 may apply. These are reference points; confirm compliance with the manufacturer.

Data basis: editorial classification, named public sources where available, and source-reviewed manufacturer records. See the editorial policy.

Related equipment

Applied To / Applications

This component is essential for the following industrial systems and equipment:

Ingredient Hopper
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Ingredient Storage Tank
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Slurry Supply System
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Liquid Reservoir
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Hopper
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Resin Storage Tank
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Material Reservoir
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Material Reservoir/Supply Line
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Electrolyte Reservoir
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Solution Storage Tank
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Industrial Ecosystem & Supply Chain Structure

Data Basis

Editorial classification, named public sources where available, and source-reviewed manufacturer records.

Preliminary Technical Classification
This page supports structured research, RFQ preparation, and supplier evaluation. It does not replace buyer-led supplier qualification, standards review, or technical approval.

Compiled and source-reviewed by the CNFX editorial team. Each manufacturer above links to the page on that company's own website where the product is listed, with the date we checked it. How we source and review · Page last updated 12 October 2026

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