ANS:D - Agitated vessels

Agitated vessels are vessels or tanks equipped with agitators or mixers that are used to promote mixing and dispersion of liquids or solids in a liquid medium. These vessels are commonly used in various industries for a wide range of applications, including chemical processing, pharmaceuticals, food and beverage production, and wastewater treatment. Here's how agitated vessels work and some key features:

1. Agitators or Mixers: Agitated vessels are equipped with agitators or mixers, which are mechanical devices designed to stir, mix, or blend the contents of the vessel. Agitators typically consist of blades, paddles, or impellers attached to a rotating shaft. The agitator can rotate at different speeds and directions to achieve the desired mixing intensity and pattern.
2. Mixing and Dispersion: The primary function of agitated vessels is to promote mixing and dispersion of components within the vessel. This includes blending different liquids or dissolving solids into a liquid medium. Agitators create turbulence and shear forces within the liquid, which helps break up clumps or aggregates and promote uniform distribution of components.
3. Heat Transfer: Agitated vessels can also be used for heat transfer applications, such as heating or cooling a liquid or maintaining a uniform temperature throughout the vessel. The agitation helps distribute heat evenly and improve heat transfer rates between the liquid and external heating or cooling surfaces.
4. Reaction Vessels: In chemical processing, agitated vessels are commonly used as reaction vessels for carrying out chemical reactions. The agitation helps enhance mixing of reactants, improve mass transfer rates, and promote uniform reaction conditions throughout the vessel.
5. Scale and Design: Agitated vessels come in various sizes and designs to accommodate different processing requirements and production scales. They can range from small laboratory-scale vessels to large industrial tanks. The design of the agitator, vessel geometry, and material of construction are tailored to the specific application and process conditions.

Overall, agitated vessels play a crucial role in various industrial processes by facilitating mixing, dispersion, reaction, and heat transfer operations. They offer versatility, flexibility, and efficiency in handling a wide range of liquid-based processes.