Christopher 102 Report post Posted February 1, 2005 Hello, I was wondering what different ways everyone uses to mix chemicals. I am going to mix some powdered chemicals and was looking for something inexpensive like an attachment for the end of a drill if that will work. I am going to mix a few 55gallon barrels and would like to find a way that is efficient and inexpensive. Thanks for any help. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
One Tough Pressure 580 Report post Posted February 1, 2005 They have drill mixers in the paint dept at Home Improvement Stores. I mix my powders in a super concentrate clear bucket and then add to my main jug when i see that the powder has dissolved. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
newlook 265 Report post Posted February 1, 2005 Not sure if the drill mixers will work on the 55 galloon drum. I think the mixers in the paint dept. are made for 5 galloon .... I may be wrong. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cleveland Mobile 14 Report post Posted February 1, 2005 Chris, I put a swivel on the end of a lance with a "T" and 2 nozzle tips positioned to spin (think of the letter Z) . I add the powder while under pressure. The lance stays put because of the way the nozzles point, although i periodically grab the lance and move it around the bottom of the drum. Also I used hot water when mixing. Andy Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Celeste 341 Report post Posted February 1, 2005 Andy, Can you post a pic of what your end looks like - can't picture this :) Thanks - sounds like an interesting concept. Celeste Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cleveland Mobile 14 Report post Posted February 1, 2005 Celeste... Sorry dont have any pics of it but its just a T attached to a swivel...on the t i put 2 90degree "L's" with spray tips. Thats why i said it looks like a "Z" Andy Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Beth n Rod 1,279 Report post Posted February 1, 2005 The only other thing I would like to add would be PPE... Andy has pointed out a way that many mix in a 55 gallon drum using a powerwasher. Generally, you will start with about 5 gallons or more in the drum and then use their power washer lance to agitate the mix as they add hot water to it until full. Alan has another good way in that he is making sure that the product has not precipitated out of solution before adding it to his main batch. One thing to remember is that there is a saturation point. This means that the water cannot hold anything more in solution and the rest will precipitate out and form a sediment at the bottom of the container. Cold water has a lower saturation point than hot water. Andy, you have a few of us curious... Rod~ Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RyanH 14 Report post Posted February 1, 2005 Also, to help agitation, don't mix at a 90 degree angle...mixers work better when the shaft is inclined to about 60 degrees. If you have access to a welder you can easily make an extension shaft out of rebar...you might want to paint first if using a caustic. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
One Tough Pressure 580 Report post Posted February 1, 2005 On the shelf next to the mixers, are extension shafts. Check your local paint store or Home Depot. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bob Gates 14 Report post Posted February 5, 2005 I mix in 5 gal buckets with hot/warm water...make several batches if needed....then top of barrel.. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
newlook 265 Report post Posted February 6, 2005 I would suggest that for those that are not familiar with the procedure/ratios of mixing that you start off with 5 gallons. If you have enough powder for 55 gallons then still do 5 gallons at a time until you reach a comfort level to tack a 55 gallon mixf. Nothing worse than taking powder that you spend good money on and messing up the ratio for a 55 gallon mix. If you mess up at 5 gallon's then all is not lost ~ you still have 50 gallons to play with :). Just some advice. We do 5 gallon's at a time. I do not store 55 gallon drums on our site. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
seymore 90 Report post Posted February 6, 2005 If you gonna mix that much chems do you have to use it pretty soon in like 1-2 days? Will it not weaken if it sits for a while? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
John Orr 206 Report post Posted February 6, 2005 I use a wooden broom handle, mixing with warm water. I keep it nearby and give a stir before pumping any chems to 5 gal buckets. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Beth n Rod 1,279 Report post Posted February 6, 2005 Seymore, Depends on the chem itself. Most have a stable shelflife and others dont... Percarbs are the most common off the top of my head that have a short life once hydrated. We have been told by some of our HD-80 customers that it does fine when they mix up a 55gal drum. Rod~ Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
