Importance

• Tank baffles are especially important when thinner liquids are being mixed, such as thin broths or low viscosity sauces. Liquids with a thicker viscosity often create their own resistance on the sides of the tank. Although tank baffles are still helpful in mixing thicker viscosity liquids, they are not as necessary in thicker viscosity items. Tank baffles keep a vortex from forming in the center of the tank. Although a vortex may appear to be an efficient mixing method when viewed from the top of the tank, it is actually only moving the liquid around in a circle, not blending it together well.

Type

• Tank baffles typically extend gown the side of the tank, but may sometimes also extend into the the bottom of the tank. Tank baffles are usually named after the shape they are, for example if the baffle is half moon or C-shaped, it will be called a "C-baffle." In the same way, there are baffles shaped like an F or a D, that are named after the letter they are shaped like. These baffles each have a purpose for a specific viscosity or amount of particulate pieces in the liquid. Horizontal tanks may have baffles in them to aid in the direction the liquid flows as it exits the tank.

Number

• It is standard for four baffles to be attached to the sides of a tank, spaced evenly around the tank. The number of baffles determines the amount of resistance the liquid gets as it is mixed in the tank. One, two or three baffles may be spaced evenly in a tank to create less resistance for liquids that are thicker; five baffles may be added to a liquid with the viscosity of water to increase mixing efficiency.

Height and Width

• The height of a baffle should not extend beyond the depth of the liquid. When baffles extend the full length of the liquid small vortexes form behind the baffles. When the top of the baffle is below the depth of the liquid, the liquid rushes over the top and mixes more efficiently. The width of a baffle should be 1/12th the width of the tank it is being used in. For example if a tank is 10 feet wide, the baffle should be 10 inches wide to achieve the most effective mixing.