EKATO

EKATO

Petrochemical

Agitators for Storage Tanks (Crude and Refined Oil)

The storage of crude oil is the beginning of the process in the petrochemical industry. During this storage, mixing tasks such as BS&W (Basic Sediment & Water), heat transfer and homogenization have to be performed. With our know-how in the field of side-entry agitators, supported by CFD analyses (Computational Fluid Dynamics), EKATO offers fixed and swiveling agitators, which enable efficient and highly effective recirculation.
Contact us

Oil Keeps the World Moving

…and EKATO is at the mix in terms of mobility, heat, petrochemicals, lubricants and bitumen.

In oil storage tanks, EKATO relies on proven technology and can build on more than 90 years of experience. On request, the design can also be confirmed by CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) numerical flow simulation.

For mixing tasks like effective mixing of crude oil considering and controlling the sand and water content, BS&W (bottom sludge and water / base sediment and water), mixing of different crude oils, a constant temperature distribution in the tank or for the mixing of refined oils, EKATO provides the appropriate solutions.

Portfolio

EKATO Side-Entry Agitator ES 2000 SW

The swiveling EKATO side-entry agitator for crude oil storage tanks is a compact, state-of-the-art technology. It uses a single or double mechanical seal system according to API 682, modified for agitators. It represents a reliable solution for the oil and petrochemical industry. Manual adjustment on site or automatic positioning in the process control system (PCS) are available options to swivel the agitator.

The upward buoyancy generated by the mixing stream in crude oil storage tanks keeps the controlled sand and water content (BS&W) in motion to counteract local accumulation and possible build-up of deposits on the tank bottom.

In order to reach the entire surface of the tank bottom, one or more swiveling side-entry agitators are used, depending on the tank size. The optimum alignment at the vessel wall is the decisive factor for trouble-free operation of the plant.

Impeller stream length and pumping capacity determine the required number of agitators per tank. The swiveling EKATO side-entry agitator has been designed as a complete unit, which allows assembly and disassembly on the vessel in the assembled state.

Optimal Plant Operation

The decisive factors for trouble-free operation of the agitators are:

  • Optimal alignment at the vessel wall
  • Impeller stream length
  • Pumping capacity of the impeller

Our operational experience in the field of side-entry agitators, together with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations, allows us to determine the optimum number and orientation of agitators around the tank circumference. Reliable, easy-to-maintain, and economical operation are the main benefits based on our knowledge and know-how of side-entry agitators.

 

Swiveling toothed belt design

  • Antistatic high torque drive (HTD) toothed belt
  • Shut-off device with positive locking (clamping flange), for maintenance or seal replacement with filled vessel, max. 7 bar (abs.)
  • EKATO mechanical seal in cartridge design, modified for agitators
  • Swiveling device, manual or automatic adjustment
  • High efficiency impeller (EKATO propeller)
  • Product wetted material in stainless steel, in accordance with NACE
Motor Power
7,5 - 55 kW
Motor Power
60 - 100 mm
Operating Pressure
Atmospheric - liquid column
Approval
ATEX 2014/34/EU, EAC TR-ZU 010/012-2011 approval

EKATO Side-Entry Agitator ES 2000 / ES 2000 Z
Fixed toothed belt design

  • Antistatic high torque drive (HTD) toothed belt
  • Shut-off device with positive locking (clamping flange), for maintenance or seal replacement with filled vessel, max. 7 bar (abs.)
  • EKATO mechanical seal in cartridge design, modified for agitators
  • Optionally with adapter flange design
  • High efficiency impeller (EKATO propeller)
  • Product wetted material in stainless steel, in accordance with NACE
Motor Power
7,5 - 55 kW
Motor Power
60 - 100 mm
Operating Pressure
Atmospheric - liquid column
Approval
ATEX 2014/34/EU, EAC TR-ZU 010/012-2011 approval

Fixed Gearbox Design ES 2000

The design with a gearbox is available for motor power ranges from 3 – 22 kW and larger diameters of the agitator.

Agitator design

  • Motor with various gear units
  • Shut-off device with positive locking (clamping flange), for maintenance or seal replacement with filled vessel, max. 7 bar (abs.)
  • EKATO mechanical seal in cartridge design according to API 682 publications, modified for agitators
  • Optionally with adapter flange design
  • High efficiency impeller (EKATO propeller)
  • Product wetted material in stainless steel, in accordance with NACE

Motor Power
3 - 22 kW
Shaft Diameter
40 - 80 mm
Operating Pressure
Atmospheric - liquid column
Approval
ATEX 2014/34/EU, EAC TR-ZU 010/012-2011 approval

R&D Test Tank

With our new test tank with a tank diameter of 3.2 m, a height of 1.74 m and a total volume of 14 m³, an improved scale-up to operating scale has been realized. Up to 10 side-entry agitators can be operated, and the behavior of crude oil can be investigated in depth. Optionally, the scale-up design can be confirmed with a CFD analysis.

Industries Contact Form

Related Topics

You may also be interested in these topics

Side-Entry Agitator ES

EKATO ES agitators with are designed for the lateral installation in vessels of any size. The shaft is sealed by a mechanical seal.

See more

Side-Entry Agitator ES-V

Designed for storage tanks of any size. The shaft is sealed by a single‑acting product lubricated mechanical seal.

See more
Industrial marine propulsion system with blue motors and propellers

Swivel Side-Entry Agitator ES-SW

For crude oil storage tanks. Manual swiveling of the agitator on site or automatic positioning in the DCS possible.

See more

Compact Agitators FD/KD/HWL-A

Designed for open or low‑pressure vessels. Their robust design and excellent operating smoothness make them particularly reliable.

See more

EKATO Rühr- und Mischtechnik GmbH (EKATO RMT)

Focus: High-performance agitators, reactor agitators, process plants, mechanical seals
Typical Applications:

  • Chemical industry (specialty, polymer, bulk chemicals)
  • Pharmaceutical industry
  • Hydrometallurgy
  • Flue gas desulfurization
  • Biotechnology
  • Paints and coatings

Products & Services:

  • Customized agitators and impellers
  • Reactor agitators (e.g., coaxial, magnetic agitators)
  • Mechanical seals and seal supply systems
  • Process and pilot plants
  • CFD/FEA simulations, scale-up, engineering support
  • Global service network including maintenance, training, spare parts management

EKATO Systems GmbH

Focus: Vacuum processing units for liquids and solids (UNIMIX & SOLIDMIX)
Typical Applications:

  • Cosmetics industry
  • Pharmaceutical industry
  • Food industry
  • Chemical industry

Products & Services:

  • UNIMIX: Vacuum processing mixers for liquid to highly viscous products
  • SOLIDMIX: Solid mixers and dryers for powders and granules
  • Laboratory and pilot-scale systems (3–1000 liters)
  • GMP-compliant turnkey solutions including automation
  • Process consulting, development, scale-up, commissioning, maintenance

EKATO Fluid GmbH

Focus: Standardized, cost-effective industrial agitators
Typical Applications:

  • Chemical industry
  • Paints and coatings
  • Biotechnology
  • Biofuels
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Cosmetics
  • Water and wastewater
  • Food industry
  • Pulp and paper
  • Fertilizers

Products & Services:

  • Top-entry and side-entry agitators (e.g., EM 2000, ES 2000, MD/SD)
  • Solutions for storage tanks, open and closed vessels
  • Simple mechanical seals
  • Short delivery times, high cost-efficiency
  • On-site commissioning and service

What does “Number of sealing faces” mean?

Single-acting mechanical seals
These seals have one sealing surface and only seal in one direction. They are generally simpler in design and are commonly used in applications where pressure is applied from only one side.

Double-acting mechanical seals
These seals have two sealing surfaces and can seal in both directions. They are ideal for applications where pressure may come from both sides or where a higher sealing performance is required.

Triple-acting mechanical seals
These are less common and used in specialized applications that require a more complex sealing setup. They offer additional sealing surfaces or mechanisms to ensure reliable sealing even in highly demanding environments.