Jensen side entry propeller mixers solve the most common crude oil storage problems — BS&W stratification, sediment build-up, and the need for costly manual tank cleaning. Self-supporting from the tank manway. No external supports required.
Crude oil storage tanks present a unique set of mixing challenges. Without proper agitation, stratification, sediment accumulation, and surface crusting reduce tank efficiency, compromise product quality, and drive up maintenance costs.
Basic sediment and water settles to the tank bottom, reducing effective storage capacity and contaminating product.
Crude oil stratifies by gravity and temperature, making accurate custody transfer sampling impossible without mixing.
Heavy paraffin and sediment accumulate on the tank floor over time, requiring costly manual tank cleaning if not addressed.
In cooler climates or heated tanks, crude oil can form a crust at the surface — reducing capacity and creating safety hazards.
The Jensen Series 400 and Series 600 fixed-angle side entry mixers are the standard solution for crude oil blending. A slight horizontal "swirl" combined with considerable vertical turnover maintains uniform gravity, viscosity, and temperature throughout the tank — ensuring accurate custody transfer sampling and reducing BS&W in delivered product.
Blending applications include prevention of stratification, elimination of surface crusting, heat transfer for uniform temperature, and blending of two miscible crude streams.
For tanks with significant sediment accumulation, the Jensen Vari-Angle option provides complete tank cleaning without manual mucking. The Vari-Angle feature allows the propeller flow stream to be directed to any area of the tank floor, re-suspending paraffin and heavy sediment that a fixed-angle mixer cannot reach.
The Vari-Angle feature is a precision, ball-type stuffing box allowing 60° angular movement. Over 15,000 Vari-Angle units are in service worldwide on crude oil and No. 6 fuel oil tanks. Mixer weight is supported entirely by two heavy-duty pin-type hinges — no turnbuckles, tie rods, or external supports required.
Blending and tank cleaning on small to medium crude oil storage tanks.
Series 400 DetailsBlending and tank cleaning on medium to large crude oil storage tanks. Preferred for pipeline terminal service.
Series 600 DetailsHeavy-duty service on large crude oil storage tanks. Petro-Block safety system standard.
Series 800/900 DetailsJensen side entry mixers are designed to be self-supporting from the tank manway or nozzle flange. The Series 400 IOM manual states explicitly: "No additional supports are necessary." The same applies to the Series 600, 800, and 900.
The short shaft and low-overhang design allow the nozzle/manway flange to carry the full mixer load. You will never need tie rods, turnbuckles, slings, floor supports, or external structural braces.