Anchor agitators have impellers that resemble the shape of an anchor. They typically have a U-shape that matches the contour of the tank. They generate a predominantly tangential flow pattern, but angled blades can be incorporated on their horizontal supports to create an axial flow.
Anchor agitators are used for blending and heat transfer of highly viscous liquids. Their impellers generate a laminar low-shear flow; hence, they are used to mix shear-sensitive media. Anchor agitators are considered the most economical laminar flow agitator. They are suitable for tanks with rounded or conical bottoms.
The impeller can be designed to have a low clearance with the tank wall.