When mixing granules, powders or solid substances in a liquid, one speaks of suspending. The aim of that process may be to prepare a suspension. The creation of a suspension is a process that is very dependent on the substance, in particular if the solid substance is not easy to wet.
Sometimes it is sufficient just to swirl the solid substance: this is called minimum suspension. Minimum suspension is an absolute prerequisite for almost any suspension process. This is also sufficient for processes in which, for example, a salt needs to be dissolved. However, a homogeneous distribution through the mixing vessel requires more energy and is a prerequisite for a continuous process.