Abstract: There is disclosed a process and apparatus for forming hydrophilic polymeric solutions wherein a vessel is provided with a mixing assembly comprised of co-axially and vertically-disposed inner and outer cylindrically-shaped wall members mounted to a bottom wall member wherein the inner wall member defines a mixing chamber and is provided with orifices about a lower portion thereof to provide fluid communication to a solution chamber defined between the wall members and wherein an upper end portion of the outer wall member defines a weir to the vessel and wherein an agitator is positioned within the mixing chamber to admixed feed hydrophilic polymer and solvent in a vortex of polymeric solution contained in the mixing chamber and to cause the polymeric solution to overflow the weir into the vessel.