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Process Equipment Update


 Mixer suppliers are not only releasing more energy efficient models, but users can now avail themselves of ‘test drive’ programmes to make sure that what they buy is being optimised for their needs. Sean Ottewell reports.


Mixers focus on energy effi ciency and customer service


G


oing from the lab to production scale has always been a challenge. With the new Silverson Verso it’s become less of one. “The Verso reproduces what we can do on


a production scale,” explains David Rothman, Director of Silverson Machines. “It gives clients the ability to start scaling accurately with smaller volumes than they were able to previously.” A bench-top in-line mixer, the Verso is ideal for


pilot-scale or laboratory applications. Controlled from a digital operating touch pad, it offers excellent reproducibility when scaling up, and with a tachometer, ammeter and programmable timer, it provides an accurate and easy method of forecasting the performance of larger in-line mixers under full-scale conditions. The Verso complements Silverson’s lab range


of equipment, providing the next step in the scale- up process. The 1hp machine has a self- pumping fl ow rate of 6.5 US gallons/min (depending on product viscosity). “We developed


the Verso as a direct response to customer requests. Our customers wanted an interim size machine that could allow them to streamline their scale-up process,” says Rothman. “Our production scale UHS Series in-line mixers can be used with single or multistage rotor/stator confi gurations, so we have included that option with the Verso as well.”


Interchangeable workheads


Fig. 1. The Consistator units are designed to avoid thermal or mechanical damage to products.


14 www.engineerlive.com


A full range of interchangeable workheads is available for the Verso, allowing it to perform the widest range of mixing duties, including blending, emulsifying, homogenising, solubilising, suspending, dispersing, particle size reduction and reaction acceleration. Then there is the new Silverson Flashmix, the


result of innovative design plus years of industry experience. “It is a simple, effective and economical


solution for some of the most complex powder/ liquid mixing applications in the processing industries,” says Peter Matthews, technical manager, Silverson Machines. “In the design, we were able to combine intense high shear, which gives us an agglomerate free mix, with a high rate of powder incorporation of up to 250 pounds/minute.”


High powder flow


Ergonomically designed, the Flashmix does not need a feed pump nor does it require adjustment during operation to maintain the high powder fl ow rate as viscosity increases. Powder incorporation is consistent, batch to batch. Its sanitary design incorporates a European Hygienic Engineering & Design Group (EHEDG) standard and 3-A certifi ed mixer that can be cleaned-in-place. The Flashmix is also energy effi cient, requiring 65 per cent less power than similar machines. It is available in two models – the FMX30 with a 10 hp motor and the FMX45 with a 15 hp motor - each with or without a stainless steel sack table.


Silverson has also


initiated a ‘try before you buy’ programme. The company


says that buying a piece of production equipment is a long- term investment, so it stands to reason that customers may want


to take it for a test drive. In response to industry needs, it has initiated a free, no-obligation, two- week trial programme that lets customers try out its mixing equipment prior to purchase. “Customers want to be certain the mixing


equipment they are buying is optimal for their production process, and rightfully so,” says Matt Smith, vice president of sales, Silverson Machines. “It’s an important decision and no small investment.” From years of experience across a wide swath


of industries, the high shear mixing experts at Silverson have learned that every mixing application is unique. Because of this, Silverson


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