Process Equipment Update
This intensive, yet gentle, mixing action ensures homogeneous blending to very high standards in short mixing times. The mixers have been designed for ease of cleaning and rapid change round, something which is very desirable in the paint and pigment field. In a recent application involving the mixing of
chrome oxide and iron oxide for use in the ceramic industry a Hosokawa Micron Cyclomix replaced an existing two-stage mixing and milling operation. By replacing the existing ribbon mixer with a Cyclomix it was possible to apply increased energy to the product which because of the intensity of the mix and dispersion of the materials eliminated the need for an additional milling stage. Mixing the chrome oxide and iron oxide in batches of 1300kg or 1000 litres, the Cyclomix achieved a consistent mix in approximately 40 minutes.
From lab to dairy The new Silverson AX5 is a pilot-scale laboratory mixer equipped with a powerful 1hp (0.75 kW) motor. Suitable for batches of up to 50 litres, the AX5 features an integral rise and fall bench stand and touch pad controls with infinitely variable speed control, tachometer, ammeter and programmable timer. This instrumentation and control provides excellent
repeatability when carrying out QA testing and other repetitive tasks. In addition to the functional advantages, the touch pad control offers increased cleanliness and reliability (Fig. 2). A major food manufacturer that uses several production
models of Silverson mixers for a wide range of applications has bought an AX5 for scale-up of sauces from the test kitchen to the production plant. In many cases an intermediate pilot-scale mixer can assist
with scale up - going from five litres in a small lab trial to around 50 litres with comparable results makes it much easier to then scale up to bulk production. In this case the AX5 provided that step in the scale-
up process and once again the control and instrumentation featured with the AX5 was a deciding factor in the decision to purchase. Meanwhile SPX is currently working to fill
three new dairy processing orders worth over €78m for facilities in Europe and Asia. The orders
utilise a wide range of SPX’s custom engineered dairy processing technologies for varying applications - including mixing. “These new orders for large global customers are
a true testament to our expertise in dairy processing systems, as well as our ability to deliver highly engineered, custom solutions in a market that is increasingly technology-driven,” said Don Canterna, segment president, SPX Flow Technology. “As the world’s population grows, and demand for liquid and powdered dairy products continues to rise, we are working with our customers to develop processes that have high production
Fig. 2. The AX5 provides excellent repeatability when carrying out quality assurance testing and other repetitive tasks.
capacity, run efficiently and help preserve our environment.” One of the new orders is for a
large food and dairy manufacturer in Europe and features multiple
technologies from SPX that will enable the customer to meet rising demand for its popular dairy products. The project also includes innovative, custom designed
features that are fully aligned with the customer’s strict sustainability goals. Another order, for a customer in Asia, calls for a fully
integrated system, complete with mixing, infusion, evaporation and drying, for processing of consumer nutrition products. The system will include multiple SPX Flow technologies and is characterised as being flexible and expandable, in order to meet the needs of future demand. The third order, also for a milk powder processing facility,
is for a system capable of operating 24 hours/day, seven days a week, and will feature an innovative design that helps curb emissions. Once completed, the new facility will be one of the largest milk dryers ever installed in Europe. ■
New mixing tank line for chemicals and dry products
P
rotectoplas has launched its new MT mixing tank line that handles batches from 76-30,000 litres. The tanks come in standard sizes, although custom-built options are available for larger or smaller batching requirements.
The mix tanks are constructed from high density polyethylene (HDPE) resin for its outstanding chemical resistance. The mixing tanks include an integral HDPE mixer support system that provides easy access along with a low profile to save vertical space.
12
www.engineerlive.com
The tanks are designed for indoor or outdoor use, and Protectoplas mixers feature crucial components from State Electric and Baldor motors. Variable frequency drives (VFD) are standard with packaged mix tank systems, allowing full control of motor speed, and adjusting for varying viscosities. According to the company, this feature is proving very popular with customers. All wetted mixer parts are T316 stainless steel, and Protectoplas offers several coating options for harsher chemicals. Gear reduction,
totally enclosed, fan-cooled mixer motor options, and agitators are also offered. Mixer gear reduction is standard on tanks larger than 1900 litre capacity.
Standard agitators included with packaged systems cover viscosities from 0-300 Centipoise, but can be tailored to specific customer requirements.
Pre-engineered to handle a wide range of applications, robust industrial design, along with a quick and easy set up make the MT ideal for any company in today’s market, says Protectoplas. ■
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36