MACHINERY | MIXERS
feedback control. This allows storage of a recipe database of pre-programmed product formulations that can be recalled for consistent processing. In addition, it automatically logs data for live review, recall, and analysis of all process variables.
Orderly mixing Also based in the US, Randcastle Extrusion Systems develops single-screw extrusion technolo- gies that (unlike most single screws) are said to be designed for mixing. Its latest developmennt — the Molecular Homogenizer — is said to be designed to provide more “orderly” mixing that will ensure mixing at the small-molecular scale of the material flow, according to Keith Luker, Founder and President of the company. “Corotating twin-screw extruders, while known
Above: Easy access is a key feature of Readco Kurimoto’s CP continuous processor
mixture.” The CP also features a self-wiping design that
makes it very easy to clean. “The design configura- tion invites easy access and opening of the barrel, which also eases cleaning of the inner surface of the discharge nozzle,” Sieglitz says. The CP machine is set up for automated
operation and can be managed and maintained remotely. “The customer can remotely access the system from anywhere in their facility using a cell phone or a laptop. Access to control or change parameters can be securely managed and moni- tored though their IT department, ensuring that their safety and security protocols are maintained,” says Sieglitz. Troubleshooting can also be per- formed remotely by off-site or external personnel. Customers can opt to collect data such as RPM, horsepower, temperature, and vibration for tracking and predictive maintenance. A newly introduced option available on the CP control system is on-line measurement of parameters including temperature, moisture, and viscosity for
for producing dispersive and distributive mixing, do so in an uneven or disorderly manner, in which not all parts of the mass are mixed,” he says. “Static mixers are very orderly but are not able to mix at a molecular level, although static mixers positioned after an extruder are useful for temperature uniformity and localised colour mixing.” The homogeniser technology, according to Luker, functions in a unique way due to its design. Figure 1 shows a flattened, top-view of the
mixer, which is comprised of seven sets of channels (C1, C2, C3) and pumps (P1, P2). Figure 2 shows that the gap above the pump is the same over the mixer’s length. As a result, pumping rate is continu- ous and the material is in shear flow without pressure, which Luker says minimises the tempera- ture rise. Mixing occurs in the channel, where the material is under extension. “In C1 [Figure 2], the material is being stretched
through rotation. Then, held by P1, the material is stretched out over the C2 channel into a thin layer and finally wraps around the rotating core in C3.
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Figure 1: This schematic presents a flattened, top-view of the Randcastle Molecular Homgenizer mixer, showing seven sets of channels (C1, C2, C3) and pumps (P1, P2) Image: Randcastle Extrusion Systems
48 COMPOUNDING WORLD | November 2021
Figure 2: In the Molecular Homogenizer design, the gap above the pump (P1, P2) is the same over the mixer’s length so pumping rate is continuous and material is said to be in shear flow without pressure Image: Randcastle Extrusion Systems
www.compoundingworld.com
IMAGE: READCO KURIMOTO
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