MIXERS | MACHINERY
Batch mixer makers are introducing a raft of new equipment tweaks and features to improve versatility, uptime and product
quality.Peter Mapleston finds out more
Mixer innovations lift performance
Many of the leading suppliers of batch mixing equipment typically used for preparation of products such as PVC compounds and master- batches showed their latest offerings and innova- tions at K2022 last month. Common themes included features to help reduce turn-around times between batches, modifications that facilitate blade changeover if the blade is damaged or excessively abraded, and updates that generally improve performance as well as health and safety – the latter a critical aspect when dealing with powders. Flexibility in design was also at the centre of many developments as, in most cases, mixers are extensively adapted to accommodate specific customer requirements. One among the latest developments from
Zeppelin Systems targets the mixing of titanium dioxide (TiO2
It describes this as one of the more difficult
www.compoundingworld.com ) into compounds and masterbatches.
polymer sector applications as, since October 2021, TiO2
has been classified within the EU as a
carcinogen if inhaled on its own or in mixtures where the substance or mixture contains 1% or more of TiO2
particles smaller than 10 microns. “Special challenges require innovative solutions,”
says Zeppelin. It cites the example of a company wanting to produce a white PVC compound for window profiles. Due to the processing method in heating/cooling mixers, the TiO2
has to be metered
into the mixer in powder form. This is the only way to generate a bond to the PVC grain in the process of hot mixing at temperatures of up to 130°C. After subsequent cooling to a storage temperature of 40 to 50°C for silo storage, the pigment has complete- ly attached itself to the plastic particles — which are now significantly larger at 100 to 300 µm — and exposure to free TiO2 TiO2
powder is prevented. pigments have a particle size of 0.01 to 1 November 2022 | COMPOUNDING WORLD 35
Main image: Mixer makers are adding new performance- enhancing features to their equipment. Wall mounted liquid injection ports are among Mixaco’s latest introductions
IMAGE: PETER MAPLESTON
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