MIXING TECHNOLOGY | PROCESSING
Moving ahead in mixing
New developments in mixing technology provide compounders with more precise control of the process. Chris Saunders reports
The need for a mixing process in some compound- ing applications requires understanding the specific requirements of the material type, production scale, and desired product properties, in order to select the appropriate equipment. The latest mixing technology developments focus on reducing energy consumption, more efficient motors, and close control of process parameters. As demand for specialised or customised plastics grows, there is a trend toward more flexible, modular mixing systems that allow for rapid changeovers between different materials and formulations. Earlier this year, Ross Mixers, a US-based manufacturer of industrial mixing equipment, introduced the FDA-50 fixed tank dual shaft mixer. Built to handle a wide range of formulations and viscosities, it is designed for processes that require meticulous control over mixing, temperature, and pressure contained within a compact and portable module. Equipped with two agitators, the high speed disperser features two 6-inch sawtooth blades, one fixed at the bottom and an adjustable one placed along the shaft. It is driven by a 5 HP explosion-proof motor up to 1,760 rpm, creating a vortex into which dry ingredients can be delivered for fast wetting. The disperser is belt-driven with a removable drive motor, belt, and guard. The two-wing anchor agitator is direct-driven by a 5 HP explosion-proof removable gearmotor up to 45 rpm, designed with a heavy-duty triangular cross-section and remov- able Teflon sidewall scrapers. The anchor feeds product towards the high speed disperser blades and ensures that the batch contents are never stagnant in any one area. Another new piece of equipment from Ross to make its way to market recently is the Ross CDA-
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300 dual shaft mixer, fitted with a disperser that has an open disc blade capable of traveling roughly 5,000 feet/minute to induce vigorous flow. This creates a vortex into which dry ingredients can be added for fast wetting and the change can design features an air/oil hydraulic lift that allows the use of multiple temperature-controlled mix cans. Easy discharge is enabled by a 3 inch manually oper- ated stainless-steel flush bottom ball valve with tri-clamp connection. The mixer is designed to produce air-free products with highly repeatable density, viscosity, composition, and dispersion quality, while the NEMA 12 control panel features a colour touch screen for user-friendly operation and provides independent agitator speed controls, load display, cycle timer, and other functions. A specific challenge machinery makers have
been keen to address in recent times is the proper dispersion of pigments, small-particle fillers, and other fine solids. Achieving uniform distribution, preventing agglomeration, minimising dust generation, and maintaining operational efficiency, are just a few of the processing issues that com- pounders must navigate. Strategies for solid-liquid
November 2024 | COMPOUNDING WORLD 47
Main image: The Inline High Shear Mixer from Ross Mixers fitted with SLIM technology, which is also available for batch mixers
IMAGE: ROSS MIXERS
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