PROCESSING | MIXING TECHNOLOGY
Right: The new FDA-50 fixed tank dual shaft mixer from Ross Mixers
mixing consider various factors including viscosity profile, solids loading, and shear requirement, among others. Ross Mixers says it developed its Solids/Liquid Injection Manifold (SLIM) system to address the complexities of inducting powders into a low-viscosity liquid. The SLIM technology is available for both batch and inline high shear mixers, as well as in Ross multi shaft mixers. “Batch to batch consistency is
key to ensuring quality and highly repeatable end products,” the company said. “By using Ross SLIM technology, manufacturers can complete complex formulations in a fraction of the time compared to using traditional mixers such as sawtooth dispersers, axial flow impellers, and conventional rotor/ stator devices. The SLIM introduces raw powders into the liquid phase right in the shear zone, creating the ideal environ- ment for instant wet-out. It utilises a specially engineered rotor/stator design to generate a powerful vacuum without the need for external pumps or eductors. The intense negative pressure pulls powders into the liquid stream for the inline configuration or sub-surface for the batch configu- ration. In conventional mixing methods, undis- persed agglomerates are a very common issue associated with fine particle dispersions, forcing operators to deliberately slow down powder addition or run the mixer for longer durations. In comparison, rotor/stator mixers equipped with the SLIM technology can quickly disperse these solids without the risk of forming agglomerates or fisheyes, saving production time and manpower.”
Right: Ross Mixers
developed its SLIM system to address the complexities of inducting
powders into a low-viscosity liquid
Another familiar issue associated with dispersing pigments into liquids is exces- sive dust generation. The traditional method
of pouring pigments into an open-top vessel is not an effective way to maximise efficiency, since many of these powders become airborne if not poured in a precise manner. Not only does this create a health and safety risk, but it also dilutes the amount of powder that finds its way into the mixer, impacting the formulation and ultimately the final product. SLIM technology elimi- nates this issue since operators can draw powders straight from the original containers using a flexible hose and wand and deliver them to the batch without the opportunity for dust generation. “As the compounding
IMAGE: ROSS MIXERS
industry continues to seek ways to optimise process efficiency
and improve product quality, technolo- IMAGE: ROSS MIXERS 48 COMPOUNDING WORLD | November 2024
gies like Ross SLIM are vital components,” the company said. “The ability to rapidly and efficiently introduce solids into liquids often reduces mixing times from hours to minutes, resulting in a competi- tive advantage. By changing the way pigments and other fine solids are introduced and dispersed, this advanced system is setting new standards for efficiency and quality.” The Centrifugal Inline Mixer (CIM) from Switzer- land-based Dec Group is designed to work in tandem with Dec’s Powderflex system to ensure precise dosing of powders in small to medium quantities. The unique CIM inline mixing design concept, which allows for easy integration with existing tanks or vessels, uses centrifugal force to subject powder and liquid streams to intense agitation and turbulence ensuring powder particles are completely homogenised and efficiently mixing powders into liquids while maintaining a consistent ratio. The CIM offers numerous advantages over batch mixing in tanks and other traditional methods, according to the company, including continuous operation, faster mixing times, lower energy consumption, improved product consistency, and simplified maintenance thanks to its compact and user-friendly design. To address dust generation, the CIM offers a pre-mix option in which powdery substances are fully mixed with liquid before entering the vessel thus preventing material loss through sticking and clogging of the walls. Further advantages include reduced need for cleaning, and high suitability for process automation.
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