MACHINERY | MIXERS


polymer by adding atmospheric gases (N2 CO2


and


). This reduces product weight by 20-50%, which saves on raw materials. The technology is suitable for a range of


products, including packaging films, sheets, foam core and corrugated pipes as well as profiles, cable sheathing and blown films. It can be used for many raw materials and is available for both new extru- sion lines and as a retrofit.


Above: The combined Kubota Brabender has developed its first joint product: the NX Feeder


Cooling performance Promix Solutions says that its P1 cooling mixers can improve the output of existing extrusion processes and polymer production processes. While many processes work without extra


cooling, this puts a limit on throughput, says the company. Raising throughput leads to higher melt temperatures – which can cause product decompo- sition leading to lower product quality. For this reason, extra cooling can make a big difference. The P1 static cooling mixer is a combination of an optimised static mixer with a high-performance melt cooler. The optimised structure of the interior causes efficient mixing of the melt over its entire cross-section. At the same time, it serves as a heat exchanger – without any extra internals to disturb mixing performance. The melt hitting the cooling surfaces is constant- ly and immediately removed by the internal structure – and replaced by new hotter melt. Continuous renewal of the boundary layers between the cooling surface and the melt results in a high cooling capacity with minimum size. The mixers are available in sizes from pilot


applications – with throughputs of 5-10 kg/h – up to production plants with more than 20,000 kg/h. This allows safe scaling of results from lab scale to the production plant. At Fakuma recently, the company presented


ways of mixing, foaming and cooling polymer melts. Its aim was to cut raw material costs, reduce carbon footprint and raise production capacity. P1 technology can be used to improve mechanical properties and reduce densities of light foams such as XPS, XPP, XPE, XPET. Promix showed solutions for efficient cooling or tempering of viscous media and for inline viscosity measurement. It also showcased its Microcell technology,


which creates a microcellular foam structure in the 28 PIPE & PROFILE EXTRUSION | November/December 2023


Powder blending Ross says that its latest ribbon blender helps to improve powder blending processes efficiently and safely. The 42N-18SS is made from type 316 stainless steel with interior surfaces polished to a 150-grit finish for easy cleaning. With a maximum working capacity of 18 cu ft, the blender is direct-driven by a 10 HP gearmotor for processing materials with a bulk density of up to 60 lbs/cu ft. The agitator is a solid double ribbon design,


ideal for centre discharge, with internal flanges welded to shaft stub ends and a heavy-duty anti-friction bearing on the non-driven end. A two-piece safety grating with 0.5in diameter perforations ensures safe operation when the split folding covers are open. A spray bar with fan-type spray nozzles is installed on the trough via sanitary tri-clamp connections for liquid additions. The blender is operated from a 4in colour touchscreen that includes a cycle timer, start/stop, forward/ reverse and speed controls. The finished product is discharged through a pneumatically-operated 4in dust-tight knife gate valve.


Paddle agitator US-based Marion has released a new design of paddle agitator that promises fast, effective product validation. By making improvements to its standard plated paddle agitator, Marion says it can speed up lead times on its 30in diameter and smaller-sized horizontal mixers. With these improvements, customers can expect a two-week reduction in lead times and up to 10% savings. “Businesses in industrial processing rely on


innovation and efficiency to stay competitive,” said Seth Vance, CEO of Advanced Material Processing, Marion’s parent company. “Our new paddle design makes it easier for customers to accelerate the development cycle and refine their process – so they can bring products to market faster.” The agitators are made with the paddle and arm sections cut from a single piece of stainless steel, reducing welding requirements and offering


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IMAGE: KUBOTA BRABENDER TECHNOLOGIE


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