Mixing cohesive materials

Citation

(1998), "Mixing cohesive materials", Pigment & Resin Technology, Vol. 27 No. 2. https://doi.org/10.1108/prt.1998.12927bad.014

Mixing cohesive materials

Mixing cohesive materials

Hosokawa Micron Ltd, announce the introduction into the UK of a new mixer, able to mix even the most cohesive powders (see Plate 9). Renowned for the Vrieco Nauta mixing technology, Hosokawa have developed the Cyclomix, differing markedly in design from existing mixing techniques. The Cyclomix is said to be suitable for many industrial applications.

Flexible in applications, including the intensive mixing of cohesive powders, pastes and slurries, the new mixer can also be used for the moistening of powders; coating; granulating; flavouring; and colouring. The Cyclomix provides very fast intensive mixing by combining the design benefits of a new mixing element, the shape of the mixing vessel, and the location of the mixing element to the inner vessel wall.

Plate 9 The Cyclomix is suitable for many applications in the food, chemical, plastic, toner, mineral, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries

The product is loaded into the conical mixing vessel from the top and is filled to approximately 50 per cent capacity. A frequency controllable motor drives a centrally located high-speed rotating shaft from the mixer cover, eliminating seals and bearings from the product zone, and assuring product integrity. The central shaft is fitted with paddle-shaped mixing elements which rotate close to the inner vessel wall. Combined, the high-speed rotation of the paddles and the conical shape of the vessel force the product from the bottom of the vessel to the top. Through this upward motion, product particles are accelerated by the paddles and intensively mixed (macromixing) by friction against the vessel wall. On reaching the top, the product then flows downwards into the centre of the vessel, resulting in fast macromixing.

Claiming significant advantages over other mixing methods, the Cyclomix reportedly maintains consistency and temperature of the product by efficiently controlling the heat transfer between product and the vessel wall. The mixer is fully self-emptying through an aperture at the bottom of the mixing vessel for convenient discharge.

Available in a range of capacities from 50 to 500 litres, the Cyclomix can be fitted to a lifting device for easy operation. Exchangeable mixing elements also ensure simple maintenance requirements.

Hosokawa Micron Ltd offer testing and development facilities where customer's products can be accurately tested prior to final design to determine the most efficient process, system or plant.

For further information contact Hosokawa Micron Ltd, Rivington Road, Whitehouse Industrial Estate, Runcorn, Cheshire WA7 3DS. Tel: +44 (0) 1928 710101; Fax: +44 (0) 1928 714325.