Reduce Cycle Times For Large Capacity Mixing Applications

In batch mixing, cycle time is often a function of many factors including solubility, ease of dispersion, particle size reduction, emulsification, reaction kinetics, heating/cooling rates, etc. In large scale operations, the method of raw material addition becomes another critical parameter. For example, when a good portion of the raw materials are solids that need to be dispersed or dissolved into liquid, charging them from the top of the batch can become complicated if they tend to dust or float on the liquid surface. Some powders, such as gums and thickeners, form tough agglomerates when added too quickly, even when the batch is being agitated vigorously. This forces operators to deal with very slow powder additions. In extreme cases, solid raw materials are added deliberately fast but at an overdosed rate so that any undispersed agglomerates are simply filtered out after the mixing cycle. Fortunately, new opportunities exist to supplement conventional batch agitators, improve handling, conserve raw materials and optimize cycle time.