The Ross VersaMix three-axis mixer is designed to meet multiple mixing requirements such as high-speed dispersion, emulsification, particle size reduction and homogenization, and can now be used with solid/liquid injection manifolds or SLIM™ systems. This combination of high-speed powder-sensing technology increases the flexibility of VersaMix and expands its applicability to various formulations.
When introducing low surface energy solids (such as fumed silica, alginate, and CMC), agglomerates are formed when using top inlet low-speed mixers (such as propellers or turbines). In some cases, this agglomeration event is irreversible-subsequent shearing will not eliminate the "fish eyes" that have formed, thus restricting plant operators from adding powder very slowly, which can impair production capacity. Other powders will simply resist wetting and float on the surface of the liquid for several hours.
Our SLIM system injects material directly into the VersaMix rotor/stator agitator. The powerful vacuum force above the high-shear mixer sucks the powder or liquid to disperse or emulsify immediately. Since wetting is almost instant, mixing time is significantly reduced, and the volume of airborne particles generated by powder spraying is minimized.
The specially designed rotor and lower flange enable the pipe to be directly connected to the hopper or rod device. The SLIM system works well under ambient or vacuum conditions. Under vacuum, the pressure difference between the inside of the container and the surrounding environment induces supplementary driving force for powder or liquid. In addition, adding ingredients under vacuum helps to maintain an air-free mixture, eliminating the need for lengthy post-processing degassing steps.
At the Ross Test and Development Center in Hauppauge, New York, this technology has been used to successfully produce medium-scale batches of various products, including adhesives, coatings, and resin dispersions. The final product is a smooth, air-free dispersion with good consistency and standard physical and chemical properties.
Source: Charles Ross & Sons