A Spanish Insecticide and Herbicide Producer Places Heavy Demands on Its Rotary Batch Mixer

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Each product requires one or more active chemicals, which are weighed, dissolved in water and added to the batch as it rotates. The pre-mixed chemical solution is pumped from a storage tank through a tube that runs along the axis of the mixer, from which it is sprayed into the carrier material through nozzles. Different nozzle sizes and spray patterns are used for different liquids, Valero says. The clay microgranules absorb the chemicals, while in the case of quartz an adhesive included in the aqueous mixture forms a coating on the granules.

Although the mixer can achieve a uniform batch in approximately three minutes, the company runs it for 1–2 h to condition the material. At the end of the cycle the discharge gate is opened and the product goes to the packaging line, where it is loaded into bulk bags or sacks.

Over the years the mixer has consistently produced a homogeneous, high-quality product, says Valero. He adds that the machine discharges each batch thoroughly, leaving no residual material that needs to be removed.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Cleaning the machine between batches of different insecticides takes anywhere from four hours to an entire day. “These are dangerous products and we have to clean the machine thoroughly to prevent cross-contamination,” says Valero.

Since avoiding contamination is critical, Indalva uses no chemicals for cleaning. Also, employees cannot enter the machine because of the toxic atmosphere. Instead, the company uses an inert material — usually quartz — for cleaning. The quartz is loaded into the mixer and scrapes all internal surfaces clean while the machine rotates.

Most maintenance work is done during the annual shutdown, says Valero: “We have rarely had to do repairs between scheduled shutdowns.”

Anticipating continued growth, Indalva is now considering an additional Munson rotary batch mixer. “We have been happy with this machine,” says Valero, “but need one that has more capacity.”

* The author is General Sales Manager at Munson Machinery, Utica/USA.

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