On Sunny Side of Process Development

Related Vendors

Glatt Ingenieurtechnik GmbH

Italvacuum, Srl

ProMinent GmbH

EKATO Rühr- und Mischtechnik GmbH

Process Solution for High an low Viscosities

The success of this custom-made manufacturing process is primarily based on an efficient interaction of the core components used in the system, the Ekato Paravisc agitator as well as the Ekato S-Jet homogenizer.

The outstanding feature of the Paravisc is the efficient product turnover in both low and high viscosity ranges. This makes it possible to achieve a very high homogeneity within short mixing times. Especially in these large scale units, the effective mixing times have a positive effect on the achievable heating and cooling times.

Thus, time savings of several hours are possible by the effective mixing and associated improved heat transfer. Furthermore, the very strong acting axial circulation caused by the Paravisc plays an important role in the degassing of the products at the end of the production process.

Additional Information

kd0__Kasten-Dachzeile

Batch vs. Conti

It is fair to ask why the traditional batch process is still used in spite of the possibility to produce personal care products continuously. The advantages are obvious as soon as several different products need to be produced. In this case…

product changes and changes to the formulation are possible without any difficulties,

elaborate metering techniques for production components are not necessary,

reworking a product (e.g. pH adjustment) are possible should deviations in the specification occur,

a homogeneous distribution of ingredients is guaranteed – e.g. fluoride in toothpastes,

reproducible high product quality can be achieved,

short batch times are possible through effective mixing and homogenizing,

high tonnages possible using optimal process technology,

significantly lower level of automation,

lower investment costs when compared to continuous systems.

Homogenizing of Agglomerates

The S-Jet homogenizer is characterized by its ability to incorporate thickeners in high dosages without unwanted agglomerates. This applies to both powder as well as liquids in pre-mixed thickeners. Compared to other homogenizers, the S-Jet shows a very high circulation rate even with high viscosities as well as a rapid homogenization of the entire vessel contents. In case of emulsions, the S-Jet is able to generate very narrow particle size distributions which have a positive effect on the emulsion stability.

In addition to the agitator and homogenizer, the other components must also be utilized to provide an optimal constellation. Thus, large volume liquids and solids are automatically weighed into the system which then allows very fast and precise dosing. Thickeners and agents are introduced directly into the homogenizer so that the interaction within the agitator can take place very rapidly thus providing a homogenous distribution of the substances.

Finally Ekato together with the customer designed a process that provides the required quality within a shorter time.

* * The author is product manager at Ekato Systems, Schopfheim.

(ID:43271702)

Mixers and Agitators for Sunscreen

On Sunny Side of Process Development

Process Solution for High an low Viscosities

Homogenizing of Agglomerates