Quadro Liquids - Mixing & Dispersion

Effective Powder Dispersion of Rheology Modifiers

Written by Matt Baumber | Jun 30, 2015 11:00:00 PM

Dispersing and mixing powders and rheology modifiers uniformly into liquids is a familiar challenge for many process engineers and manufacturers. Whether it’s cosmetics, nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals or functional foods, many industries rely on advanced powder mixing technologies to achieve a a consistent, homogeneous product.

This form of powder mixing or induction can be complex and therefore the most challenging to complete. While some forms of powdered ingredients are amenable to dissolution in liquid, others are not so accommodating.

Powders that can be difficult to work with include thickening agents such as high-molecular-weight hydrocolloids, cellulose gums, starches, and proteins.

Some powders resist incorporation into liquids, making powder dispersion even more challenging. It’s safe to say that the majority of dry ingredients resist dispersion, posing formidable mixing challenges for manufacturers.

A Solution for the Dispersion of Rheology Modifiers

Fortunately, Quadro has engineered the perfect solution for the effective dispersion of rheology modifiers so you can achieve a trouble-free process.

The Quadro Ytron® ZC is an in-line high-speed powder disperser used in both inline single-pass and recirculating powder dispersion applications.

An important step toward uniform powder dispersion is the ability to eliminate clumping and lumps before the powdered ingredient(s) are introduced into a mix.

The ZC achieves this with its advanced rotor-stator reactor, which ensures that powders will undergo intense shearing as they are added to the liquid phase, increasing dispersal success. Even the most liquid-averse powders can be dispersed in a single pass thanks to the unique high-speed mixer design of the Quadro Ytron® ZC. This eliminates the need to incorporate additional dispersion or wetting agents.

With Quadro Ytron® equipment operators do not need to add powders directly to the process vessel, which is where many processes encounter difficulties with dispersal and hydration. Instead, the powder phase is added to the liquid phase in the piping, instead of in the process vessel itself.

Quadro Ytron’s reactor chamber achieves a near-perfect vacuum, which greatly aids the speed of powder dispersion. This eliminates air entrainment, reducing the time needed to achieve final deaeration. The superior powder dispersion rates made possible by the Quadro Ytron® ZC, combined with enhanced hydration performance result in significant process time reductions. In some cases, you may find that batch times are reduced by up to 90 percent.

These unique properties also mean that you can avoid the need for additional dispersion aids and processes, such as pre-dispersion into non-aqueous solvents. This further reduces costs and process times.

Cost Savings Make Sense

Overall, an investment in Quadro Liquids Powder Dispersion Equipment makes perfect sense no matter what industry you work in.

  • The Quadro Ytron® ZC reduces the need for extensive deaeration which vastly decreases the time needed to achieve dispersal and hydration
  • Users also report that the ZC eliminates the problem of lumps and “fish eyes” (“fish eyes” are clumps of powder with hydrated skins and dry cores.
  • Reduced ingredient waste improves product yields resulting in significant improvements to your bottom line.

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