Benefits of Using a Vacuum Mixer
Vacuum mixers allow mixing of materials at lower temperatures, which helps to preserve the original properties of ingredients. They also reduce the risk of contamination by removing oxygen from the process.
Vacuum environments accomplish a number of goals that vary from one application to the next. Some are purely cosmetic, like a void-free mixture. Others are critical for preventing unwanted chemical reactions or microbial growth.
Lower Temperature
Mixing under vacuum is used for a wide range of applications. Some of the benefits include elimination of unsightly voids in the finished product, improved dispersion quality, degassing and enhanced drying at lower temperatures.
The vacuum mixer also allows for faster processing times due to the lower temperature of the process. This also means that less energy is needed, which in turn cuts costs and helps the environment.
Whether you are working with liquids, gels or powders, the vacuum mixer is ideal for mixing and kneading all kinds of materials. This equipment eliminates the need for additional machines and is very easy to use. In addition, it is very effective for reducing the appearance of bubbles in liquids, which can make the product look cloudy and uneven.
For solid active pharmaceutical ingredients, which are typically finely particulate, a vacuum mixer can significantly improve the bindability of these substances. This makes it possible to convert them into tabletable or effervescent tablets, oral capsules and suppositories without having to resort to spraying.
The MSK-SFM-16 is a dual-shaft planetary vacuum mixer that can be equipped with multiple speeds and a variable heating container. It can be used for a variety of applications, including lithium battery experimental processing and the mixing of all types of ceramic materials. The device is capable of mixing at low temperatures and reaches a maximum vacuum of -98kpa. It can be operated manually or using the PLC. It is the first vacuum mixer that can combine cooling and mixing functions in a single unit.
Faster Processes
Compared to other mixing methods, vacuum mixers help to process materials faster since they create a void-free mixture. This allows for more efficient production and aligns with lean manufacturing practices. The lower temperature and lack of air in the mixture also prevents unwanted chemical reactions, bacterial growth or other contaminants.
Mixers with vacuum capability offer a variety of processing functions in one machine that can save time and energy, especially for high-viscosity or air-sensitive materials. For example, a double planetary mixer can perform a number of tasks, vacuum mixer such as blend powders; melt solids; mix slurries and pastes; prepare shear-sensitive gels, fiber-filled mixtures or abrasive compounds; knead dough-like materials; remove excess moisture from a granulation; or transform wet pastes into free-flowing powders under vacuum.
Another advantage is the speed at which the vacuum mixer can degass materials. Creating an environment completely free of oxygen during the mixing process stops the decomposition of air-sensitive substances, thwarts microbial growth or unwanted chemical reactions and averts cavitation in heat exchangers.
Vacuum mixers can also improve the quality of a product. For example, cements used in medical applications can fail if they contain air bubbles or are not thoroughly mixed. A vacuum mixer can eliminate air bubbles and thoroughly homogenize the components to ensure a strong and stable mixture that will perform well in its intended application.
Lower Risk of Contamination
A vacuum mixer is designed to eliminate air from the mixing environment. This prevents the oxidation of materials, which can occur when oxygen molecules reach the material and break it down. It also prevents degradation of the material due to friction between the fluid molecules. This friction creates heat that degrades the mixture.
Mixing under a vacuum environment is also effective for preventing unwanted chemical reactions and microbial growth in the fluid. Vacuum environments also make it easy to clean the equipment between batches with different formulations. This process, called “clean in place,” helps maintain product hygiene and reduces the risk of contamination between batch productions.
Another benefit of vacuum mixing is that it can help to form granules by converting fine powders into strong, densely packed agglomerates. These granules are then bound with a liquid to create a finished product. This is a common manufacturing process for pharmaceutical products, personal care and industrial coatings. Vacuum mixers are often used for this type of blending because it eliminates the need to wet the powdered materials.
A vacuum mixer is also effective for mixing emulsions, which are mixtures of immiscible liquids. This type of mixing requires that the droplets be uniform in size and completely distributed. Vacuum mixers eliminate the formation of air bubbles, which can cause the emulsion to break apart. This allows the emulsion to stay together and extend its shelf life.
Safety
In addition to being much safer than atmospheric mixers, vacuum mixing can also improve product quality. This is because the process can take place at a lower temperature, meaning that more of the original properties of the materials will be preserved. Vacuum homogenizers are often used for medical and food applications, where they can be sterilized to meet stringent standards and regulations.
Another important benefit of using a vacuum mixer is that it can help reduce oxidation. Oxidation is a process that can cause a material to degrade or break down over time, so it is important to reduce this as much as possible. Vacuum mixing eliminates oxygen from the process, which can keep materials safe and prevent oxidation.
The final benefit that vacuum mixers provide is that they can be used to make more efficient use of materials. This is because they can process ingredients at a lower temperature, which means that less energy is mixer manufacturer needed for the process. This can help reduce costs and increase productivity in manufacturing.
Other types of products that are often mixed with a vacuum mixer include cements, amalgam and dental impression materials, bone pastes, cosmetics and various medical and industrial ointments and gels. In these cases, the vacuum mixer is necessary to avoid air bubble formation and to homogenize the components thoroughly. This helps ensure that the resulting products are high-quality and will perform well when they are used in their intended application.