Chemical Engineering April 2020 - 63

Solids Processing 2020 Special Advertising Section
Ultra-high speed powder dispersion made simple
Ross SLIM Technology employs high shear for rapid and complete mixing of powders into
liquids, avoiding agglomerates and dust formation
he Ross Solids/Liquid Injection Manifold (SLIM) is a technology
for dispersing challenging powders like fumed silica, gums,
thickeners and pigments using a specially modified high shear
rotor/stator generator.
In both batch and inline designs, the SLIM is easy to retrofit
into almost any process. In an inline set-up, the SLIM mixer pumps
liquid from the recirculation tank while simultaneously drawing
powders from a hopper. As the liquid stream enters the rotor/stator
assembly, it immediately encounters the powder injection at the
high shear zone. The mixture is then expelled through the stator at
high velocity and recirculated back into the tank. In just a few short
turnovers, solids are completely dissolved or reduced to the desired
particle size.
This method for high-speed powder injection is ideal for dispersing
small concentrations of hard-to-wet solids like CMC or xanthan
gum (>5%). It is equally effective for solid loadings as high as 70%,
as in the case of titanium dioxide or magnesium hydroxide slurries.
By introducing solids sub-surface where they are instantly subjected
to vigorous agitation, issues like floating powders, excessive
dusting and formation of stubborn agglomerates ( " fish eyes " ) are
eliminated. Because the SLIM generates its own vacuum for powder
induction and does not rely on external eductors or pumps, it is free
of clogging and simple to operate.
Several models are available including automated skid packages
where the SLIM mixer is piped to a jacketed tank and supplied with
T
Ross Inline SLIM powder
induction mixer with built-in
control panel mounted on a
portable cart with work bench
flowmeters, load cells, solenoid valves, level sensors and thermocouples
all integrated into a PLC Recipe Control Panel. Each ingredient
addition and process step can be pre-programmed so that mixer
speed, mixing time, temperature, composition and batch weight are
accurately replicated in every run.
Established in 1842, Ross is one of the world's oldest and largest
manufacturers of process equipment, specializing in mixing, blending,
drying and dispersion.
Measuring PVC Level In Silos
Measurement Objectives:
ü Reliable production supply thanks to continuous inventory level
monitoring
ü Reliable long range measurement even with extremely low tank
levels in narrow silos
ü No need for instrument flushing systems despite presence of
products that are extremely sticky and dusty
Background:
A company that manufactures and processes PVC stores a variety
of product shapes in several slim silos reaching heights of more
than 65 feet (20 m). They supply the product for their own production
as well as to third-party producers. In addition to PVC powder
and PVC granulate some regenerated PVC that is extracted from old
shredded products is also stored.
The level in the silos must be continuously measured to ensure a
reliable production supply. The atmosphere in the silos is extremely
dusty and the PVC dust is very sticky. The customer was interested
in a type of non-contact radar measurement that did not require any
kind of antenna cleaning since there is no compressed air supply.
A KROHNE OPTIWAVE 6500C 80 GHz FMCW radar level measurement
instrument with a 3 inch (80mm) lens antenna specifically designed
for solid applications is ideal for use in these applications.
FMCW stands for " Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave " and
is one of two popular radar level measurement techniques. When
compared to the pulse method, FMCW features a much wider dynamic
range and better signal strength. Those advantages clearly
benefit these types of challenging solids and powder applications
as well as many difficult process liquid level and reactor vessel
applications.
The unique lens antenna is especially beneficial in powder applications
since it is self cleaning, and it focuses the available signal
much more than a horn can which also improves performance in
tall, narrow vessels.
This solution allows the company to monitor the level in the
silos at any time. It also eliminates any chance of running on empty
which would put the production processes at risk.
KROHNE has several process level solutions for all types of solids
or liquid applications including FMCW radar, ultrasonic and mechanical
technologies. If you have a challenge with level, please
contact us to evaluate it and suggest some possible solution.
http://us.krohne.com
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING WWW.CHEMENGONLINE.COM APRIL 2020
63
www.highshearmixers.com
http://www.highshearmixers.com http://us.krohne.com http://WWW.CHEMENGONLINE.COM
Chemical Engineering April 2020

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Chemical Engineering April 2020
