Chemicals: Mixing
Chemicals: Mixing
Chemicals: Mixing
MIXING Applications in
CHEMICALS
Production of
Automotive Polishes
Some formulations contain cutting agents such as silicon dioxide. “Solvent-free” water-
based emulsions are becoming more common due to technological advances and
health and safety legislation.
The Process
The manufacturing process varies according to the formulation and ingredients used
and whether the product is an oil in wax emulsion or wax in oil emulsion. A typical
manufacturing process would be as follows:
The Problem
Using conventional mixers and agitators, a number of problems can be encountered
during production:
Stage 1
The vessel is charged with solvent. The mixer is started
and the solid/powdered ingredients are then added. The
powerful suction created by the high speed rotation of the
rotor blades draws both liquid and solid ingredients into the
workhead where they are rapidly dispersed.
Stage 2
Once the powdered ingredients have been fully dispersed
the melted, liquid wax is added, drawn into the workhead
and expelled through the stator, progressively reducing
globule size. A stable emulsion is rapidly obtained.
Stage 3
Abrasive materials, if used, are added to the emulsion last.
In a short mixing cycle the material passes through the
workhead many times, becoming rapidly dispersed. This
increased efficiency of dispersion reduces the potential of
wear to mechanical parts.
The Advantages
• Stable emulsion.
• Fine dispersion results in improved product quality and stability.
• Agglomerate-free mix.
• Consistent product quality and repeatability.
• Shorter processing times reduce wear to mechanical parts.
• Hard tipped rotors and hard surfaced shafts are available as optional extras where
abrasive materials are processed.
The batch size, formulation and viscosity of the end product dictates which machine
from the Silverson product range is best suited to individual processing requirements: