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    C Fumed Silica 2016 US

    Uploaded by

    Kiên Phùng

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd

    C Fumed Silica 2016 US

    Uploaded by

    Kiên Phùng
    38 views4 pages

    Copyright

    © © All Rights Reserved

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    PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd

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    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
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    Download as pdf or txt
    38 views4 pages

    C Fumed Silica 2016 US

    Uploaded by

    Kiên Phùng

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as pdf or txt
    of 4

    Solutions for Your TOUGHEST

    MIXING Applications in

    CHEMICALS

    Dispersion of Fumed Silica

    THE FIRST NAME IN HIGH SHEAR MIXERS


    Dispersion of Fumed Silica
    Fumed Silica (also called colloidal silica) is a fluffy white powder with an extremely
    low density, marketed under trade names such as Aerosil®* and Cab-o-sil®*. With both
    hydrophobic and hydrophillic grades available, it is widely used as a rheology modifier,
    imparting highly thixotropic properties at relatively low percentages. It can also provide
    increased tack, better stability in suspensions and prevents “sagging” and settling of
    solids in a liquid system. For this reason it is particularly suitable for coatings, inks,
    adhesives, resins, sealants and greases.

    Fumed silica is also used in some pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications.

    The Process
    Despite the diversity of end uses and the various processing methods and equipment
    used, (ranging from simple agitators to milling equipment) there are a number of
    common processing requirement which must be satisfied in order to obtain maximized
    “functionality”:

    • Mixing equipment must be capable of rapidly incorporating and dispersing


    the powder into the base liquid.
    • Shear is required to obtain functionality. The dispersion equipment used has as much
    of an effect on the viscosity obtained as the concentration of fumed silica. This must
    be taken into account when formulating products or altering processing conditions.
    • Vigorous in-tank movement must be maintained as the viscosity rises.

    The Problem
    Using conventional mixers and agitators, a number of problems can be encountered
    during production:

    • The powder is very low density and is extremely difficult to “wet out”; it floats on the
    liquid surface.
    • As the powder is extremely fine it poses real problems due to dusting.
    • Long processing times are required to fully disperse the powder once it is wetted out.
    • Low shear mixing devices are generally unsuitable for dispersing fumed silica. While
    the powder may be wetted out, the lack of high shear mixing results in poor yield of
    thickening effect.
    • Formulations often contain excessive percentages of fumed silica to compensate for
    poor yield.
    • Incorrect dispersion can lead to great inconsistency between batches, especially when
    excessive loadings have been used to compensate for poor yield.

    *Registered trademarks of Evonik Industries AG and Cabot Corp. respectively


    The Solution
    These problems can be overcome by using a Silverson High Shear mixer. The
    advantages stem from the 3 stage mixing action of the Silverson rotor/stator
    assembly. Operation is as follows:

    Stage 1
    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
    Centrifugal force drives the materials to the periphery
    of the workhead where they are subjected to a
    milling action in the precision gap between the tips
    of the rotor blades and the inner wall of the stator.

    Stage 3
    The product is expelled from the head and projected
    back into the body of the mix. Fresh materials are
    simultaneously drawn into the head. In a short
    mixing cycle all the material passes through the
    workhead many times, rapidly becoming fully
    dispersed.

    The Advantages
    • Fine dispersion results in improved product quality, stability and repeatability
    between batches.
    • Agglomerate-free mix.
    • Shorter processing times reduces wear to mechanical parts.
    • Hard tipped rotors and hard surfaced shafts are available as optional extras where
    abrasive materials are processed.
    • Some grades of fumed silica are “pumpable” and behave like fluids. The powder
    can then be pumped from containers directly into the rotor, eliminating dusting/
    handling problems.

    Immersion units for batch operation, In-Line devices and Flashblend powder/liquid
    mixing systems are used for the application, the selection of which depends on
    factors including batch size, raw materials and the viscosity of the end product:
    High Shear Batch Mixers
    • Suitable for small batches
    • Sealed units available
    • Special units for abrasive products available

    Silverson Ultramix
    • Excellent in-tank movement
    • Capable of rapidly incorporating large volumes of powders
    • Ideal for higher viscosity mixes
    • Ultra Sanitary CIP design
    • Low maintenance

    High Shear Bottom Entry Mixers


    • Normally used in conjunction with an anchor stirrer/scraper
    on high viscosity products; can be used alone on lower
    viscosities

    High Shear In-Line Mixers


    • Ideal for larger batches
    • Aeration free
    • Must be used in conjunction with an efficient in-tank
    agitator to wet out powder
    • Easily retrofitted to existing plant
    • Self-pumping, depending on product viscosity
    • Multistage units available for higher degree of shear
    • High Viscosity models available

    Silverson Flashblend
    • Ideal for larger batches
    • Capable of rapidly incorporating large volumes of
    powders
    • Controlled powder addition rate
    • Minimum operator input required
    • Can be integrated with bulk powder dispensing
    systems e.g. Big Bags (FIBCs)
    • Silverson should be consulted regarding systems
    involving solvents

    For more information click here to go to www.silverson.com


    Silverson Machines, Inc. 355 Chestnut Street, East Longmeadow, MA 01028
    Ph: (413) 525-4825 [email protected]
    Information contained in this report is believed to be correct and is included as a guide
    only. No warranty is expressed or implied as to fitness for use or freedom from patents. Issue No. 1CA4
    Silverson Machines reserve the right to change product specification without notice.

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