When the first chemicals were mixed, the procedure was made manually and the results were usually not too good. There was always some inconsistency in the emulsion resulted from the combination. Now, using inline mixing, the combining of chemical substances offers better results. With the use of computerized machines, a lot of money can be saved in production and transportation. The first machines that were used were static mixers. After some time, combining chemicals became an automated technique and the production time was decreased.
Emulsions contain water in a high amount, reaching even ninety percent sometimes. It may not be enough just to have better blending, as these diluted chemicals occupy very much space and they usually generate various issues. Some problems are related to transportation, as the emulsions can degrade during transports.
The price of transporting the chemicals may be high and because of this, some companies which use many fluids in their business may be forced to keep them in storage for longer periods of time. If too much time passes, the stored liquids can create a proper environment for the growth of bacteria. To avoid the growth of microorganisms, professionals have decided to use the technologies that the textile industry is already using: static mixing and inline mixing (continuous blend).
Static mixers are not having moving parts, and this may be a great advantage. In 1960, the first static mixer was created. The device decreases the particle size to a point in which the particles create a strong connection together, that usually resists in time. In order to reach a certain particle dimension, the parts can be divided many times. The baffles are the tools that help in the division of streams. When the parts are small enough, they can connect, forming a consistent mix.
When it comes to continuous blend, it began to be used in 1990. A continuous blend is actually a static mixer that was encapsulated into an automated device. In order to function, the system must contain the following: a pump that is automated and flowmeters.
The parts needed for the system to work are usually chosen according to the number of chemical substances that have to be mixed and according to the volume needed. In the textile industry and not only in it, the components that have to be contained by an inline mixer are: static mixers, mass flowmeters, inline heaters, progressive cavity pumps and programmable logic controllers.
Mass flowmeters manage the quantity of each substance that is pumped for mixing and they can also offer valuable information like temperature or density. Progressive cavity pumps can help in the movement of the mixed chemicals. The products that can be handled by a progressive cavity pump are numerous, as they can be from abrasive materials to different liquids.
Inline mixer mixing is an automated process, due to the advancements in technology of the last decades. Being used for obtaining mixed substances from various chemicals, the method is very efficient and it creates better emulsions. Inline mixers are made of static mixers and some additional components.
Quadro Ytron technology provides processing solutions including the most innovative mixing equipment and high speed disperser equipment for all industries. Whether you company is in the pharmaceutical, chemical, cosmetic or food industries we have a solution for you.