In today’s chemical industry, blending materials is sometimes more complicated than simply mixing one batch or solution with another. Chemical blending has become a science and it takes special equipment to do the job, safely and correctly. Here is a look at some of the latest innovations in blending today.
History of Blending
Mixing or blending goes back many thousands of years. At one time, it was a simple matter of stirring solutions to create recipes for foods or building materials. However, over the centuries man’s needs have changed and blending is much more than mixing. In fact, in industry, ingredients like water and syrup can easily be mixed together to make carbonated soft drinks, thanks to modern technology.
A Variety of Processing Methods
Many modern businesses have the need for mixing, cleaning, deaerating, carbonating, and other processes. Some of today’s chemical blending equipment can integrate with these methods to help you improve production and efficiency. This is especially important for the gas and oil industry, as factors like pumping, flow rates, and blending control, are vital to success.
Types of Chemical Blending
Solid Materials
Often times, chemical processing requires solid materials to be mixed together (fertilizers or powdered detergents for example) and this can be accomplished with these methods:
* Tumblers – includes octagon and V type blenders
* Fluidization – plow mixers
* Convective – paddle and ribbon type blenders
Liquid Blending
Blending liquids is often done with propeller type mixers. However, paddle and flat blade mixers are also used. For thick and viscous fluids, it requires something a little different like:
* Special mixers with heavy duty properties are utilized for mixing and blending heavy liquids.
* Batch mixers are used
* Double shaft mixers
* Planetary Mixers
In Line Blenders
In line blending is a relatively new technology. It is often used to cut or dilute chemicals or liquids for a variety of purposes. Using special technology like viscosity and color analyzing, chemical blending can be precise and accurate. The process is designed to be highly energy efficient and use a minimal amount of water.
An inline blending system is completely automatic and allows many companies to save money by buying materials in bulk and diluting them before production. This eliminates the need for buying materials which are pre-mixed (and more expensive). Your inline system can be placed directly into the storage and receiving processes. In addition, special CIP (cleaning in place) features can be included to maximize efficiency and greatly speed up the process of equipment cleaning.
