Process plant for thickener solution production

ystral has developed a system that inducts powder in a controlled manner and feeds it into the process: The primary particles of the powdered polymer are separated before being introduced into the liquid by vacuum expansion. As a result, the particles are wetted completely on first contact with the liquid, immediately dispersed and then hydrated without agglomeration. 

• No agglomerates are formed in this process. 
• The ratio of powder to liquid is precisely measured and controlled.
• Maximum effects can be achieved even with low polymer use. Viscosity, thixotropy index, transparency, film formation and wetting behaviour, as well as many other properties, reach unprecedented levels. 
• Subsequent, uncontrolled thickening is prevented.
• The plant is used to disperse carbomers, polyethylene oxides, cellulose ethers, xanthans, bentons, phyllosilicates and all other rheological additives.

• The process control is perfectly matched to the processed polymers and the respective processing method. Adaptation takes place via the integrated plant control.
• The process plant can be cleaned using defined cleaning processes on-site and without major disassembly.
• The system functions either as a stand-alone unit or as a side-pot unit within existing systems.
• Functionality remains unaffected even in potentially explosive environments.
• Completely hygienic design, completely drainable, non-ex, completely ex or for the processing of dust-ex-powders in non-ex areas

The system shown here was developed for extremely fast-hydrating polyethylene oxide polymers with a molecular weight of 4,000,000 and is now also being used for other thickeners without any problems.