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Adding liquid during the mixing process

The precise addition of liquids during a mixing process is one of the most challenging tasks in industrial mixing technology. In numerous sectors – ranging from the food industry and pet food to the chemical and pharmaceutical industries – liquids such as oils, flavourings, emulsions, vitamins and functional additives must be incorporated evenly into powdered or granulated products.

The aim is to achieve a uniform distribution without causing clumping, segregation or any loss of quality.

Modern mixing systems must therefore not only ensure a high standard of mixing, but also enable the controlled incorporation of liquids whilst the mixing process is underway. In this respect, GloMix technology offers decisive advantages for efficient and gentle processing.

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The basics of liquid addition

The term ‘liquid addition’ refers to the controlled introduction of liquid components into a mixture that is already in progress. The quantity of liquid can range from a few tenths of a per cent to significantly higher proportions – depending on the product and application. Typical liquids include:

  • Vegetable oils
  • Flavourings
  • Vitamins
  • Emulsions
  • Water
  • Molasses
  • Enzymes
  • Colouring agents

The addition of liquids serves various purposes. For example, it can improve product properties, reduce dust formation, introduce functional ingredients or specifically promote agglomeration processes.

 

Challenges in liquid addition

The addition of liquids to powder or granule mixtures places high demands on mixing technology. The most common challenges include:

Lump formation

If the liquid is applied in a concentrated patch or is not distributed evenly, agglomerates and damp pockets will form. These impair product quality and can complicate subsequent process steps.

Inconsistent distribution

An uneven distribution results in some product areas receiving too much of a substance and others too little. This is particularly critical in the case of highly potent additives such as vitamins, enzymes or flavourings.

Damage to sensitive products

High shear forces or aggressive mixing tools can damage delicate raw materials. This applies in particular to tea leaves, herbs, spices, cereals and other products where texture is critical.

Extended processing times

Inefficient mixing systems require longer mixing times to incorporate liquids fully. This increases energy consumption and reduces productivity.

Requirements for modern mixing systems

An efficient mixing system for adding liquids should meet the following criteria:

  • even distribution of the liquid
  • high mixing homogeneity
  • gentle product handling
  • fhort mixing times
  • flexible processing of different viscosities
  • elimination of dead spaces
  • easy cleaning
  • reproducible processes

In particular, the ability to introduce liquids with precision whilst the mixing process is underway is increasingly becoming a key competitive factor in industrial production.

Adding liquid using the GloMix Glaxiaris® mixer

Adding liquid using the GloMix Glaxiaris® mixer

The GloMix Glaxiaris® mixer has been specially developed to carry out both dry and wet mixing processes efficiently and gently. One of its key strengths lies in the controlled incorporation of liquids during the mixing process.

Thanks to the unique combination of:

  • inclined mixing chamber (23°)
  • spherical geometry
  • optimised product flow
  • no dead spaces

results in a natural and even flow of the product. As a result, liquids are immediately incorporated into the entire product matrix rather than simply being distributed locally.

How the liquid addition system works in the GloMix system

Whilst mixing is in progress, liquids can be fed directly into the mixing chamber via the inlet hopper or automatically using a dosing device. Both methods work perfectly. The specific movement of the mixture ensures that each batch of product is continuously passed through the wetting zone.

This results in several advantages:

Homogeneous distribution

The liquid is distributed quickly and evenly throughout the mixture. Localised over-concentrations are avoided.

Preventing clumping

The continuous movement of the product prevents the formation of damp pockets or clumps. This improves product quality and reduces waste.

Gentle processing

Unlike high-shear systems, the mixing process is gentle on the product. The structure, particle size and product quality are preserved.

Short processing times

Efficient product movement enables the liquids to be incorporated quickly and reduces the overall mixing time. This increases plant productivity.

Typical applications

Typical applications

The addition of liquids using the GloMix Glaxiaris® mixer is suitable for a wide range of applications:

Food industry

  • flavouring of tea blends
  • addition of oils and spice extracts
  • production of spice blends
  • instant products

Pet food industry

  • addition of fats
  • molasses
  • vitamins
  • functional additives

Dietary supplements

  • addition of vitamins
  • plant extracts
  • micronutrients

Chemical industry

  • powder coating
  • additive incorporation
  • granulation processes

The versatility of the system allows powders, granules, pastes and liquids to be processed within a single mixing concept.

Economic benefits

In addition to product quality, the addition of liquids in the GloMix system offers significant economic benefits:

Advantage Benefits
Shorter mixing times Higher system performance
Consistent dosing Less waste
Gentle processing Higher product quality
Low energy consumption Lower operating costs
Easy to clean Shorter downtimes
Flexible formulations Greater production diversity

The combination of a short mixing time, high homogeneity and low mechanical stress leads to a significant optimisation of production processes.

Conclusion

The addition of liquids is a crucial process step in many industrial mixing applications. Precise metering, optimum product movement and gentle mixing techniques are essential for the even distribution of liquid components.

The GloMix Glaxiaris® mixer meets these requirements thanks to its innovative spherical mixing chamber and unique mixing principle. Liquids can be precisely introduced and evenly distributed during the mixing process without compromising the product structure. This results in reproducible mixing quality, short process times and high cost-effectiveness.

GloMix thus offers a forward-looking solution for modern production processes in which the integration of liquids into powder, granulate or blended products is a key factor for success.

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