Conical mixer and dryer with stainless steel finish, ideal for blending and drying powders and granules efficiently.
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A Closer Look at the Inner Workings of Conical Mixer and Dryer Machines

Written by ChemiplantMarch 18, 2024

In the realm of pharmaceutical and chemical process equipment, Chemiplant Engineering Company stands out as a beacon of innovation and quality. Under the visionary leadership of Mr. Ved Kalra, the company has flourished over four decades, continually adding new and innovative process equipment to its repertoire. Among its offerings are conical mixer and dryer machines, versatile tools that find diverse applications in various industries.

 Chemiplant’s Mixer-Dryer is widely used for processing products in a wide spectrum of industries ranging from chemicals, pharmaceuticals, food, confectionery, cement, detergents & soap, chocolates, electronics (additives) & automobiles (brake lining compounds). This broad field of application includes both operations of atmospherics & pressure or vacuum. Chemiplant’s Conical Mixer-Dryer consists of a conical chamber with an orbiting arm and a rotating screw element.

A unique feature of this system is the combination of the upward motion of the product (with the help of a screw) and the secondary transporting movements of the particles along the periphery resulting in a thorough & quick mix along with higher heat transfer coefficients (reduced drying times). The discharge of the product takes place through the bottom of the cone.

Materials:

  • Standard models come in various grades of Stainless Steel like SS316/SS316L and SS304/SS304L.
  • Exotic Metals such as Hastealloy, Monel, Inconel, etc can also be supplied as per the requirements.

Advantages of Conical Mixer – Dryer:

  • Efficient Mixing action and high heat transfer area due to the combined action of the screw and revolving arm (hence faster drying)
  • Combination of various processes in a single piece of equipment namely mixing, drying, homogenizing, de-aeration, extraction (herbs) & various reactions (solvent recovery).
  • Simple, fast loading & discharge of Product.
  • Low floor Space is required compared to other horizontal dryers.
  • Low product temperature & most suitable for heat-sensitive products.
  • Low power consumption compared to horizontal dryers & hence energy savings.
  • Totally enclosed operation ensures environmental & operator safety.
  • Large working capacities ranging up to 30KL.

Applications:

Polymeric Reaction:

Conical mixer and dryer machines facilitate polymeric reactions, allowing for the synthesis of polymers with precise control over parameters such as temperature and mixing intensity. These machines ensure thorough blending of polymer precursors, leading to uniform polymerization and the desired product characteristics.

Reactions under a Blanket of Inert Gas:

In industries where reactions must be carried out under an inert atmosphere to prevent oxidation or other undesirable reactions, conical mixer and dryer machines prove invaluable. They provide a sealed environment conducive to conducting reactions under a blanket of inert gas, ensuring product purity and consistency.

Extraction from Plants & Herbs:

Conical mixer and dryer machines are employed in the extraction process of valuable compounds from plants and herbs. By combining gentle mixing with controlled drying, these machines help extract essential oils, flavors, and active ingredients efficiently, preserving their integrity and potency.

Decaffeination of Coffee:

The decaffeination process of coffee beans involves the removal of caffeine while retaining the flavor compounds intact. Conical mixer and dryer machines play a crucial role in this process by facilitating solvent extraction and subsequent drying, ensuring that the decaffeinated coffee retains its aroma and taste.

Alkalizing of Cocoa:

In the chocolate industry, conical mixer and dryer machines are utilized for alkalizing cocoa powder, a process that modifies its flavor and color. These machines ensure thorough mixing of cocoa powder with alkali agents, followed by controlled drying, resulting in cocoa with the desired alkalinity and taste profile.

Removal of Solvents with High Boiling Points from Powders:

Conical mixer and dryer machines are adept at removing solvents with high boiling points from powders, a common requirement in pharmaceutical and chemical processing. Through a combination of gentle mixing and controlled drying, these machines facilitate solvent removal without compromising product quality.

Preparation & De-aeration of Pastes and Creams:

Conical mixer and dryer machines are utilized for the preparation and de-aeration of pastes and creams in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. By subjecting the mixture to controlled agitation and vacuum drying, these machines ensure the removal of air bubbles, resulting in smooth and homogeneous products.

Conclusion

In conclusion, conical mixer and dryer machines exemplify the ingenuity and versatility of Chemiplant Engineering Company’s offerings. From facilitating polymeric reactions to aiding in the extraction of valuable compounds from natural sources, these machines find diverse applications across industries. With their precise control over mixing and drying parameters, conical mixer and dryer machines contribute to the efficient and reliable processing of pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and other products, reflecting Chemiplant Engineering’s commitment to excellence in process equipment manufacturing.

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Agitated Nutsche Filter & Dryers (ANFD) against a white background
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Introduction To Agitated Nutsche Filter & Dryers (ANFD)

Written by ChemiplantFebruary 27, 2024

Chemiplant ANF and ANFD are used for solid-liquid separations under pressure & or vacuum. The closed operation ensures consistent product quality, simple validation, and also required operational safety.

The advanced combination of agitation & hydraulics used in these filter/dryers make them versatile and user-friendly. The resulting wet cakes can be re-slurried and washed thoroughly with water or solvents unlike manual nutsche filters and centrifuges. The discharge of the cake is automatic. If the process demands filtration in a hot or chilled condition the same can be achieved.

Finally drying operations can also be conducted within the same equipment.

Materials of construction:

Chemiplant filter/filter dryers are offered in Stainless Steel, Hastealloy, and Special alloy metals. For highly alkaline/acidic products we offer various compatible grades of Lined or Coated fluoro polymer such as Halar, PTFE, PVDF, etc. Typically in such Filter/dryers only the Agitator shaft & blades are supplied with exotic materials

Applications:

  • Chemiplant filters & dryers are successfully installed in the Inorganic and Organic Chemical, Fine chemical, and most importantly Pharmaceutical Industries.
  • These filter dryers can be customized for various processes such as Crystallization, Filtration, Decoloration, Washing & Drying with a variety of options namely different shaft seals, bottom enclosure mechanisms, CIP, etc.
  • The size or selection of a filter/filter-dryer is purely determined by the volume of cake to be handled in a batch & also the nature of the material to be filtered.

The key features of an Agitated Nutsche Dryer:

• Quick opening detachable bottom

• CIP Arrangement

• Steam sterilizable

• Online sampling valve

• Sintered metal filter or filter media

• Agitator with Mechanical seal

• Comply GMP standards

• Metal-to-metal sealing discharge valve

PROCESS STEPS DURING FILTRATION (& DRYING)

  • CHARGING & FILTRATION :

Filtration depends very much on the characteristics of the products. Filtering experience can be gained by carrying out tests in small-scale lab units. Experience has shown that the majority of filtrations are done in the range of 1.5 to 2.5 bar. To assist in filtration, vacuum can also be pulled underneath the filter media.

  • DRYING UNDER VACUUM :

Drying is aided by vacuum, heatable blades, half pipe coil on the shell and Heatable filter plate. All around heat input ensures very efficient drying under vaccum A bag or cartridge dust filter is installed on the top Cover to trap and return any dust entailed in the vapor exiting the vessel.

  • WASHING/RE-SLURRY

The ideal washing procedure is established by trials. Less porous, Crystalline particles usually need a displacement washing while porous, lamina-like products are preferably washed through a re-slurry washing.

However, in many cases a combination of both show the best results.

  • DISCHARGE

Cake is discharged automatically by opening the discharge valve and rotating the agitator, thereby avoiding operator contact. Discharging can be done in an inert atmosphere for the further processing of the cake. The rate of discharge can be controlled by varying the speed of agitator lowering and speed of rotation.

  • CAKE PRESSING/ SQUEEZING

Cake pressing is done to remove any cracks formed on the cake. This is effected by applying pressure on the cake surface by means of the agitator. After final washing, the cake can be squeezed by this method to allow further de-watering, reducing the residual moisture content.

  • ANF/ANFD ADVANTAGES

Maximum safe operating environment for product & operator

Toxic & hazardous material/product can be processed with washing & repeat washing with water/solvents

Maximum heel recovery of product

Reduced product contamination & Reduction in Capital cost due to multiple operations such as Crystallization,

Intermediate hold Essel Re-slurry Vessel & Drying within single unit.

Bulk quantities can be processed in a single bath & hence reduced filtration & drying times.

Easy discharge of cake/powder compared to other filters/dryers.

Full automation is possible

Conclusion:

The Agitated Nutsche Filter and Dryer represent a significant advancement in industrial processing, offering a holistic solution for solid-liquid separation, washing, and drying within a single vessel. The incorporation of agitation into the design enhances the efficiency of filtration and drying processes, making these units indispensable in various industries, including pharmaceuticals, fine chemicals, and specialty chemicals. The Agitated Nutsche Filter and Dryer not only streamline production processes by combining multiple steps into one but also provide several key benefits. The ability to achieve continuous filtration, high throughput, and low cake moisture levels after drying underscores their efficiency and reliability. The gentle handling of solids through agitation prevents damage, ensuring the quality of the final product.

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