Silverson High Shear Mixers tackle powder agglomeration

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Agglomeration is a common challenge when dispersing powders into liquids. If left unresolved, clusters of particles can affect the appearance, texture and performance of the final product.

Different types of agglomerates present different challenges. Silverson Machines has released two short videos on its YouTube channel explaining how to tackle gel-type and hard agglomerates using high shear mixing technology.

Tackling gel-type agglomerates

Gel-type agglomerates can form when hydrocolloids, such as gums and thickeners, are not adequately dispersed into liquids. Rather than fully wetting out, dry powder particles can become trapped inside an outer gel coating. These clusters are commonly known as “fish eyes” because of their gelatinous appearance.

Breaking down hard agglomerates

In suspensions, solid particles can adhere to one another even after milling or pre-micronisation. Although these agglomerates may be too small to see with the naked eye, they can still affect product quality. In pigment-based products, for example, they can cause unwanted colour flecks.

The Silverson videos demonstrate how high shear mixers can disperse powders efficiently, breaking down existing agglomerates and helping to prevent them from forming.

The mixer’s rotor rotates at high speed, generating suction that draws powder and liquid into the workhead. Centrifugal force then drives the materials outwards through the stator perforations, where they are subjected to intense mechanical and hydraulic shear. This process can produce an agglomerate-free solution within minutes, depending on the application.

By breaking down agglomerates rather than filtering them out, high shear mixers can help maximise product yield, reduce waste and improve process efficiency.

To find out more about high shear mixers or discuss a specific mixing application, contact Silverson Machines.