Mixing is a basic process of mechanical process engineering. Different starting materials are combined with energy input into a homogeneous or heterogeneous mixture. The materials differ in their state of matter, their composition and their physical and chemical properties.
What matters in mixing
Density and viscosity also play a major role, because they determine the energy demand, among other things. In cosmetic and pharmaceutical production, the main distinctions are:
Liquid or highly viscous
Viscosity determines the tool, drive and process time.
Miscible or repelling
Phases that repel each other need more energy, for example in emulsification.
Depending on the starting point, the process ranges from fairly simple to highly complex. Therefore, it must be designed precisely for these parameters.
Applications
Blending processes are also part of everyday life, for example in a kitchen blender, a carburettor or a concrete mixer. In industry, they are part of almost all cosmetic, pharmaceutical and chemical production processes, for example for:
Efficiency and design
- Efficiency depends on process time and the energy used
- The process can run in batches or continuously
- In agitation, the energy input can be adapted to the product over a wide range
- For materials that do not mix by themselves, the mixer must create plenty of relative motion
- Ideally, the intensity and direction of force input change constantly
The many applications explain the many mixer designs. A design matched to the process is therefore the key to optimal results. This usually takes place in homogenising mixers. We advise you on this and also sell used homogenising mixers and process plants.
For liquid raw materials, our new dosing station offers considerable rationalisation potential.
Other processes
Frequently Asked Questions about mixing
What is mixing?
Mixing is a basic mechanical process in which different starting materials are combined under energy input to form a homogeneous or heterogeneous mixture.
What does the mixing process depend on?
On the aggregate state, composition and physical and chemical properties of the substances – especially density and viscosity – and on whether the phases mix easily or repel each other.
What determines the economic efficiency of mixing?
Mainly mixing time and energy input. For substances that are difficult to mix, the mixer must generate as much relative motion as possible with changing intensity and direction.
Where is mixing used in pharma and cosmetics?
In virtually all production processes, e.g. creams, ointments and hair care products – usually in homogenizing mixers, in batch or continuous mode.