[Declumping] How to disperse clumped powder into liquid
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Introduction to real-world examples of declumping with the OHR MIXER
Generally speaking, uniformly dispersing powder into a liquid requires inserting the powder into a tank with the desired liquid, then mixing it in with an agitator. However, if the powder still contains clumps when it makes contact with the water, these will wetten on the surface and solidify, becoming impervious to liquid and frequently forming solid lumps.
Once formed, they are extremely difficult to break up. Even high-speed sawblade dispersers are largely ineffective, despite their reputation.
Below are two real-world examples of successful declumping, both achieved by passing the clumped slurry through the OHR MIXER.
Case 1: Electronic component manufacturer
This company encountered clumping issues when manufacturing a liquid coating, for which they use an agitator to finely disperse thickener powder into toluene. They reported success in gradually breaking down the clumps with several passes through an OHR MIXER, allowing the dispersed thickener to raise the viscosity of the liquid to the desired level.
Case 2: Optical equipment manufacturer
This company had been experiencing issues with abradant powder clumping together in water. Their glowing feedback indicated that several passes through an OHR MIXER at 0.3 MPa proved exceptionally effective in breaking down the clumps in the slurry.
How to declump with the OHR MIXER
Preparation
If the powder and liquid have poor compatibility, it will remain floating on the surface when added and won’t form a slurry (in which solids are mixed throughout). Be sure to use an agitator to force the powder into the liquid, else it will be impossible to progress to the next step (sending the slurry to the OHR MIXER using a slurry pump).
Relatively "compatible" powders and liquids may not require the use of an agitator.
Principal declumping
Using a slurry pump, send the slurry to the OHR MIXER to break down the clumps and uniformly disperse the powder throughout the liquid.
When disintegrating agglomerated fine powder, the instant series of collisions inside the OHR MIXER will separate and redisperse the powder, so in most cases a single pass will suffice. Generally, however, declumping requires multiple passes in order to break through the hardened "shells" that form when the surface alone wettens and solidifies.
Why not confirm its effectiveness for yourself? We will provide you with all the information regarding the slurry pump on an individual basis, including the most appropriate type for use with the OHR MIXER, as well as its required level of performance. Please source this pump yourself. Alternatively, should you already have one, we can suggest the most suitable OHR MIXER that is compatible with your pump.
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