Moving from Lab to Factory Mixing?

So, you’re thinking about moving your lab recipe to the big production floor? That’s amazing, but it may not be as simple as just making things bigger. We’ve seen a lot of companies run into snags when they try this, and we want to help you avoid those headaches.

Think of it this way: what works in a small beaker doesn’t always work in a giant tank. Stuff like how long you mix things, how the liquids flow, and even how much power you need all change when you go big.

At Vissers Sales Corp., we’ve been helping plants like yours make this jump for years. We’ve got some tricks up our sleeves to make sure your product comes out right, batch after batch, and that your line runs smoothly and makes money.

It’s More Than Just Bigger Machines

A lot of folks think they can just grab a bigger mixer and multiply everything. Not quite! You’ve got to think about things like how long it takes to mix, how the stuff moves around in the tank, how much energy you’re using, and whether everything stays mixed or separates again.

Using mixers that are made for this kind of work – like Cleveland’s drum mixers – can really help. They’re designed to handle bigger batches and give you the same results every time.

What to Keep in Mind

1. Big Tanks, Big Changes: With big tanks you’ve got to worry about how everything circulates, how much shear there is, and how long stuff stays in the mixer. The right mixer, like those drum mixers from Cleveland, is key for getting consistent stuff.
2. Picking the Right Tools: The little mixer blade that worked in the lab might not cut it in a big tank. Mixers with blades you can swap out give you more flexibility.
3. How Long Do We Mix? Things take different amounts of time when you scale up. Mixers made for industrial use, like the drum mixers, can help you mix quickly and save energy.
4. Same Every Time: If you’re in pharmaceuticals, food, or chemicals, you know how important it is to have every batch come out the same. Mixers designed for consistency, help make that happen.

A Few Steps to Get it Right

• Write It Down: Before you change anything, write down exactly how you mix things in the lab. Time, blade type, speed, what goes in first, all of it.
• Try It Out: Don’t just jump to the big tanks. Use a medium-sized mixer first to test things out. Drum mixers are great for this.
• Pick the Right Mixer: Get a mixer that’s made for your volume and what you’re mixing.
• Watch Closely: When you first start scaling up, keep a close eye on things. You might need to tweak the speed, blade position, or mixing time.

A Couple Things to Watch Out For

• Need More Power: Big batches need a lot more power. Make sure your equipment can handle it.
• Liquid Movement Matters: How things move in the tank is very important. The right blade and mixer stop things from not mixing right or separating.
• Get Flexible: Get equipment that can adapt.

We’re Here to Help

Scaling up can be tough, but you don’t have to do it alone. We know our stuff, and we have good equipment like Cleveland. We can help you make the move from lab to line smoothly.

If you’re about to scale up or just need some advice, give us a shout using our contact page or toll-free number 1-800-367-4180. We’d love to help you reach your goals.