ading service and process solutions to the dairy industry. Included within its innovative technologies is the SPX APV ‘Flex-Mix’ series, consisting of seven mixers to meet very broad application requirements including mixing powders, liquids, particulates and even air for high and low viscosity fluids. The technology ranges from simple static and venturi mixers to innovative vacuum mixing provided by the Flex-Mix Instant and Processor models.Liquid/Liquid Mixing
For liquid/liquid mixing, the range offers the economic Flex-Mix TPX static mixer which is ideal for blending two simple, low viscosity liquids. It also includes the Dar dynamic mixer which provides more turbulence and is perfect for blending low viscosity with high viscosity fluids in applications such as the low temperature mixing of vegetable oil with butter.
Liquid/Powder Mixing
Liquid/powder mixing is very common within the dairy industry and the Flex-Mix range offers three different methods of powder transportation to best suit the application. The TPM mixer uses the venturi effect to carry the powder into the liquid and is typically used for the dispersion of highly soluble powders such as sugar.
Flex-Mix Instant
The SPX brand APV Flex-Mix Instant mixer offers exceptionally efficient performance for all kinds of recombination applications including ice cream, desserts, infant formula and sweetened condensed milk. It has a closed vacuum powder transport system which sucks powder underneath the liquid surface to facilitate wettability and dispersability of difficult to mix powders. The wet and dry phases of the process can be completely separated, reducing the risk of microbiological issues. The Instant mixer consists of an in-line rotor/stator mixer which is connected to a tangential outlet in the bottom of the tank. The In-line mixer is both pumping and mixing the product and thus creating a large liquid flow, which is re-circulated over the tank through a bypass.
For top fed mixers, a higher flow rate forms a free vortex which cones down through the mixer, introduces air and impacts mixing quality. The special design of the Flex-Mix Instant enables higher solid contents to be used. Its improved mixing efficiency enables a higher concentration pre-mix and greater mixing capability, resulting in significant improvements in capacity and production economy.
Overall the ability for increased hygienic powder intake, high shear rates and vortex independent operation of the Flex-Mix Instant bring real benefit to the mixing process with increased efficiency, higher capacity, better production economy and premium end product quality. There are further advantages gained in other process steps as the quality of the pre-mixing ensures the homogeniser runs smoothly.
Liquid/Particle Mixing
For applications where particles are dosed into the liquid a high shear mixer is normally used to create the basic sauce. To add particulates, the mixing is stopped, particulates added and an agitator in the vessel gently distributes the particles to avoid damaging them while preventing sedimentation. For such applications the Flex-Mix Processor, which is also a vacuum based mixer, provides fast dispersion of powders using an aggressive bottom mixing unit, ideal for high complexity products over a full range of viscosities. It has the added capability to blend delicate particulates into the solution with an efficient and gentle agitator.
Liquid/Air Mixing
The requirement to introduce air into a blended liquid is common in the dairy industry to create foamed desserts such as mousses. To ensure best end qualities are obtained this process requires a high shear to ensure small bubble size with a long residence time to stabilise the product. The Flex-Mix Power in-line pin mixer offers an aseptic aeration solution with very precise control of air overrun for product stability. The rotor/stator pin configuration ensures a very high shear for dispersion and premium product quality.
Complete Systems and Support
Alongside the wide range of innovative mixing technologies, SPX can deliver complete, turnkey processing lines as its experience within the dairy industry is vast. SPX understands the modern issues and challenges faced to provide flexible and competitive production solutions. Supporting its technology are the SPX Innovation Centres which offer customers the capability to trial, test and compare recipes and process solutions. Fully supported by the expertise of highly trained engineering staff, the centres enable new products to be brought to market quickly in order to achieve of production goals.
