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Mixing Applications

Xanthan gum in Chemical Applications

Xanthan gum is widely used for its thickening and stabilizing effect on emulsions and suspensions, particularly in the Food industry. It is also used in many chemical applications such as adhesives, ceramic glazes, drilling muds, foundry compounds, latex emulsions, lubricants, paints and coatings, paper, pesticides, textiles, etc.

Find out more about Xanthan gum in Food applications.

The Process

Xanthan gum can be dispersed into hot or cold liquids, and many grades of gum are available. Xanthan gum powders have a strong tendency to form agglomerates when added to the water and a number of dispersion and hydration methods are used, to try to overcome this. These vary according to the scale of production, other ingredients used, etc. but include:

  • Slow addition of the powder into the vortex in an agitated vessel. Once dispersed mixing continues to allow the product to hydrate.
  • Xanthan gum may be premixed with other powdered ingredients which reduces the formation of agglomerates by separating the particles.
  • Similarly the gum may be dispersed into non-aqueous phase liquids such as oils, alcohols or glycols. This is then added to the aqueous phase allowing the gum to hydrate. 


Case Study: Xanthan Gum Solution Made 40x Faster with High Shear Mixing

The Problem

Dispersion of gums and thickeners using conventional agitators can give rise to several problems: 

  • Agglomerates can easily form, even when the above steps are taken to reduce the risk. Agitators do not produce sufficient shear to rapidly break these down.
  • Potential full yield is difficult to obtain using traditional methods.
  • Many formulations contain unnecessarily high levels of gum to compensate for poor yield, increasing raw material costs.
  • Once viscosity increase has started, agitation of the solution and therefore powder dispersion becomes increasingly difficult.
  • Long mixing times are required to complete dispersion/hydration. This can degrade the gel.
  • Premixing powders or non-aqueous phase liquid with the gum adds to process time and costs.
  • Unhydrated gum can gradually hydrate during storage or subsequent processing, leading to undesired changes in product viscosity.
  • It is not possible to create high percentage gum solutions with traditional methods. Solutions of this type may be required in certain applications where water is limited in the formulation. 

The Solution

A Silverson High Shear mixer can produce an agglomerate-free dispersion and fully hydrate Xanthan gum in a fraction of the time taken by conventional methods. Where an in-tank mixer is used, a Silverson Ultramix would be most suitable. Operation is as follows: 

Stage 1

The vessel is charged with liquid and the mixer is started. The Xanthan gum is added to the water as rapidly as possible. The high speed rotation of the single-piece Ultramix workhead creates a powerful vortex, drawing the powder and liquid down into the workhead.

Stage 2

The materials are then forced through the slots in the side of the workhead and projected back into the body of the mix. Any agglomerates are broken down as they pass through the slots.

Stage 3

The vigorous movement in the vessel created by the Ultramix ensures that in a short mixing cycle all the material passes many times through the workhead, progressively reducing the particle size and exposing an increasing surface area to the surrounding liquid. This rapidly completes hydration. 

  • Stage 1

    Stage 1

    The vessel is charged with liquid and the mixer is started. The Xanthan gum is added to the water as rapidly as possible. The high speed rotation of the single-piece Ultramix workhead creates a powerful vortex, drawing the powder and liquid down into the workhead.

  • Stage 2

    The materials are then forced through the slots in the side of the workhead and projected back into the body of the mix. Any agglomerates are broken down as they pass through the slots.

  • Stage 3

    The vigorous movement in the vessel created by the Ultramix ensures that in a short mixing cycle all the material passes many times through the workhead, progressively reducing the particle size and exposing an increasing surface area to the surrounding liquid. This rapidly completes hydration. 


The Advantages

  • Maximized yield/functionality allows products to be formulated with reduced gum content, cutting raw material costs.
  • Agglomerate-free mix.
  • Operator error is effectively eliminated.
  • Rapid mixing times.
  • Consistent product quality and repeatability.
  • Premixing of gum with powders or non-aqueous phase is not required.

 

Silverson offers a range of mixers for this application. The batch size, viscosity of the end product, the percentage of Xanthan gum added and the grade of gum used dictates which model would be most suitable - see below.

Silverson Ultramix

  • Excellent in-tank movement
  • Capable of rapidly incorporating large volumes of powders
  • Clean-In-Place design
  • Ideal for higher viscosity mixes
  • Low maintenance
More about this Mixer

High Shear Batch Mixer

  • Suitable for batches up to 400 US gallons
  • Can be used on mobile floor stands
  • Can easily be moved from vessel to vessel
More about this Mixer

Silverson Flashmix

  • Ideal for larger batches
  • Capable of rapidly incorporating large volumes of powder
  • Minimized aeration
  • Minimized cleaning requirements
  • Controlled powder addition rate
  • Minimum operator input required
  • Suitable for high viscosity mixes
  • Suitable for operation at higher temperatures
More about this Mixer

High Shear In-Line Mixers

  • Ideal for larger batches
  • Easily retrofitted to existing plant
  • Must be used in conjunction with an efficient in-tank agitator to wet out powder
  • Aeration free
  • Self-pumping
  • Can be used to discharge vessel
  • Designed for Cleaning-In-Place
  • High viscosity models available
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High Shear Bottom Entry Mixers

  • Suitable for use on high viscosity products in conjunction with an anchor stirrer/scraper
  • No immersed shaft - reduces cleaning requirements
More about this Mixer

Related videos

Ultramix – How It Works
2% Xanthan Gum Solution
Flashmix - How It Works
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