US mixing equipment manufacturer Charles Ross & Son has introduced the Model PDDM-10 Planetary Dual Disperser, a pilot-scale mixer designed for high-viscosity materials and laboratory-scale process development.
The new unit combines planetary agitation with high-speed dispersion to enable rapid solids incorporation and the production of air-free pastes, slurries and gels under vacuum conditions. According to the company, the system is intended for applications requiring both strong shear forces and controlled mixing, including battery materials, advanced coatings and specialty chemicals.
The PDDM-10 processes batches of up to 12 gallons (45 litres), with a total vessel capacity of 15 gallons (57 litres). Its dual agitator drive system combines low-speed planetary mixing with high-speed disperser blades. Two stainless steel planetary stirrers, powered by a 5hp motor, provide bulk mixing and material turnover for thick or highly viscous formulations.
These are complemented by two high-speed dispersers driven by a 15hp (11kW) motor, capable of operating between 500 and 3,540rpm to support powder wet-out and deagglomeration.
The mixer is designed to operate under vacuum levels of up to 29.5in Hg (100kPa), reducing air entrainment during processing and helping to improve product quality. The stainless steel vacuum hood includes two 3in (76mm) sight or charging ports and can be removed to facilitate cleaning and maintenance.
Swapping vessels from the mixer between batches
ROSS said the system uses a change-can design that allows operators to swap mixing vessels between batches. These interchangeable vessels can be fitted with heating or cooling jackets, thermowells or customised discharge valves depending on process requirements.
A detachable sidewall scraper fitted with a replaceable PTFE blade continuously wipes the interior surface of the mixing vessel during operation. This is intended to improve batch uniformity and heat transfer when processing viscous formulations.
The mixer head is raised and lowered using an air-over-oil hydraulic lift equipped with two-hand safety controls. Safety limit switches prevent operation unless the vessel is correctly positioned beneath the mixing head.
The operator interface can be configured to include touchscreen controls for independent agitator operation, speed and cycle-time monitoring, vacuum pump control and temperature display. Standard safety features include motor protection systems, an emergency stop button and a lockable main disconnect switch.
