Pharmaceutical Mixer Design Considerations

For example;

• What volume do you need to produce, is batch or continuous preferable?
• Type of agitation desired, is low or high shear mixing required?
• Is heating or cooling needed to control the batch temperature?

Materials of construction
What material of construction is compatible with the product that will be processed in this machine? For example; stainless steel type 304 or 316, or another specialty metal such as titanium

Elastomers
Many elastomers are available including, but not limited to Viton, Teflon, Neoprene and Kalrez. Which are compatible with your raw materials?

Shaft Seals
Single or double mechanical seals, special dry running mechanical seals and lip seals are all available.

Agitator speeds
Many pharmaceutical products require multiple steps to complete. These may include simple slow agitation for blending or heat transfer, high speed rotation for fine emulsification and homogenization, or even particle size reduction.

Polish
How often will a complete cleaning of the internal surfaces be required. Standard polishes for sanitary requirements range from 120 grit mechanical polishes to mirror finishes applied mechanically or via deposition processes.

CIP/SIP
Automated or semi-automated cleaning systems are available as well as simple spray balls to clean between batches.

Cover openings
Consideration must be given to how materials are going to be added before and after a process cycle. This will determine the number and size of the openings included in a cover. Thought should also be given to how a batch will be monitored, is a sight and light desirable, possibly including a wiper?

Discharge valve design
Many discharge valve designs are available, including complete disassembly for 100% cleaning between batches.

Operator controls
Simple or complex operator controls or complete PLC driven control systems are offered.