Capsule shell chemistries today must meet a myriad of requirements, including those affected by consumer preferences, the need for compatibility with active pharmaceutical ingredients, a formulation's dissolution rates and moisture sensitivity, the acceptable oxygen permeability, and the overall product stability. Given the different raw materials and application requirements at play, you can simplify mixer selection for a particular capsule-shell formulation by considering the formulation's viscosity and the appropriate level of shear.

In the production of ready-to-drink supplements and liquid vitamins filled into capsules, proper mixing is one of the most critical steps in achieving lot-to-lot consistency and efficacy. This bulletin describes the benefits of preparing liquid supplements in a Multi-Shaft Mixer designed for bulk agitation, high-speed solids dispersion and superior heat transfer.

Multi-shaft mixers are versatile systems used in the production of food, beverage, pharmaceutical and medical products. This bulletin discusses a few equipment features commonly supplied on multi-shaft mixers intended for sanitary applications.

In the processing of ophthalmic solutions, high-shear mixers are utilized for dissolving salts as well as dispersing viscosity enhancers, antioxidants and other additives.

Designed for high-speed powder dispersion, the Ross Solids/Liquid Injection Manifold Mixer is well proven in the preparation of tablet coatings. 

A majority of pharmaceutical gels are shear-thinning semisolids prepared by dispersing hydrophilic polymers into an aqueous vehicle. Proper mixing requires a good balance between agitation and shear.

Dry blending is an indispensable operation in the manufacture of multivitamins, sports supplements, herbal extracts, meal-replacements, green food powders and other nutraceutical products.

For years, blending dense slurries has been a job for the traditional vacuum dryer with a rotating vessel. Today, processors are finding a different blender/dryer can handle the heaviest of materials more easily.

This application note offers tips for efficiently containing powders in a ribbon blender to ensure operator safety, prevent cross-contamination and promote easy clean up.

The growing demand for prescription and over-the-counter transdermal products encompasses a wide range of uses and conditions, from motion sickness and smoking cessation, to hormone replacements and pain management.

Planetary mixers are ideal for wet granulation processes. Advantages include "one-pot" processing, high uniformity and yield, predictable performance, and ease of cleaning.

Viscous products possessing shear-sensitive behavior, fragile components or abrasive properties require gentle but thorough mixing.

Solid-solid mixing sometimes involves powders that need to be uniformly coated with smaller particles of a different component. The ingredient that is coated onto the bulk material is typically a very small percentage of the batch, thus requiring thorough and uniform blending.

To help ensure a long service life out of your capital investment and obtain high quality blends in every single batch, consider the following tips on ribbon blending.

Rotor/stator mixers specially designed to generate a powerful vacuum within the mix chamber are capable of inducting a wide variety of solids, from fine powders to friable pellets.

Mixing bulk solids into liquid can be challenging not only due to low solubility or resistance to wet-out/dispersion. The difficulty may simply be due to sheer volume.

In many industries, the challenge of making high quality submicron emulsions has never been more important. Depending on the application, they improve texture, aesthetics, taste, rheology, shelf-life, or even cost. In short, the quality and stability of emulsions play a major role in refining the physical characteristics and effectiveness of numerous end products.

Developing a new formulation at the R&D stage can require multiple iterations to arrive at the optimal quality, functionality, cost or a combination of these and other factors.

This white paper presents some ideas for selecting the right inline high shear mixer for your process based on a company’s collective experience as a mixing equipment provider to process industries.

Mixer testing simulation trials are needed to confirm the suitability of a specific mixing strategy. This white paper explores five ways to increase energy efficiency in new and existing mixing processes.

Mixing is one of the most common operations in food processing, but comes with challenges -- batch-to-batch uniformity, optimizing blend times, and most importantly: improving cleanliness.

Mixing processes vary from one application to another and there are no fix-all solutions.This white paper presents some strategies for improving commonly encountered batch mixing problems.

Uniformly dispersing powders into a liquid batch in a practical amount of time is a common problem for F&B manufacturers. This white paper explores five tips for dispersing powders more efficiently.

Purchasing new mixing equipment is typically not a hasty event. As with any capital investment, the purchase of a new mixing system ideally requires time and research.

Mixing equipment employed in the production of pharmaceuticals and medical devices deal with a higher level of complexity because their use is more specialized. Not one design fits all.

This paper provides practical information on the efficient use of specialty mixing equipment for the preparation of low, medium and high viscosity solid-liquid mixtures under low and high shear conditions.

When selecting mixing systems, foresight for scale-up is important for long-term success. A quick shift between systems can be the difference between economical success and a financial disaster.

Creating an efficient mixing system is a balancing act. Throughput must be balanced against batch size, agitator sizes, motor sizes, shear speeds, viscosity, and many other variables.

This white paper explains the rules for mixers and the applications for which two, three, or even four different types of mixers can conceivably provide an optimal tool to achieve your process goals.

Vacuum drying is ideal for processing heat-sensitive materials without risk of thermal degradation. It also allows manufacturers to recover costly solvents or safely dispose of any harmful volatiles removed from the closed system.

This white paper presents an overview of mixing technologies employed in the dispersion of nano-sized solid particles into liquid. By Christine Banaszek

The ROSS Inline Ultra High Shear Mixer 700 Series is designed for challenging shear requirements, a more efficient alternative to colloid mills which generally suffer from low throughput.

Gain insights from a pharmaceutical equipment manufacturer on factors cannabis manufacturers should consider when they're looking to purchase a mixer.

ROSS engineers custom blending systems incorporating ergonomic material handling accessories, including bag dump workstations.

The ROSS Double Planetary Mixer is ideal for high-precision mixing, granulation and vacuum drying all in a single vessel.

ROSS recently designed a new skid system capable of mixing and pumping low to moderately viscous products. The Model VSL-400 design is a custom conical vessel on a movable skid with a progressive cavity pump rated for 10-30 gallons/minute.

The ROSS Double Planetary Mixer is available in a reverse-lift design which raises the vessel to the mixing position, rather than lowering the agitator assembly. A reverse lift facilitates improved rigidity and more uniform blade-to-vessel clearances without relying on the floor to be completely level.

ROSS inline high shear mixers from 1 through 250 HP accelerate mixing, emulsification and homogenization in both recirculation and continuous modes. A mobile skid allows these machines to be used anywhere in a plant, saving time and money by eliminating the need for multiple mixers separately dedicated to each vessel or product

ROSS is pleased to announce the appointment of Ken Langhorn to the position of Vice President of Sales.

The patented ROSS MegaShear is an Ultra High Shear Rotor/Stator ideal for high-throughput emulsification, dispersion and homogenization.

ROSS VersaMix Multi-Shaft Mixers incorporate a proprietary powder induction feature for efficient charging of thickeners to produce high-quality gels, creams and pastes. The VersaMix includes a three-winged anchor and a high speed disperser blade which provide a robust combination of shear and bulk flow at various stages of the mixing cycle.

ROSS is pleased to announce the completion of a major expansion of its facility in Nantong, China. After more than 20 years of a successful joint venture, Nantong Ross Mixing Equipment Co. Ltd. has pushed ROSS to become the world's largest supplier of ribbon blenders in China.

ROSS builds advanced Discharge Systems with mechanisms to seamlessly fit almost any high-viscosity application.

A major manufacturer of silicone sealants was looking to make a new, highly filled, silicone sealant. The desired product has a viscosity of over 9 million centipoise and is very “stickyâ€.

The ROSS VCB-0.25 Tumble Blender is uniquely suited for specialty blends with extremely minor active components and additives. Ideal for processing high value and delicate applications, the Tumble Blender is often provided in a sanitary all-stainless steel construction and imparts gentle agitation.

Conventional agitators are unable to create the fluid circulation necessary to properly disperse 4%+ powdered CMC dispersions. The consequence of insufficient agitation is the formation of non-dispersed lumps.

The Ross VMC-1000 VersaMix is a 1,000-gallon Triple-Shaft Mixer available on a pivot-design single-post hydraulic lift. 

Answering the need for high shear in formulations too viscous for conventional dual-shaft mixers, the ROSS PowerMix is a hybrid planetary mixer equipped with the patented High Viscosity “HV” Stirrer Blade providing axial product movement and radial exposure to a High Speed Disperse Blade, which in turn breaks down agglomerates and promotes rapid solids wet-out. Both the stirrer blade and saw-tooth disperser revolve around the batch while rotating on individual axes at independent speeds.

ROSS, a manufacturer of specialty mixing equipment, introduces a more versatile mixer/reactor especially suited for temperature-critical formulations of medium to high viscosity under stringent vacuum/pressure constraints.

ROSS introduces a special Triple-Shaft design specifically suited for hot melts and viscous dispersions. The latest ROSS Model CDA-800 has a mixing capacity of 500 – 800 gallons and is designed for full vacuum operation (29.5” Hg).

ROSS has unveiled improvements to the dual-post hydraulic lift and seal design of its 1,500-gallon Multi-Shaft Mixer (Model PVM-1500). The new lifting design is a double-acting, fully hydraulic cylinder operating at a much higher pressure, allowing for a smaller cylinder and significantly less oil for operation.

Gregg Drames is the newest ROSS Regional Sales Manager covering the Mid-Atlantic Region (DE, MD, Washington DC, Southern NJ and parts of PA). With degrees in Environmental Chemistry and Business Management from Philadelphia University, Gregg brings 9 years of experience in technical sales and business development.

ROSS Systems and Controls (SysCon) offers new specialized control panels for use with high horsepower equipment in hazardous locations. A NEMA 12 main power panel, housing high voltage Variable Frequency Drives and motor protection fusing, is installed in a non-classified area and wired to a NEMA 7/9 operator station.

ROSS advances high-viscosity process equipment well beyond traditional Double Planetary Mixers.

ROSS High Speed Dispersers now feature two-hand safety controls for raising and lowering the mixing head.

ROSS introduces a new Laboratory Paddle Blender offering advanced features for more convenient, automated powder blending and liquid spraying operation with recipe management.

Charles Ross & Son Company, a leading manufacturer of specialty mixing, blending, drying and dispersion equipment, is proud to announce the opening of its online store.

Whether you're considering a tumble blender for your process or shopping for a suitable piece of blending equipment, here are 10 things you should think about before the making final decision.

The Ross line of VersaMix Multi-Shaft Mixers are ideal for processing medium to high-viscosity applications up to several hundred thousand centipoise including many slurries, pastes, gels and suspensions.

The most well-equipped testing facility in the specialty mixing industry, the Ross Test & Development Center announces the addition of an advanced planetary mixer now available for no-charge demonstrations. The new 4-gallon Planetary Dual Disperser (Model PDDM-4) is equipped with two High Viscosity Blades and two High Speed Dispersers; all four agitators rotate on their own axes while orbiting the vessel, ensuring rapid powder wet-out and deagglomeration. It is designed for vacuum operation and includes a jacketed mix vessel. Ideal for mixing thick slurries and highly-filled pastes, the PDDM delivers excellent dispersion and uniformity throughout a wide viscosity range up to around 2 million centipoise.

Charles Ross & Son Company, manufacturer of industrial mixing equipment, has appointed Christine Banaszek as its new Sales Manager.

Ross Vice President of Corporate Operations Joseph Martorana is proud to announce the 10^th-year anniversary of Ross Process Equipment (RPE), the US-headquartered mixer manufacturer’s operations in Pune, India. RPE produces Tumble Blenders, Ribbon Blenders, Planetary Mixers, Multi-Shaft Mixers, High Speed Dispersers, High Shear Mixers, as well as pressure vessels, tanks and other custom-fabricated equipment.

Companies are reevaluating mixing processes, looking for ways to lower cost, boost production capacity, and improve quality. This article will explain how high-shear mixing can help achieve these goals.

Offering over 175 years of experience in designing and building process equipment, Ross is uniquely equipped to accept a wide range of custom fabrication projects – from simple jacketed vessels and agitated tanks to pressurized reactors and large tank farms.

The Ross VersaMix is a multi-shaft mixer designed for viscous applications requiring a high level of accuracy and batch-to-batch consistency.

Ross VersaMix Multi-Shaft Mixers designed for robust large-scale production enable reliable and repeatable batch processing of high-volume viscous applications such as solid-liquid dispersions, thickened emulsions, suspensions, pastes and gels. As a multi-agitator system, the VersaMix is easily adaptable for mixing at low, intermediate and high shear levels, or any combination necessary for powder wet-out, deagglomeration, emulsification, homogenization, heating/cooling and deaeration.

Charles Ross & Son Company Vice President of Corporate Operations Joseph Martorana announced the successful completion of the largest Ross manufacturing facility to date. Ross Wuxi Equipment, the company’s wholly-owned subsidiary in China, officially moved into its new 250,000-sq.ft. home on December 31, 2016, according to General Manager George Lu.

New features are being offered on Ross Ribbon Blenders for manufacturers requiring extra precision and efficiency.

Ross offers turnkey solutions for processing a wide range of applications in hazardous or classified environments. By weighing, mixing and discharging on a common platform, users benefit from improved safety and a more efficient batching process.

Ross Double Planetary Mixers are offered in 4-, 5- and 10- and 25-gallon models for pilot-scale production of paste-like materials, highly-filled putties, shear-sensitive gels, granulations and dense powder blends. These mixers are also used for vacuum drying of heat-sensitive applications at relatively low temperatures.

As an added safety feature, Ross Tumble Blenders now come standard with motors equipped with electro-magnetic brake.

Ross recently completed three 1000-gallon Planetary Dual Dispersers, the world’s largest change-can mixers of their kind, designed for cGMP pharmaceutical processing of contrast agents, injectable drugs and other sterile preparations.

The Ross Double Planetary Mixer is ideal for single-pot mixing and deaeration of viscous formulations such as thick pastes, putties, gels and other semi-solid products. Equipped with the patented “HV” (High Viscosity) blades, the Double Planetary Mixer can process highly filled and high density applications up to 6 million centipoise in viscosity.

Ross Laboratory Multi-Shaft Mixers, Double Planetary Mixers and Planetary Dispersers up to 5-gallon capacities are supplied with an optional workbench that can accommodate a discharge system, heater/cooler, vacuum pump and other accessories.

Ross VersaMix Multi-Shaft Mixers designed for sanitary and high-purity applications feature customizable agitators, dry-running mechanical seals, full recovery vacuum system, CIP spray nozzles, and touchscreen recipe controls.

Ross SysCon has broadened its offering of control panels designed for use in Class 1 Div 1 hazardous environments.

Charles Ross & Son Company has added 5-, 10- and 25-cu.ft. V-Cone Tumble Blenders to its inventory of stock mixing equipment ready for immediate purchase or short-term trial/rental.

Ross has expanded its most advanced planetary mixer line, the PDDM, to include larger working capacities up to 750 gallons.

Ross now offers explosion-proof High Speed Dispersers with NEMA 7&9 Operator Panel and special grounding provisions.

The Ross X-Series is a CIP-ready Ultra-High Shear Mixer ideal for inline emulsification, particle size reduction and homogenization.

Ross Multi-Shaft Mixers are ideal for large-scale processing of pastes, gels, dispersions, suspensions and slurries from low to high viscosity.

Ross introduces the HSM-703XC, a new and improved model of the 10HP X-Series Ultra-High Shear Mixer.

Ross Dual-Shaft Mixers enable efficient powder dispersion and convenient batch temperature control in the manufacture of low to high viscosity formulations. Two heavy-duty independently-driven agitators, a high speed disperser and a two-wing anchor, deliver a wide range of shear levels and flow patterns that can adapt to the varying rheologies of solutions, pastes, gels, suspensions and slurries all throughout the mixing cycle.

Ross Storage Vessels are custom-built to meet exact specifications for pressure, temperature, material of construction, cover design, discharge assembly and access ports.

Designed for low-impact blending, Ross Vertical Blenders feature a conical vessel and a slow-turning screw that can thoroughly agitate a wide variety of materials including powders, granules, pellets, fibers, slurries and pastes.

Ross Mixers are now offered with HMI and SCADA Packages for data entry and recipe selection from a color touchscreen.

Ross introduces a new line of Model 42C Cylindrical Ribbon Blenders designed to mix dry powders, wet granulations and paste-like materials with densities up to 100 lb/cu.ft. Available in many sizes from 1/2 to 1,000 cu.ft. working capacity, Cylindrical Ribbon Blenders can be built for atmospheric, full vacuum or internal pressure operation. A full range of standard, heavy-duty and sanitary models are offered.

Providing one stop fabrication service to manufacturers throughout the process industries, Ross, a world leader in mixing and blending technology, designs and builds storage tanks, pressure vessels and reactors for virtually any process or application.

Designed for automatic ingredient additions and high-speed mixing, the pictured Solids/Liquid Injection Manifold (SLIM) Mixer is piped to a 400-gallon jacketed tank and mounted on a compact skid.

The Ross PreMax is a batch-style rotor/stator mixer designed for ultra-high shear conditions and vigorous flow, an ideal combination that supports high-speed production of fine dispersions and emulsions.

The Ross MegaShear Ultra-High Shear Mixer is designed for homogenizing dispersions and disintegrating large solid particles or droplets suspended in liquid. A unique inline rotor/stator design, the MegaShear’s mixing head (US Patent No. 6,241,472) turns at tip speeds well over 11,000 ft/min and generates extremely complex flow patterns without sacrificing throughput

Ross Dual-Shaft Mixers deliver an ideal balance of bulk flow agitation and high speed dispersion required in the processing of viscous pastes, gels, suspensions, slurries and emulsions. 

Ross announces new developments to its line of High Shear Mixers with Solids/Liquid Injection Manifold (SLIM) Technology.

Ross offers a wide range of custom-designed agitated reactors for chemical processes and sanitary applications.

The Ross Interfacial Surface Generator (ISG) is a patented Static Mixer (US Patent No. 3404869) designed for laminar flow processes such as blending a minor component into a viscous stream.

Ross Inline High Shear Mixers are a versatile choice for general purpose mixing, powder wet-out, particle size reduction, solubilization, emulsification and homogenization.

Ross Engineering Inc., a custom fabricator of storage tanks, pressure vessels and reactors, has acquired new machining equipment and upgraded its facility to better serve customers. It can now take fabrication projects of virtually any size or complexity with greater efficiency and faster deliveries than ever before.

Ross SysCon has announced that it is branching out its process control and automation services to more applications in the pharmaceutical, food, cosmetics, plastics, adhesives, chemicals, coatings, paper, energy and utilities industries.

Following its largest inventory expansion to date, Charles Ross & Son Company announces that over 80 Ribbon Blenders, sized for different working volumes and bulk densities, are now available from stock.

Ross Vertical Blenders are ideal for low shear blending of powders, pellets, granules, fibers and other solids.

Ross SysCon, a worldwide supplier of process control and automation systems, builds UL-rated stainless steel control panels of virtually any size or complexity.

Charles Ross & Son Company, a manufacturer of mixing, blending, drying and dispersion equipment since 1842, accepts custom fabrication projects for virtually any application.

Ross manufactures a full range of High Speed Dispersers suitable for high-volume mixing in vessels up to 6,000 gallons or larger.

Charles Ross & Son Company has introduced the Ross 42B Model Ribbon Blenders, which are used for straightforward blending of powders or other solid raw materials with a bulk density of 35 lbs/cu.ft. or lower.

For high-volume solid-liquid mixing requirements, Ross offers specially engineered powder induction systems coupled to an agitated recirculation tank.

Ross offers customizable Multi-Shaft Mixers for processing solid-liquid dispersions, solutions and emulsions over a wide range of viscosities.

Ross Technical Director Ken Langhorn announces the addition of a new 10-gallon PowerMix Planetary Disperser to the Ross Test & Development Center.

Ross introduces a new agitator blade design for their line of Double Planetary Mixers. Pictured is a 100-gallon model equipped with two identical rectangular stirrers with upward rake fingers.

Ross introduces a new multi-purpose laboratory mixer model, the HSM-100LCI-T. This bench-top unit is offered with interchangeable mixing attachments including batch and inline rotor/stator sets, various size disperser blades and propellers.

Ross manufactures a wide range of bench-top mixers for R&D and pilot-scale requirements, with many selections for multi-viscosity processing, dry solid-solid blending, powder wet-out, inline (continuous) mixing, agitated vacuum drying, homogenization, emulsification and particle size reduction/wet milling.

Ross introduces the new Model CDA-30C Portable Dual Shaft Mixer with a working capacity of 10 to 30 gallons. An air/oil hydraulic lift raises and lowers the agitators, a 3HP Two-Wing Anchor and a 5HP High Speed Disperser.

Ross announces the addition of seven reconditioned Double Planetary Mixers to its inventory, all ready for immediate shipment and available for either trial/rental or purchase.

Ross introduces a new Planetary Disperser and Discharge System Turnkey Package designed for high-viscosity, multi-stage mixing requirements. The Ross PowerMix (US Patent No. 4,697,929) consists of a stirrer blade and a saw-tooth disperser, both of which rotate on their respective axes at different speeds while orbiting the mix vessel. 

Charles Ross & Son Company now offers a variety of surface treatments, coatings and alternative materials on its full range of mixing, blending, drying and dispersion equipment for the processing of high-purity, sensitive, corrosive or abrasive products.

Charles Ross & Son Company, a manufacturer of specialty mixing, blending, drying and dispersion equipment, recently completed its 3000th Double Planetary Mixer.

Fully-equipped Ross V-Cone and Double Cone Tumble Blenders are now available from stock or with fast delivery times.

Over 30 different sizes and models of batch and inline Ross High Shear Mixers are offered from stock or built-to-order with fast delivery. Whether new or reconditioned, each rotor/stator mixer available for purchase or trial/rental is backed by the same Ross warranty.

Ross offers complete mixer packages for fast and efficient dispersion of bulk solids in large batches. Pictured is a 1000-gallon Dual-Shaft Mixer with Inline Solids/Liquid Injection Manifold (SLIM) and Recirculation Skid. At the heart of the process is the SLIM Technology which utilizes a specially engineered rotor/stator that generates a powerful vacuum for drawing solids into the mix chamber. 

The Ross MegaShear Ultra-High Shear Mixer is a patented inline rotor/stator designed for high-volume and high-throughput deagglomeration, emulsification, and homogenization requirements. 

In this age of technological marvels and Internet madness, it's refreshing to see an innovation that isn't the product of an exotic new technology.

Ross introduces new Double Planetary Mixers with a slightly tilted configuration for more effective and complete discharge of flowable products. Double Planetary Mixers are versatile equipment used in the preparation of pastes and gels, as well as granulations and free-flowing dried powder blends.

Mixing challenges throughout the process industries are heightened as the viscosity and complexity of the mixture rises. This webinar reviews the numerous options that are available to help select the most efficient mixer for a users requirements.

Topics of this webinar include dry blending, high speed mixing, and batch mixing applications for pharmaceutical manufacturing. This webinar addresses the current challenges facing the industry , as well as new innovation that will help with any issues manufacturers are facing.

Dry blenders are typically described as being of horizontal, vertical or tumbling designs. On the surface it would seem that each can be used for the same application, but subtle differences usually make one preferable over another. This webinar helps to narrow the choice of the unit for a particular production requirement.

Ross has expanded its line of Planetary Dual Dispersers (PDDM), offering more sizes of this powerful mixing system designed for high-viscosity and high-solids applications.

Ross introduces several new features on its Ribbon Blender models including low-maintenance gasket-free covers, custom bag dump station with safety grating, clamshell coupling for quick agitator removal, vacuum and pressure-rated blenders with reinforced troughs, heavy-duty models for dense materials, bottom discharge extruder assembly and end wall scrapers.

Ross Double Planetary Mixers and Discharge Systems are ideal for quick processing of non-flowing viscous mixtures. 

The Ross X-Series Ultra-High Shear Mixer is ideal for products that require great uniformity in a dispersion or emulsion. This inline mixer is often used in processes wherein exceptionally narrow particle size distributions are desired within a single pass.

Ross introduces a new Ribbon Blender Model, the 42NSD-1S, a multi-purpose unit equipped with interchangeable double ribbon and paddle agitators.

Charles Ross & Son Company has announced the completion of a new model of the popular line of Ross Ribbon Blenders. The new model is designated as the "42NSD”.

Charles Ross & Son Company manufactures a wide range of sanitary high shear mixing and dispersion equipment for fine emulsion and homogenization requirements. Many models are available to permit a client to select the exact machine for particular process needs.

The Ross Inline Solids Liquids Injection Manifold (SLIM) System is great for inducting and immediately dispersing large quantities of difficult to disperse powders such as CMC, fumed silica, and carbomers.

Video: Ross Double Planetary Mixers