Alfa Laval MX Mixers Mixers for fats and oils refining

Introduction

Alfa Laval MX mixers are specially designed to meet the specific

mixing requirements of the fats and oils industry. MX mixers are

ideal for important process stages such as degumming, acid

conditioning and neutralization.

Application

Fats and oils refining.

Benefits

• MX mixers are suitable for use in a wide variety of mixing

activities, including operating under more delicate mixing

conditions.

• Mixing can be done as flexibly as possible, and is easy to

optimize.

• Added advantage of preventing emulsions from forming

Working principle

The unique twin-inlet, double-chamber MicroMerge™ design

improves both operating efficiency and economics. MicroMerge

makes it possible to combine high-intensity dispersion (in the

upper chamber) with a preset contact time (in the lower

chamber).

With two separate inlets – one at the top and one at the bottom

it is possible to feed oil directly into the dispersion section, and

then gradually into the mixing section, as required.

The majority of the dispersion takes place in the top part of the

mixer. Dispersion requires power and the greater the diameter of

the vessel the more power is required. An upper part with a

smaller diameter is therefore advantageous. In the bottom part of

the mixer, highly turbulent, low-shear mixing is used to bring the

dispersed chemicals into contact with all the oil being treated, in a

volume large enough to provide sufficient contact time.

Design

Alfa Laval MX mixers are available in four sizes. Depending on the

capacity required and the duties involved, each size has specific

top and bottom volumes. The type and size of the rotors also vary

according to the specific capacity and the task for which they are

required.

All MX mixers are made of acid-proof steel and have single

mechanical seals. The special oiler provided is fitted with

protection against dry running, and a bottom bearing can be

replaced from the outside without having to remove the agitator.

Fixed-speed operation is standard, but variable speed operation

is available as an option, and is recommended for further

optimization of performance and flexibility.