Explosion-Proof High-Speed Mixer Reduces Hazard

Ross's new explosion-proof high-speed disperser

Explosion-proof features are now offered on high-speed dispersers from mixing-equipment specialist Charles Ross & Son Co. (Hauppauge, NY). The new dispersers now come with a NEMA 7&9 Operator Panel, as well as grounding features that ensure the vessel is properly grounded before the agitator will operate. These features are well suited for hazardous environments involving flammable vapors, liquids, solids, and dusts.

For additional security, these features are also included: additional start, stop, and emergency-stop pushbuttons; a speed potentiometer; digital readout for agitator speed; a 16-ft grounding clamp; and explosion-proof limit switches that “lock out” the motor if a blade is in a raised position or a mix vessel is not in place offer additional security.

High-speed dispersers are used for incorporating powders into liquid, breaking up agglomerates, and producing fine dispersions. The saw-tooth blade turns at tip speeds up to around 5,000 ft/min and creates vigorous flow in low- to-medium viscosity formulations under 50,000 centipoise, the company says. It generates a vortex on the liquid surface into which dry ingredients are added for quick wet-out.