Silverson high shear laboratory-scale mixers are engineered to deliver exceptional mixing performance, combining advanced rotor/stator technology with robust construction and scalable designs. In this article, we’ll explore the laboratory-scale options available in the Silverson product range, including the ‘standard’, In-Line and Powder/liquid mixing models.
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Silverson Laboratory mixers have been sold all over the world to everyone from small start-up companies to larger international brands. They’re built to last. The oldest Silverson Laboratory mixer known to still be in use has been in service for over 70 years!
The popularity of Silverson Laboratory mixers can be attributed to their versatility. They can be used to mix, emulsify, homogenise, disintegrate and dissolve, with an efficiency and flexibility unmatched by other machines. Silverson offers a comprehensive range of Laboratory scale mixers which are used across industries as diverse as food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and chemicals. Whether you are processing 1ml or mixing batches of 50 litres, whatever your application, they’ll be a mixer to suit your needs.
Silverson L5M-A Laboratory mixer
The ‘standard’ L5M-A model is the latest development in high shear laboratory mixing. The advantage of a Silverson over simple agitators and stirrers stems from the specially designed rotor/stator workhead. The high speed rotation of the rotor blades draws materials into the workhead where they are intensively mixed, before being projected back into the body of the mix at high velocity. With this method, ingredients are fully incorporated and any agglomerates are eliminated.
The L5M-A model will soon be available with the body finished in white engineered polymer for increased durability and ease of maintenance. The updated radiused edges allow for easier cleaning. With its integral tachometer, ammeter and programmable timer, the L5M-A offers a level of instrumentation invaluable in applications where process validation and repeatability are required.
There are over 40 workheads, screens and assemblies available for Silverson Laboratory mixers. These easily interchangeable workheads enable any machine to perform a wide range of mixing operations. They also allow one mixer to perform duties that in the past may have required several different pieces of processing equipment.
In-Line mixing at Laboratory scale
For applications where an In-Line mixer is required, Silverson offers an In-Line mixing assembly for the L5 Series, converting the L5 mixer to an In-Line mixer/homogeniser with a throughput of approximately 20 litres/minute.
Where higher throughput or a designated In-Line laboratory unit is required, Silverson have designed the Verso. This bench top In-Line mixer can be supplied with a vessel package to replicate a recirculation process at pilot scale. The Verso offers an easy and accurate means of forecasting the performance of larger In-Line mixers under full-scale working conditions.
The Verso is now also available in an Ultra Hygienic specification as the Verso-UHS, and for High Viscosity Mixing as the Verso-UHS-HV. A conversion kit is available allowing the Verso-UHS-HV to be configured as an FMX5 laboratory-scale Powder/Liquid mixer, further increasing the mixer’s versatility.
Laboratory-scale powder/liquid mixing
The FMX5 provides a simple, effective and hygienic means of powder/liquid mixing at laboratory-scale. The unit is suitable for small scale manufacturing and R&D work with a typical batch size of up to 10 litres, depending on viscosity. The mixer can rapidly and effectively disperse powders into liquids, creating uniform mixtures and streamlining formulation development.
The FMX5 operates on the same principles as its larger counterpart, the Silverson Flashmix. And it has been tested on a wide range of powders, giving comparable results to the production scale model. These powders include gums (CMC, Guar Gum, Arabic, Pectin, Xanthan), Carbopol, Bentonite and many others across a range of industries.
All Silverson laboratory-scale mixers are engineered to the same fine tolerances as production-scale machines, making scale-up a simple process.
For more information on Silverson Machines range of laboratory mixers, please visit the Silverson website.
