Lower Compounding Cost by Improved Mixing Efficiency (Upgrading to an F440 Production Mixer)

TITLE:           Lower Compounding Cost by Improved Mixing Efficiency (Upgrading to an F440 Production Mixer)
BY:                  Frank J. Borzenski, Bill Flaherty, Robert Wagner
                        Farrel Corporation

            Reducing compounding cost is essential to be competitive in today’s market. As the installed base in large sized mixers is aging, the replace of these mixers must be accomplished in such a way that improved mixing efficiency and mixer longevity are assured.           

Today, in most applications, it is not practical to construct or modify the existing mezzanine or replace an existing drive to accommodate a production size mixer for improved efficiency. The F440 is a redesign of a conventional F370 size mixer targeted to provide the user with reduced compounding cost (KWH/KG), improved longevity, reduced maintenance cost and improved productivity.  In this paper, items that must be addressed when considering an upgrade to an F440 are discussed.  Improvements in mixer design allowing reduced operating and maintenance costs are presented.  Data acquired from a typical upgrade are presented showing improvements in productivity and reduced energy cost to operate the mixer