Deagglomerating Batter Mixes
The installation of a Silverson In-Line mixer has solved production problems for a major food processor. They manufacture products such as fish fingers and chicken nuggets in a continuous process as summarized below.
The Process
The Problem
Problems were experienced during preparation of the batter mix, where flour and other powdered ingredients were forming lumps which the existing mixing equipment could not break down. These stuck to the product in the enrobing stage, resulting in an unsatisfactory appearance to the finished product. In some cases, mis-shapen or oversized products would not fit into packaging properly, bringing production to a standstill. Further problems arose because the batter mix is also recirculated from the enrobing system back to the holding vessel; lumps had a tendency to build up, reducing the flow of material and raising potential hygiene issues.
The Solution
A Silverson In-Line mixer was installed between the mixing vessel and the enrobing unit and the problems were solved instantly. Operation is as follows:
Stage 1
The self-pumping In-Line mixer draws batter mix from the vessel through the pipeline and into the workhead. The high speed rotation of the rotor subjects the materials to intense high shear.
Stage 2
Centrifugal force drives the material towards the periphery of the workhead, where they are subjected to a milling action in the precision gap between the rotor and stator.
Stage 3
The product is forced out through the holes in the stator, ensuring that any lumps and agglomerates are broken down to produce a smooth, homogeneous mixture. The batter mix is pumped away to the enrobing unit by the self-pumping action of the In-Line mixer.
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Stage 1
Stage 1
The self-pumping In-Line mixer draws batter mix from the vessel through the pipeline and into the workhead. The high speed rotation of the rotor subjects the materials to intense high shear.
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Stage 2
Stage 2
Centrifugal force drives the material towards the periphery of the workhead, where they are subjected to a milling action in the precision gap between the rotor and stator.
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Stage 3
Stage 3
The product is forced out through the holes in the stator, ensuring that any lumps and agglomerates are broken down to produce a smooth, homogeneous mixture. The batter mix is pumped away to the enrobing unit by the self-pumping action of the In-Line mixer.
The Advantages
- A single pass through the self-pumping unit deagglomerates the mix.
- Homogeneous, smooth batter.
- Improved appearance of finished product.
- Increased efficiency and hygiene of the recirculation system.
- Improved yield of raw materials.
- Better overall consistency of mixture.
- Improved quality.
An In-Line mixer was the simplest and most efficient solution to this problem. Silverson also manufactures a range of other mixers which could be used in place of the existing mixing apparatus, the selection of which depends on factors such as type of ingredients, batch size and the viscosity of the batter mix. Find out more about the Preparation of Batter and Coating Mixes.
Silverson Ultramix
- Ideal for larger batches
- Capable of rapidly incorporating large volumes of powders
- Suitable for high viscosity mixes
High Shear Bottom Entry Mixers
- No immersed shaft for reduced cleaning requirements
- Suitable for use on higher viscosity mixes
Silverson Flashmix
- Capable of incorporating large volumes of powders
- Agglomerate-free mix
- Suitable for bulk production