Barry Cullens, Hockmeyer Equipment04.15.21
Vacuum dispersion is nothing new. Manufacturers have been using vacuum during the dispersion process for years by pulling vacuum on the dispersion tank while running disperser blades or agitators in feedstock tanks. There are many reasons for pulling vacuum on dispersion feed tanks, mainly to keep oxygen and moisture out of the dispersion. In most cases, vacuum is used in reactors during processes that require no oxygen or inert gas to fill the tank to keep the reaction from occurring.
Examples include making moisture cure products or hot melt adhesives that need to be clear and air-free when the batch is complete.
Vacuum for the most part has been overlooked when it comes to pigment dispersions because of the added purchase and maintenance expenses of vacuum-capable equipment. A few of the expensive parts of a vacuum system are sturdier vacuum tanks, seals to hold the vacuum, “O” rings on tank lids, dome lids on tanks, and vacuum pumps. For standard pigment dispersions, it did not make sense to pay extra money for vacuum equipment unless necessary. Why pull vacuum on a pigment dispersion and pay extra for equipment and maintenance if you can m
Examples include making moisture cure products or hot melt adhesives that need to be clear and air-free when the batch is complete.
Vacuum for the most part has been overlooked when it comes to pigment dispersions because of the added purchase and maintenance expenses of vacuum-capable equipment. A few of the expensive parts of a vacuum system are sturdier vacuum tanks, seals to hold the vacuum, “O” rings on tank lids, dome lids on tanks, and vacuum pumps. For standard pigment dispersions, it did not make sense to pay extra money for vacuum equipment unless necessary. Why pull vacuum on a pigment dispersion and pay extra for equipment and maintenance if you can m
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