Vacuum pigment loading and dispersion in industrial mixer with portable tank: A tailored project by O+B for SIKA
Innovation and efficiency in pigment incorporation in the chemical sector
SIKA, founded in Switzerland in 1910, is a global leader in specialized chemical products for industries such as construction, automotive, and renewable energy. With operations in over 100 countries, the company stands out for its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and high performance across all its products.
SIKA’s product portfolio includes solutions for concrete additives, waterproofing, adhesives, repair and reinforcement of structures, as well as roofing and facade systems. Their commitment to quality and efficiency has enabled them to maintain a strong presence in the global market.
More information: SIKA
The challenge: Efficient pigment incorporation without compromising quality or efficiency
SIKA needed a solution to incorporate pigments hygienically and efficiently in the production of tinted oil, a key component in several of their products. Proper pigment suspension and dispersion in the oil are essential for ensuring high quality and consistency in the final product.
The specific requirements for the project included:
- Avoiding dust emission during the operation.
- Preventing cross-contamination between pigments while working with various shades.
- Minimizing waste during the pigment incorporation process.
- Ensuring minimal investment, with a focus on resource optimization.
- Controlling a finished product viscosity range varying between 100cP and 20,000cP, which adds a challenge to maintaining both quality and flow of the mixture.
The O+B solution: Innovative technology tailored to customer needs
To address this challenge, O+B began with a phase of pilot plant tests to validate the technical feasibility of the proposed solution. These tests were essential for determining the key parameters of the process, focusing on two main aspects:
- Determining the minimum pneumatic transport speed required to ensure that the pigments were properly transported to the mixer-disperser without losing efficiency.
- Establishing the maximum speed to avoid the pigments transferring into the liquid, which would cause splashes and possible spillage.
With the results obtained from these tests, O+B proposed an optimized industrial solution that was also economical, involving a vacuum loading and dispersion system to incorporate 8 pigments efficiently and without contamination. This system was implemented in a Dispermix O+B, specifically designed to ensure a hygienic and precise process.
Start-up tests: Performance and efficiency in action
During the start-up phase of the solution, the following data was verified:
- 300 kg of gray pigment incorporated in 20 minutes, meeting the system’s expected capacity.
- Only 100 g of solid pigment passed through the filter, representing an 0.03% loss, an exceptionally low figure that highlights the efficiency and precision of the system.
These tests confirmed that the system was highly efficient, maintaining the quality standards required by SIKA.
Results achieved: Performance, hygiene, and efficiency
The system implemented by O+B has allowed SIKA to achieve efficient pigment incorporation without contamination, resulting in a cleaner production process with minimal waste. The outcomes are as follows:
- Reliability in the process, with controlled pigment incorporation.
- Resource optimization, significantly reducing waste in the process.
- Compliance with SIKA’s stringent quality standards, ensuring a homogeneous and consistent product.
- Constant and safe performance, with a fully automated system that provides greater process control.
- High operational efficiency, improving productivity and reducing downtime.
The technology implemented not only guarantees constant and secure performance but also optimizes the efficiency of every phase of the production process, from initial loading to final dispersion.
This project demonstrates how O+B can deliver innovative and tailored solutions that enhance quality, efficiency, and sustainability in industrial processes. The implementation of this technology has strengthened SIKA’s commitment to excellence, ensuring the highest quality in the production of tinted oils and other products.
