Laboratory Mixer Designed for Testing Formulations Using Continuous Processing

Courtesy Readco

Process equipment manufacturer Readco Kurimoto introduced the RK-1 continuous mixing processor, which incorporates the company's proprietary mixing technology in a compact, tabletop unit. The company states that the unit was developed to help product development professionals test new and existing formulations being processed in batches using a continuous process in a controlled, laboratory environment. Scaled down to process 10 lbs/hr, the RK-1 combines heat transfer, mixing, and shear to process multiple powdered, liquid, and viscous ingredients in a single step, while yielding a high quality, homogeneous product at discharge that meets targeted specifications for moisture, texture, color, uniformity, and other criteria.

The novel RK-1 features twin shaft, co-rotating screws with a one-inch diameter set within a closed barrel to promote the intimate contact among wet and dry materials needed to achieve the desired level of mixing, blending, reacting, crystallization, and/or encapsulation. Suitable for use in research and development laboratories for pharmaceuticals and other products, the versatile RK-1 includes touch-screen controls for setup, monitoring, and real-time adjustments. Other available options include a mobile lift table, electric band heater, feed chute, and all-stainless steel construction.

The RK-1 continuous processors are engineered and manufactured in the company's York, PA headquarters. The lab-size processors operate on 220 volts single-phase and are delivered ready to plug in and operate.

Source: Readco