Quick facts
Recirculation mixer for the emulsification and hydration of powders and other ingredients, and the standardization of milk.
Capacity
5,000 l/h – 40,000 l/h
Applications
Formulated dairy products
Note: this product has been renamed, old name: Tetra Almix
Fast and reliable ingredients mixing
- Rapid and reliable production thanks to high shear and energy dissipation rates
- A completely sealed system (compliant with EHEDG and 3A) ensures food safety
- Vacuum system consumes 50% less water and 70% less energy than competing models, keeping operational costs in check
Features
Automated, closed system
Enhances food safety
There is no risk of contamination entering the system since it is completely sealed to maintain product hygiene. In fact, the whole mixer is designed for sanitary execution and can be configured to meet the regulations for both EHEDG and 3A.
Shelf life of the end product is also lengthened by deaeration, since it makes the environment inhospitable for microorganisms.
Vacuum system
Enables efficient mixing
The vacuum system allows for automatic dosing of powder ingredients in a controlled and reliable manner. It draws ingredients into the mixer, eliminating the need for an operator to do this heavy work. The product is deaerated (i.e. the air is removed from it) enabling higher uptime in the rest of your downstream line. When there is air in the product, this causes burn-on in the downstream equipment, implying a need for more frequent cleaning.
High shear head
Enables efficient, fast and repeatable mixing
This is the heart of the high shear mixer unit. Shear and energy dissipation rates are significantly higher here than in conventional mixing vessels. The mixer is therefore suitable for solid to liquid dispersion, dissolving and emulsification, as well as liquid to liquid homogenization and emulsification. The mixing process is so intense it can even dissolve notoriously difficult ingredients like pectin in seconds.
Frequency converter
Economical use of utilities
Once 500 mb has been reached in the tank, a frequency converter fitted to the mixer's vacuum system, regulates the motor to the necessary level. The control system communicates the amount of vacuum (under-pressure) needed at any given step in the process. Whenever the motor slows down, it heats the water (used to seal the vacuum pump) less. The water therefore remains at the correct working temperature for a longer period. This reduces overall water consumption by up to 50% and energy consumption by up to 70%.
Powder valve
Enables trouble-free powder handling
The powder valve is unique to Tetra Pak®'s high shear mixers. It closes immediately if there is a loss of vacuum for any reason. This eliminates the risk of back flow into the powder system, and prevents blockages, which would stop production.
Automated level control
Enables smooth, uninterrupted production
The level control works in combination with the product inlet/outlet to keep the right amount of fluid circulating in the system. If the level gets too high or too low, the load cells and frequency controlled outlet pump return it to the desired level. The amount of powder in the mix also fluctuates during production (be it e.g. sugar, lactose, stabilizers). Regardless of how much powder is entering the mixer, this system maintains steady production.
Options
Powder funnels
Specially designed for High Shear Mixers with vacuum for optimal and hygienic powder introduction
For use with your Tetra Pak® High Shear Mixer, funnels are available in sizes 100, 250 l, 350 l and 2000 l. Powders are loaded into the funnels from the top. For the larger models, a platform is required. The powders are then sucked into the mixer in a dense powder phase to minimize air incorporation. The vibrating motor prevents bridging and rat holes during powder intake. The distance between funnel and mixer can be up to 8 metres.
Drum emptying system
Designed for efficient emptying of the drum to minimize waste
Ingredients are supplied in drums (buckets, containers or barrels). To empty the drum as thoroughly as possible, a lance is placed inside the drum and used to suck up the ingredient – enabled by the vacuum in the mixer. This prevents the waste of costly ingredients. Once production is complete, the lance is placed in the CIP station and cleaned in the CIP loop together with the Tetra Pak® High Shear Mixer.
Embedded automation
Make the most of your mixer
Get more smart functions and effortless integration with seamless, robust automation based on Tetra Pak® PlantMaster technology, including:
- Automatic update for all variant recipes within minutes, thanks to ingredient tagging
- Fast, easy CIP program changes with remote support from process engineer – no site visit needed
- Faster powder addition
- Lower product losses
- Fewer/shorter stops
- Full traceability and uncompromising food safety
