Silverson Mixer

Principle of Silverson Mixer

• Silverson mixer produces intense shearing forces and turbulence by the use of high speed rotors.
• This turbulence causes the liquids to pass through fine interstices formed by closely placed perforated metal sheets.
• Circulation of material take place through the head by the suction produced in the inlet at the bottom of the head.
• Circulation of the material ensures rapid breakdown of the dispersed liquid into smaller globules.

Construction of the Silverson Mixer

• It consists of long supporting columns connected to a motor which give support to the head. The central portions contain a shaft, one end of which is connected to the motor and the other end is connected to the head.
• The head carries turbine blades. The blades are surrounded by a mesh, which is further enclosed by a cover having openings.

Working of the Silverson Mixer

• The emulsifier head is placed in the vessels containing immiscible liquids in such a way that it should get completely dipped in the liquid.
• When the motor is started, the central rotating shaft rotates the head. This in tum rotates turbine blades at a very high speed.
• This creates a pressure difference; as a result liquids are sucked into the head from the center of the base and subjected to intense mixing action.
• The intake and expulsion of the mixture set up a pattern of circulation to ensure rapid breakdown of the bigger globules into smaller globules.

Uses/Applications of the Silverson Mixer

• Silverson mixer is used for the preparation of emulsions and creams of fine particle size.

Advantage of the Silverson Mixer

• Silverson mixer is available for thousand liter of mixing.

Disadvantage of the Silverson Mixer

• Occasional there is a chance of clogging of pores of the mesh.
• It requires high shear force
• It consumes high operating power.