Dispersion mixers reduce the particle size of solids so they remain in suspension. Dispersion equipment is used in thousands of applications in the personal care, chemical, pharmaceutical and food industries. Dispersion mixers are used to homogenize solid materials with liquids until there's no differentiation between the separate components. They're used to emulsify liquids with other liquids and powders with liquids.

Dispersion mixers are available in a wide range of sizes, from a half liter model to a several thousand gallon model, and they come in variable speeds. Depending on the application, they can be fitted with hydraulic lifts and extruders. From the concentrated energy of high shear dispersion mixers to the kneading action of heavy duty kneaders, the size and type of dispersion mixer you choose will depend on the following:

1. Your material’s consistency and particle size distribution

2. The homogeneity required in the final mixture

3. The batch size the dispersion mixer must handle

4. How much liquid, if any, you will add to your mixture

5. The floor space and headroom the dispersion mixer needs

6. The handling equipment needed before and after the mixing process

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Buy dispersion mixers for small batch applications

A small batch dispersion mixer is ideal for test mixing and small batch production. There are units as small as a half liter. Small batch laboratory dispersion mixers are used for tablet coatings, ointments, vaccines and drugs.

I recommend: Indco offers a 1-gallon bench top lab dispersion mixer that can be used in small scale production applications. Admix offers a complete series of stainless steel laboratory dispersion mixers ranging from 2-liter bench top units to 10-gallon pilot plant floor models. Silverson Machines offers a commercial dispersion mixer for batches from 1-gallon on up. The mixer’s advanced technology can improve quality and cut processing times by as much as 90%.

Compare high shear dispersion mixers from dispersion mixer manufacturers

High speed dispersion mixers or high shear dispersion mixers are used in the personal care industry to mix ointments, toothpaste, lotions, creams and cosmetics. They're used in the food industry to mix sauces, spreads, jams and ice cream. Industrial dispersion mixers are used to disperse paint, sealants, rubber, plastics, silicone, stainless steel and precious metals.

I recommend: Charles Ross and Son has several high shear dispersion mixers for sale. One model is capable of dispersing several thousand gallons at a time. Bematek offers two-stage high shear in-line disperser mixer systems for industrial applications. A sanitary model is available for laboratory and food applications.

Consider used or remanufactured dispersion mixing equipment to save on costs

If you're working on a more limited budget, there are several companies that offer fully guaranteed used dispersion mixers.

I recommend: D. H. Griffin has a used equipment division that carries a wide variety of used equipment, including a 15-horsepower stainless steel variable speed dispersion mixer. Kady International has a page devoted to used dispersion mixers that have been refurbished to factory specifications and carry a new machine warranty.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Before purchasing a dispersion mixer, arrange a test using your materials under controlled conditions.