Milling Technology

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the Hockmeyer HRX Series?

The Hockmeyer HRX Series is a temperature-regulated immersion rotor-stator processing system designed for products that require precise temperature control during mixing and dispersion. The technology is protected by U.S. patents 11,766,648 (2023) and 11,931,707 B1 (2024).

2. What makes the HRX dispersion and mixing equipment unique?

The HRX Series combines:

• Temperature regulation
• Variable-speed rotor-stator technology
• Customizable stator designs
• High-shear processing capabilities

These features allow manufacturers to process a broad range of materials, viscosities, and particle sizes while maintaining process control.

3. What processing functions can the HRX Series perform?

The HRX Series is designed for:

• Mixing
• Deagglomerating
• Dispersing
• Chopping
• Particle size reduction
• Homogenizing

Its rotor-stator design provides efficient processing across multiple applications.

4. How does the HRX dispersion and mixing equipment work?

The system creates mechanical shear by:

1. Feeding material into the rotor.
2. Accelerating and processing the material within the rotor-stator assembly.
3. Expelling the material radially through precision-sized and precision-angled openings in the stator.

This process enables efficient particle breakdown, dispersion, and homogenization.

5. Why is variable speed important in dispersion and mixing equipment?

The variable-speed function allows operators to control the amount of shear applied to the product. This flexibility enables optimization of processing conditions based on product requirements and desired outcomes.

6. How are shear rates controlled in dispersion and mixing with rotor-stators?

Shear and discharge rates are controlled by the clearance between the rotor tips and the stator's inside diameter.

• Tighter tolerances create higher shear rates.
• Smaller exit ports increase shear but reduce discharge rates.
• Larger open areas improve discharge rates.

This design allows operators to tailor processing performance to specific applications.

7. How can discharge rates be increased in a rotor-stator application for dispersion and mixing?

Discharge rates can be increased by enlarging the open area of the stator exit ports by increasing the number of exit ports and optimizing port positioning. These modifications help balance throughput and shear requirements.

8. What roles do the rotor and stator designs play in dispersion and mixing?

The HRX Series uses a high-efficiency rotor paired with dynamic stator designs that feature various opening sizes, shapes, and angles. These configurations promote rapid deagglomeration and particle size reduction while maximizing machine performance.

9. How does the HRX Series optimize particle size reduction and dispersion?

Performance is optimized by controlling the exit port positioning, size, and discharge angle. These factors control deagglomeration, dispersion efficiency, and particle size reduction.

10. How does the HRX Series support temperature-sensitive dispersion and mixing applications?

The system includes a jacketed dome that provides temperature regulation during processing. This feature delivers greater operational control and helps protect temperature-sensitive materials from adverse processing conditions.

11. Can the HRX Series process high-viscosity products?

Yes. By incorporating an Auger and/or Sweep blade, the HRX Series can effectively process high-viscosity materials that would otherwise be difficult to move and mix.

12. How does the HRX Series handle material deaeration?

The addition of vacuum capability to the process vessel aids in feedstock deaeration. Removing trapped air improves volumetric accuracy and can enhance overall product quality.

13. What should customers consider when selecting dispersion and mixing equipment?

Key evaluation criteria include:

• Equipment performance on specific products
• Integration into existing processes
• Ability to eliminate process steps
• Process time
• Scale-up capability
• Cleanability
• Product loss
• Ergonomics
• Ability to meet or exceed production standards

These considerations help ensure the equipment supports efficient and lean manufacturing operations.

14. How does Hockmeyer help customers evaluate equipment prior to purchasing?

Hockmeyer provides customer trials through its testing facility, which includes:

• Laboratory-scale equipment
• Pilot-scale equipment
• Production-scale equipment

These resources allow customers to validate performance before implementation.