Making pertinent technical decisions applies to more than just equipment.
The process is part of a wider environment.
Global factors with an effect on industrial decisions can be integrated to extend the brainstorming process for resources. The following represent a few examples of limitations affecting the company when selecting processes:
- Feasibility
- Traceability
- Product quality
- The reliability of processes
- Innovation
- Production performance
- Simplifying the process
- Optimising return on investment (ROI)
- Reducing the investment required
- The eco-compatibility of the process and products
- Logistics performance
Industrial operators facing market priorities will attempt to cover all of their limitations in an optimised manner. Mixing will open up new horizons and applications thanks to its ability to provide the right solution. Industrial operators are constantly aiming to improve their performance. They acquire resources and methods for this purpose, going over and beyond technology and targeting an overall approach. Lean manufacturing or the Six sigma method are adopted to optimise production. These methods share the need for constant performance with a clear vision of markets and their expectations. The technical feasibility of a product is combined with performance in an industrialisation context. Mixing, as a preparation and production method, is therefore an integral
part of a logic aiming to improve performance.
How can mixing therefore be designed to match the needs of industrial operators?
Two approaches would appear particularly worthwhile, and relevant to many industrial segments working with viscous mixtures and products.
The pertinence of a continuous process
Switching to continuous transformation technologies is one option for mixing developments. While this approach appears logical for some applications, batchbased production would still appear natural for other applications where continuous production could lead to real improvements. The potential benefi ts of continuous production can prove to be exceptional, for both the elimination of waste (surplus, over-storage, defects, stages without added value, execution time, handling, waste) and to ensure the reliability of the process (controlling deviation, constant quality)
Integrating phases
The second option to improve performance which could be applied immediately involves reducing the number of items of equipment required for production. on this basis, the integration of phases, the option of carrying out several actions and several stages for an item of equipment, is a major means of improvements for mixing. This target is particularly pertinent as it matches the current need for innovative and complex products. More flexible, more complex and globally more integrated solutions are currently in demand
Thematic folder : Mixing when facing new industrial priorities White
How can mixing, which is simply defined as the work of viscous products, relate to the industrial priorities of today and the future?
The following pages provide an overview of this viewpoint.