Mix-tech

The Kinematics of Inversion

Paul Schatz discovered the motion phenomena of inversion and adapted it for technical application. In the early 30's Paul Schatz was studying the inversion of platonic polyhedra. His central theme was: By what manipulation is it possible to turn the inside of a body to the outside?

If you take a cube and remove parts at two diagonal corners, you get a 6-section band around the cube. This "cube belt" can be turned inside out .

In his search for technical usage Paul Schatz developed the very special inversion mixer. He took 3 segments of the cube belt and fixed the ends at a defined distance. If you turn this belt around itself, the movement of the middle section performs the same inversion movement as the Bioengineering Inversina.

Technical Application of the Cube Belt Fig. left

The motion of the inversion is similar to the manual mixing of small vials in the lemniscate. But in addition to the manual movement the mixing vessel in the Bioengineering Inversina also rotates and tumbles.

An identical motion is generated when rolling an oloid on a surface. The oloid was also identified by Pauls Schatz. It is genereated as hollow form when the 6-section cube belt is twisted around one corner fixed on a table. When rolling on a surface, the oloid does not move smoothly but pulses in a rhythmical motion. It seems to run quicker when rolling over an edge compared to the rounded surface. It is this harmonic pulsating movement which generates the outstanding mixing quality and efficiency of the Bioengineering Inversina.

Motion pattern of an Oloid - top and side view.

Mixers in comparison

Compounds with different physical properties are often very difficult to mix. Properties such as density, size, surface roughness, moisture pick-up and adhesion define the behaviour of solid particles. Also properties of fluids such as density, viscosity and hydrophicity influence the mixing process.

The limits of generally used mixing systems such as barrel mixers or shakers are quickly reached when mixing compounds with different densities or sizes are used.

Barrel mixer rotate the mixing vessel around a horizontal shaft. The mixer content is lifted with the vessel wall and flows, trickles or flies down by gravity. Disadvantages: Smaller or heavier particles sink deeper and segregation zones are generated.

In Mixers with mechanical stirring devices the mixer blades are rotated on horizontal, vertical or inclined shafts.

Disadvantages: Here also heavier or smaller particles sink deeper due to gravity or centrifucal force. The high rotating speed and the forced motion generate shear forces harming the compounds. Depending on the mixer construction local temperature peaks are generated which heat up the mixer content.

Shaker mixers move the compounds either in a circle or back and forth on a line. The compounds are displaced and accelerated by the moving vessel wall. Disadvantages: Mixing almost only occurs in fluids.

After reaching a maximal mixing quality all this mixer systems show segregation generated by centrifugal force or gravity. The optimal time for harvesting of your mixture has to be experimentally defined. If this timing is missed, additional mixing cycles and tests are required.

If you are not in the position to accept above disadvantages and require quick and high quality mixing, the Bioengineering Inversina is your mixer of choice.

The Bioengineering Inversina

The pulsating inversion movement of the Bioengineering Inversina fluidizes your mixing material and gently forces it into constant motion.

Due to friction the material attaches to the vessel walls and is lifted with the wall, when it rotates. At the highest point gravity pulls the material down, where it is displaced by the rhythmically pulsating vessel wall.

Without any sharp reversal of movement the mixing material undergoes alternating compression and decompression. Due to this very special motion even compounds with highly varying physical properties do not segregate. The quality of the mixture or of the emulsion does not decrease.

Due to this unconvential motion the Bioengineering Inversina is a highly efficient but gentle high-performance mixer.

The following requirements are met by the Bioengineering Inversina:

High mixing efficiency ---- Do you need best possible homogeneity? Do you have to analyze representative samples or have to guarantee distribution coefficients? Are your compounds of different density or size and in highly unequal concentrations? Do you fear the lump formation when adding liquid to your powders?

Short mixing time ---- In a fraction of time compared to standard mixing equipment the Bioengineering Inversina produces optimal mixing results. Your products are manipulated during a shorter period of time. In addition you reduce working and handling time and increase the throughput of the unit.

No segregation of the different compounds ---- In the Bioengineering Inversina segregation of the different compounds does not occur. The optimal mixing result is reached and maintained over the complete mixing period. So there is no need to experimentally define and meet the optimal mixing time. You are less dependent on the mixer parameters for the subsequent processing of your products.

Gentle mixing ---- Certain compounds are sensitive to heat or react with contact of local temperature peaks. Other compounds are changed or damaged by shear force. If you require gentle mixing that at the same time has to be highly efficient, we recommend the Bioengineering Inversina. The gentle mixing motion of the Inversina enables its use for the fermentation of solid substrates by fragile organisms as well as for the mixing of explosives.

Sterile, contained and dust-free mixing ---- Different flasks or vessels including your compounds are installed in the Bioengineering Inversina. As we adapt the Inversina to your specific containers, there is no need for material transfer or decanting for the further processing or transport of your goods. Using your standard containers no dead time due to cleaning or adaptation to other vessels is required.

Continuous process ---- Our special retrofit kit with central-in and outlets enables the continuous use of the Bioenginerring Inversina. Due to this adaptation in combination with the very gentle and efficient mixing, the Inversina has also been used for the aerobic fermentation of solids. In combination with the peripheral systems of the Bioengineering bioreactor and fermentation equipment such as measurement and controls or dosing systems the Bioengineering Inversina represents a high-quality fermentation system.

Products for homeopathy ---- The inversion motion meets the mixing requirements for the production of homeopathic pharmaceuticals.

Technical Advantages of the Bioengineering Inversina

Compared to our competitors we have following advantages:

Two driven axles guarantee the exact and controlled movement of the mixing vessel at every position.
Continuous rpm control instead of fixed rotational speeds.
Installation of different flasks is also possible with the 20 Litres Invesina. In general the Bioengineering Inversina is adapted to your standard containers.
The hygienic stainless steel drip pan enables easy cleaning of the unit.
Continuous feeding and harvesting for mixing or solid state fermentation is possible by the installation of a special adaptor.

Continuous feeding and harvesting for mixing or solid state fermentation is possible by the installation of a special adaptor.

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