High-Performance Plastics Exhibition - Invitation to Exhibit at Plastic Japan

Shibuya Kogyo Co., Ltd. will exhibit at FOOMA JAPAN 2026, which will be held at Tokyo Big Sight from June 2 (Tuesday) to June 5 (Friday), 2026. We will introduce various devices that contribute to "quality improvement," "labor saving," and "cleaning efficiency" in food and beverage manufacturing. [Exhibition Details] ■ Two-stage superheated steam circulation baking machine (JESTOS Jr.) *Panel display and tasting available - Achieves fluffy, high-quality baking in a short time using superheated steam - Capable of low-temperature to high-temperature cooking (with a firm browning) with just one machine - Prevents oxidation by blocking outside air with a shielding nozzle (patented) ■ 3D nozzle type container cleaning machine (TSW4000 model) *Actual machine display - Achieves high cleaning power with low water usage and short time - Contributes to reduced cleaning time and utility costs ■ Continuous and batch continuous solid-liquid mixing system *Panel display - Stable inline processing of mixing and dispersing powders and liquids - Accommodates high-viscosity materials and high solid content such as proteins, achieving uniformity and reproducibility in quality - Capable of engineering proposals including process design On the day, you can experience solutions to on-site challenges through actual machines, panels, and tastings. Please be sure to stop by our booth.

In dispersion engineering, challenges such as "clumps persist regardless of how many times conditions are changed" and "variability in particle size distribution does not improve" occur in many settings. In one case, the cause of poor dispersion was attributed to equipment performance, leading to responses such as increasing rotation speed and extending processing time. However, the persistence of clumps and variability in quality were not resolved, and rather, new problems arose, such as particle fragmentation due to excessive shear. Behind such failures lies the misconception that "dispersion = just apply strong shear." In reality, if clumps are formed in the initial stage due to poor wetting or uneven flow when the powder is introduced, it is difficult to completely resolve them by applying strong shear in subsequent processes. Additionally, in batch processing, variations in flow and residence time lead to different dispersion histories for each particle, making it impossible to ensure reproducibility of quality. To address this issue, it is crucial to review the entire process, including not just changes in equipment conditions but also the steps from powder introduction to dispersion. By adopting configurations that apply shear simultaneously with powder introduction and implementing inline continuous processing that maintains consistent flow and dispersion conditions, it is possible to suppress initial clumps and achieve stable dispersion quality. Improving poor dispersion requires optimization of the entire process, not just the equipment alone.

In dispersion processes, the occurrence of agglomerates (clumps) during powder addition, which cannot be resolved in subsequent dispersion stages, is a common issue in many settings. The cause of this is that the powder does not wet uniformly in the liquid, leading to the formation of localized high-concentration areas. These agglomerates are also referred to as "fisheyes," and due to their internal unwetted structure, they are difficult to break apart. Once an agglomerate forms during powder addition, liquid has difficulty penetrating its interior, resulting in only the outer layer being wetted, which makes it hard for the internal particles to be disintegrated. Additionally, depending on the addition position and speed, the powder may float on the liquid surface or remain stagnant without following the flow within the equipment, promoting the formation of agglomerates. Particularly under conditions of high viscosity or high solid content, the low fluidity makes it challenging to achieve uniformity in the initial dispersion stage, leading to a higher likelihood of agglomerates remaining. Such agglomerates may not be completely resolved even with strong shear in subsequent processes, causing variations in the quality of the final product and introducing foreign substances. To prevent the formation of agglomerates, it is crucial to improve wettability during powder addition, ensure appropriate addition positions and flow design, and optimize the initial dispersion. By performing shear and mixing simultaneously right after addition, as in inline powder addition and simultaneous dispersion, it is possible to suppress the formation of agglomerates and achieve stable dispersion quality.

In dispersion engineering, stable quality cannot be achieved solely based on the performance of the equipment. What is important is the overall design of the process, taking into account material properties and process conditions. This is referred to as dispersion process design. Dispersion quality is determined not only by the strength of shear but also by multiple factors such as flow state, residence time, and method of input. If these conditions are not properly designed, localized agglomeration or variation can occur, making it difficult to maintain stable quality. For example, poor wetting during powder input or the occurrence of stagnant areas due to flow bias can lead to clumping or dispersion issues. Additionally, even if the shear energy is sufficient, if it does not act uniformly on all particles, differences in dispersion state will arise. Therefore, in dispersion processes, it is crucial to design "flow," "shear," and "processing time" as an integrated system. This allows for all particles to receive the same dispersion history, achieving uniform and highly reproducible dispersion quality. In particular, inline continuous processing has the advantage of maintaining consistent conditions within the flow, making it easier to ensure reproducibility in process design. Dispersion process design is a key concept for stabilizing quality and successfully scaling up.