Protein dispersion and mixing system for beverage manufacturing (solid-liquid mixing)

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 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, issues such as unresolved agglomeration, sedimentation, and unstable particle size distribution occur frequently at many sites. These problems are caused not only by the performance of the equipment but also by inconsistencies in particle characteristics, dispersion conditions, and process design. For example, when there is insufficient dispersion energy, particles do not break down to primary particles, and agglomeration remains. Additionally, if the shear conditions or flow state are not appropriate, uniform dispersion cannot be achieved, leading to sedimentation and variations in quality. Particularly in high-viscosity systems or high solid content slurries, even slight differences in conditions can significantly impact the results. Furthermore, in batch processing, variations in mixing uniformity and residence time make it difficult to ensure reproducibility. To resolve these dispersion issues, it is important to optimize the entire process, including particle characteristics, dispersion energy, and flow design, rather than simply changing the equipment. By maintaining consistent conditions, as in inline continuous processing, stable dispersion quality and reproducibility can be achieved.