CONTINUOUS REACTOR PILOT PLANT

Matrix provided the structural, mechanical, and electrical engineering necessary for the development of a continuous mixer/reactor and dryer for an experimental pilot plant. This was a tough mixing problem primarily due to the resulting sticky slurry, which builds up and dries like concrete from splashing and mixer outfeed. Since this project was experimental, the mixer/reactor was designed for adjustability in retention time, mixing speed, and throughput rate. Much consideration was also given to the existing batch process surrounding the pilot plant as not to relocate, modify or disrupt existing ongoing operations. The project consisted of a weigh feeder, mass flow meter, heat exchanger, mixing vessels, agitators, thermal dryer, and a mechanical extruder/dryer. The pilot plant was considered successful and resulted in an expansion using the continuous reactor.