Industrial Mixers UK
PerMix Applications
Manufacturing explosives and propellants is one of the most complex, tightly regulated, and unforgiving branches of process engineering. From rocket fuels and smokeless powders to pyrotechnics and detonators, every batch demands total control over heat, shear, friction, and contamination. For over half a century, PerMix has engineered mixing and drying systems that meet these challenges head-on—combining safety, precision, and repeatable performance in ATEX/ExP-certified packages.
Explosives and propellants are energetic substances designed to release energy rapidly. They fall into several key categories:
Every one of these formulations presents its own hazards. Static discharge, a local hot spot, or even excessive shear can trigger an uncontrolled reaction.
Energetic powders and pastes cannot be mixed like ordinary materials. Shear levels must stay low, metal-to-metal contact must be eliminated, and temperature rise must be tightly monitored.
Finely divided energetic powders can form combustible dust clouds. Contained mixing under inert gas and sealed discharge systems are mandatory for safety and compliance with ATEX and DSEAR regulations.
Heat buildup—even a few degrees—can alter particle stability. PerMix heating & cooling jackets provide uniform, gentle thermal management with redundancy for continuous monitoring.
Solvent-borne propellants require vacuum drying and vapour recovery. PerMix integrates condensate recovery systems and inert gas purges to safely reclaim volatiles.
Sparks from abrasive wear or trace metals can trigger detonation. That’s why PerMix offers non-sparking materials—316L stainless, Hastelloy, or coated surfaces—and double mechanical seals with nitrogen purge.
Batch records, recipe control, and PLC/HMI traceability are essential for defense contractors and regulatory inspectors. PerMix systems can be delivered with FAT/SAT documentation and full data logging.
For viscous propellant pastes and binder systems, PerMix Vacuum Double Planetary Mixers provide low-shear, high-torque mixing. Planetary motion ensures complete material turnover while keeping energy input minimal. Optional vacuum deaeration removes trapped air and moisture to improve density and burn consistency.
For gum-like binders, polymerized propellants, and plastic explosive compounds, the PerMix Sigma Mixer delivers powerful kneading action at controlled speed. The optional discharge extruder allows sealed transfer into cartridges or presses—no manual scooping, no exposure.
When blending propellant powders or coating granules with plasticizers, PerMix Plow Mixers create a fluidized mixing zone without excessive friction. Gas-purged shafts and grounding lugs protect against static discharge, and internal baffles ensure total homogeneity.
Ideal for final blending of pre-dried energetic powders, PerMix Double Cone and V-Blenders offer gentle tumbling action that preserves particle integrity. They can be supplied with vacuum or inert gas systems for safe atmosphere control.
For solvent-borne propellants, the PerMix Vacuum Ribbon Dryer combines low-speed mixing with controlled vacuum drying. Solvent vapours are condensed and recovered, preventing emissions and reducing solvent losses.
For high-viscosity propellant slurries requiring uniform heat and controlled shear, PerMix Multi-Shaft Mixers integrate sweep agitators, high-speed dispersers, and full explosion-proof electrical systems. Each shaft operates independently for perfect control of mixing energy.
PerMix builds every unit from materials selected for your chemistry and zone classification:
All mixers can be certified to ATEX, IECEx, or UKCA standards with appropriate documentation.
PerMix can supply standalone mixers or complete skid-mounted process modules for pilot or production scale operations.
What certification do PerMix mixers carry for explosive environments?
PerMix offers ATEX and explosion-proof designs conforming to DSEAR and UKCA requirements, including zone classification assessment and full documentation.
Can mixers be fitted with nitrogen or argon purge?
Yes. Inert gas purge is available for shafts, seals, and vessel headspace to eliminate oxygen and prevent ignition.
How is operator safety ensured?
Remote operation, interlocked guards, low-temperature drives, and real-time monitoring isolate personnel from the hazard zone.
Do you offer laboratory trials?
Yes. PerMix provides confidential lab-scale mixing trials and process audits to evaluate performance before full-scale implementation.
Mixing explosives and propellants is not about brute force—it’s about precise control of energy, temperature, and chemistry. PerMix delivers that control through intelligent design, advanced safety systems, and deep process understanding. Whether you need a vacuum dryer for solvent removal or a full explosion-proof propellant mixing line, PerMix engineers tailor each system to your formulation and compliance requirements.
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