Process Equipment Testing

The recently enhanced Marion Test Center is fundamental to our entire approach to creating game-changing value for customers. Our goal is to help clients confirm the viability of their mixtures and processes before bringing them into production.

With a full range of industrial mixers and our WaveMix™ thermal processing technology, we can verify and optimize your mixing, drying, and heating processes before you commit to an installation in your facility. Thorough testing is at the heart of our commitment to deliver best-in-class performance.

• Multiple ingredient testing: Some food mixes can have dozens of unique ingredients to achieve that perfect taste and aroma. Ingredients must be added in the right sequence to achieve superior consistency throughout the batch, requiring multiple tests to get it right.
• Analog testing: For very expensive materials, our engineers can run trials on materials with similar properties, but lower cost. Recently, a nutraceutical and dietary supplements company found that, in a microbial reduction process, their materials were sticking to the sides of the machine in their production line. By running eight different tests using a similar, but less expensive material, we were able to adjust the thermal processing parameters and provide a significant reduction in sidewall caking.
• Precision testing: For chemicals, pharmaceuticals, baby formulas, and other highly precise mixes, it is important to ensure that every mix is perfect. Running tests on new formulations and mixes allows processors to try new mixes and tweak formulations before running large batches.
• Color precision testing: In plastics, biomass, and food processing, testing different color combinations is of critical importance to get the optimal visual appearance for each mix.
• Testing materials traditionally thought to be inappropriate for microwave (like metals): A recent test of a powdered metal, molybdenum, showed that WaveMix™ could be effective in the removal of oils and other moisture content without damaging effects to the material or equipment.
• Creation of new markets: Recently, a customer wanted to process high-value nanocrystal gel into a powder. Excessive heating, however, would severely degrade the material. Through testing, we developed a process using WaveMix™ for these special materials that produced the desired product while maintaining material integrity.
• New materials, new products, new customer demands: Technology and consumer demands are constantly changing. Raw materials suppliers may close or be replaced by those with better pricing or quality. In either case, testing mixes and processing is a critical step prior to going to market.
• Process improvement: A company working with dehydrated biomass for nutrition found that WaveMix™ technology could reduce drying time from three days to less than four hours. Better still, similar processing could be applied to other biomass products for dramatically higher efficiency, footprint savings on the production floor, and faster time-to-market.

Our Test Center is at your disposal for both pre-purchase and aftermarket services. Testing will ensure you are getting the best out of your industrial mixers and thermal processing equipment.

Video cameras throughout the center allow customers to virtually attend testing when it’s logistically difficult to meet in person.

Contact us to develop new products, improve existing products, or receive guidance with new materials at the Marion Test Center.