Stirring processes as a quality and cost factor

Discover the new complete solution for perfect stirring results!

Using packaging that is optimally adapted to the requirements of the individual supply chain unlocks vast cost-saving potential and ensures that both the filling product and end product meet the highest quality standards. The SCHÜTZ ECOBULK with IMPELLER offers a highly efficient and sustainable full solution for a wide range of applications where the filling product requires stirring or homogenization before use. Our innovative agitator not only guarantees a perfect stirring result, but also completely eliminates the typical quality risks and thus significantly reduces the cost of preserving quality.

What are the risks of using conventional agitators?

Opening the packaging
Using a conventional agitator requires the screw cap on the IBC filling opening to be removed. Every time the packaging is opened there is an immediate risk of contamination as the filling product inside is no longer fully protected from the ambient environment.
Inserting the agitator
An external agitator is typically a metal implement that is used multiple times. Depending on the filling product, this presents the risk of a chemical reaction or oxidation. Residues from previous uses or cleaning processes pose a major threat to quality, especially if the agitator is used for different filling products.
Removing the agitator
The agitator is very rarely free of product residue when it is removed. As well as endangering the cleanliness of both the packaging and the working environment, depending on the ingredients, exposure to the product and the subsequent cleaning process can have a negative impact on the health of employees.

What makes the SCHÜTZ IMPELLER superior to other agitators?

The SCHÜTZ IMPELLER is a single-use agitator which is inserted into the container at the SCHÜTZ factory. All components that come into contact with the filling product are made of HDPE, the same chemical-resistant material as our IBC inner containers.

With the right process and container configuration, the IMPELLER – which is integrated in the container’s screw cap – does not even need to be removed during the filling process. The ECOBULK remains closed throughout the entire supply chain, even during stirring processes, until the filling product is discharged. This fully eliminates the contamination risks that can arise from opening the packaging and inserting an external agitator.

How is the IMPELLER delivered?

The IMPELLER is supplied by SCHÜTZ with the selected ECOBULK model. Depending on the requirements and container configuration, the IMPELLER is supplied packaged or unpackaged.

If the container is filled via the screw cap, the IMPELLER comes in a protective bag, which must be removed before reinserting the IMPELLER into the filled container.

If filling takes place via a separate bung in the inner container, the screw cap with the preinstalled IMPELLER is sealed at the factory and does not need to be opened or removed.

Which ECOBULK models are available with the SCHÜTZ IMPELLER?

The SCHÜTZ single-use agitator is available for all versions of the following ECOBULK models with DN 150 and DN 225 filling openings:

ECOBULK

The IBC for any requirement.

ECOBULK

SX-EX

The IBC with steel jacket for safety in ex-zones.

ECOBULK

Highest efficiency for high-viscosity filling goods.

The IMPELLER can also be combined with the optional SCHÜTZ Diptube System.

How is the SCHÜTZ IMPELLER driven?

The SCHÜTZ IMPELLER can be attached to practically any standard transverse or gantry-mounted agitator drive, allowing most existing drive systems to be used.

Power is transmitted from the drive to the IMPELLER via a steel shaft that is inserted into the hollow plastic shaft and forms a friction-locked connection with the hub. The upper connector and the shaft length are determined by the drive being used. If in doubt, please contact the respective drive manufacturer for exact specifications. The geometry of the connector at the bottom of the shaft is defined by SCHÜTZ. A detailed technical drawing can be supplied on request. Drive manufacturers can produce a steel shaft specifically for their drive and coupling system in accordance with SCHÜTZ specifications.

After stirring, the steel shaft can be easily removed from the IMPELLER shaft by giving it a firm tug. As the shaft has had no contact with the filling product, it can be reused immediately with the next IMPELLER without having to be cleaned.

WHAT TYPE OF DRIVE IS REQUIRED?

As a rule, a bucket agitator stirs at up to 200 rpm, depending on the product. If necessary, the SCHÜTZ IMPELLER can be operated at a speed of up to 350 rpm. However, this speed and a maximum torque of 100 Nm should never be exceeded. Please ask your drive manufacturer which torques can occur on the shaft drive and check whether you should use a slip or safety coupling.

Can the SCHÜTZ IMPELLER also be used with flammable liquids and in Ex-zones?

The SCHÜTZ IMPELLER has been tested for electrostatic safety and has UN 31HA1/Y approval (suitable for use in ex-zones 1 and 2).

For stirring processes with flammable liquids with a flashpoint of ≤ 60 °C or in defined ex-zones the IMPELLER must be earthed through the drive shaft and the drive. Compliance with the ATEX and machinery directives must be ensured. Depending on the application, zone separation must be observed. Please discuss any safety issues with the manufacturer of the drive you are using and ask for the necessary certificates.

Which stirring results can be obtained with the SCHÜTZ IMPELLER?

The IMPELLER bucket agitator has wings that open up as the speed increases. This enables efficient stirring processes at low speeds. Depending on the product, the wings open after a short time even at low speeds of 60 to 80 rpm. As a rule, the SCHÜTZ IMPELLER should be operated at speeds of up to 200 rpm in order to homogenize the product gently and avoid air entrainment or the formation of bubbles and foam. Sediments are completely churned up, even in the corners of the container.

Which products is the SCHÜTZ IMPELLER suitable for? Are there any application examples?

The SCHÜTZ IMPELLER is particularly suitable for products that require stirring or mixing before discharge from the container, such as paints and varnishes, adhesives and sealants. It is also suitable for very viscous filling products; the IMPELLER can easy handle products with a viscosity of up to at least 5,000 mPas.

Example Automotive

A decisive factor in paint processing: ECOBULK IBCs fitted with the SCHÜTZ IMPELLER are free of silicones and guarantee the best stirring results without the risk of contamination from residual adhesions of other substances. OEMs benefit even further as there is no need for the time-consuming cleaning required for conventional agitators and the associated costs.
Example Agriculture
The single-use agitator integrated directly into the IBC significantly simplifies the handling of seed dressing that is applied to the seed to protect it from fungal infestation and pests. These dressings are prone to separating, especially when stored in large quantities. Tests have shown that the SCHÜTZ IMPELLER is a simple, flexible and cost-effective solution. It helps to evenly mix and distribute the active ingredients and ensures that the seed is optimally coated with the dressing agent.
Example Paints and coatings
The viscosity of a test product was over 10,000 mPas, which made it impossible to discharge it through the outlet valve. Through stirring the viscosity was reduced to around 2,000 mPas. Products with this property are called thixotropic. Conclusion: Even a highly thixotropic, structurally viscous product can be liquefied with the SCHÜTZ IMPELLER in the lower range after a short stirring time, thus enabling free discharge via the outlet valve.

What happens to the SCHÜTZ IMPELLER after the container has been emptied?

After emptying, the IMPELLER is left in the container and is collected free of charge within a few working days as part of the SCHÜTZ TICKET SERVICE. In a technologically advanced process, the HDPE is 100% recycled and is used to make new SCHÜTZ packaging components.

SCHÜTZ Instruction Manual Impeller

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What needs to be considered when using AN IMPELLER and is there an instruction manual?

All necessary information about the safe and effective use of the SCHÜTZ IMPELLER is summarized in the operating instructions (on the left); a video guide provides step-by-step instructions. If you have any further questions about the SCHÜTZ IMPELLER and how to use it, please contact our Technical Customer Service:

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