The Alfa Laval Hybrid Powder Mixer combines two functions that are normally split across separate equipment. Powder dispersion and liquid transfer happen in one unit, driven by one motor. The result is a compact powder mixer that pulls dry ingredient through an injector, dissolves it in a rotor-stator stage, and discharges the finished blend at up to 5 bar outlet pressure.

How the two-stage rotor-stator and injector work

The unit is built around a two-stage pump. The first stage is a rotor-stator that delivers high dynamic shear to break agglomerates and wet powder rapidly. The second stage builds discharge pressure for transfer downstream. Above the pump sits a funnel and an injector. Operators pour powder into the funnel; the injector pre-blends powder and liquid while creating underpressure at the funnel outlet, drawing material in without dusting or air entrainment. A hygienic C-ball valve isolates the injector when needed. The liquid inlet has a sight glass and a butterfly valve so operators can confirm flow before powder addition.

Stainless steel powder mixer construction and hygienic materials

Product-wetted steel parts are W. 1.4404 (316L) and Duplex steel. Other steel parts are W. 1.4301 (304). Internal pipework follows DIN 11850 with Ra below 0.8 µm; impellers are blasted and machined. Product-wetted elastomers are EPDM and PTFE. The shaft seal is a single mechanical SiC/SiC flushed seal with an approximately 1 litre flush tank fitted with a sight glass, and flush-through is possible via an easy connection. The S15 model specifies a semi-bright internal finish; both units share the same wetted material set.

M15 mobile vs S15 stationary — choosing the right configuration

The M15 is the mobile configuration. It is mounted on a stainless steel frame with a sliding table that doubles as a funnel lid when the unit is idle. Operators can wheel it to the tank that needs charging and rest powder bags on the table during dosing. The S15 is the stationary configuration, reduced to basic functions without table, frame or frequency converter. The S15 is the lower-investment option when the mixer sits in a fixed position and external controls and supports are already provided. Both share the same 15 kW drive, the same two-stage rotor-stator and injector arrangement, and the same wetted materials.

Total cost of ownership in a single unit

Combining mixing and pumping into one unit removes a separate transfer pump, its piping run, its motor, and its maintenance schedule. Installation footprint is smaller. Energy use, emissions and service points all drop. For producers running thickener, stabilizer or emulsifier batches, or producing recombined milk above 50% dry matter, the Hybrid Powder Mixer reaches target concentration quickly and moves the batch on without a second handling step.