Patented vertical agitator for suspensions and slurries with low energy demand – partners in industrial mixing sought

Summary

Profile Type

Technology offer

POD Reference

TOAT20250514016

Term of Validity

3 June 2025 - 3 June 2026

Company's Country

Austria

Type of partnership

Research and development cooperation agreement
Commercial agreement with technical assistance

Targeted Countries

All countries

Contact the EEN partner nearest to you for more information.

Find my local partner

General information

Short Summary

An Austrian company with long expertise in brewery and biotech sectors has developed a patented vertical agitator offering low shear mixing and low energy consumption. It is suitable for suspensions, slurries, and mashes in tank sizes from 1,000 to over 50,000 litres. The company is looking for industrial partners from sectors such as food, chemicals, pulp & paper, paints, wastewater treatment, and crystallization, for commercial, outsourcing or research and development cooperation.

Full Description

Mixers are usually operating in a turning way, need a lot of energy and are susceptible to damage.
An Austrian spin-off from a traditional brewery and fermentation equipment manufacturer with over 35 years of experience has developed a patented vertical mixer based on a novel agitation principle. Unlike conventional rotating agitators, this system uses a non-rotating stainless steel mixing disc—approximately 40% of the vessel diameter—which is moved vertically by a pneumatic cylinder.

During the upward stroke, the disc creates an underpressure below it, generating a strong laminar flow that circulates liquid from top to bottom and vice versa. Special nozzles on the disc induce localized turbulence, allowing efficient mixing with significantly lower energy consumption and minimal shear force. This makes the technology ideal for sensitive media such as mashes, suspensions, and slurries.

The mixer is robust, energy-efficient, and suitable for tank volumes from 1,000 to over 50,000 litres, addressing challenges in industries including food, chemicals, paints, pulp & paper, wastewater, and crystallization.

Key control parameters:
• Frequency: Adjustable from 1 movement/hour to 10 movements/minute
• Air pressure: Regulates speed (0.1 to 1 m/s)
• Lifting height: Can remain below liquid surface to limit oxygen intake or rise above it to aid powder dispersion

The company offers:
• Pilot plant and test equipment for industrial trials
• Design, manufacturing, and delivery of turnkey vertical mixers
• Automation and PLC-based control systems

Partnership sought:
The company is looking for industrial partners facing complex mixing challenges, as well as agitator specialists or developers. Cooperation can take the form of commercial agreements with technical assistance, outsourcing agreements, or joint development (R&D) projects to explore new applications.

Advantages and Innovations

• Fast mixing & high thrust: Delivers quick, efficient results.
• Low shear forces: Gentle on sensitive particles, preventing damage.
• Permanent homogeneity: Achieved with minimal energy consumption.
• Customizable oxygen uptake: Can be adjusted for low oxygen needs in sensitive processes or maximized for aeration.
Versatile Applications:
• Ideal for suspending powders, granulates, and large solid particles in liquids.
• Handles both Newtonian and non-Newtonian liquids with viscosities up to 1,000 mPas.
• Suitable for sterile processes.
• Can be adapted to any tank design, including rectangular vessels.
• A good solution for ATEX (explosive atmospheres) environments, where there's a risk of explosion due to flammable substances like gases, vapors, mists, or dust.
• Eco-friendly & energy efficient: Re-uses exhaust compressed air for aeration.
• Durable construction with low maintenance, investment, and operational costs.
• Proven technology since 2015 and patented in multiple countries.

Stage of Development

Already on the market

Sustainable Development Goals

Goal 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

IPR status

IPR granted

IPR notes

Patents granted in EU, US, India

Partner Sought

Expected Role of a Partner

To maximize the potential of this innovative vertical mixer, the company seeks collaboration with developers, manufacturers of agitation equipment, industries facing agitation challenges in their processes, as well as researchers and consulting engineers focused on solving problems in agitated systems. The goal is to identify and develop optimal applications where this solution can effectively address specific industry challenges.

Type and Size of Partner