The Micro Matic Pro-Blend^® injects a timed, pressurized bubble of air through the Micro Matic container valve and down tube assembly. As the bubble is ejected from the down tube, it expands significantly and sends a shock wave through the liquid causing rapid motion of the liquid and subsequent mixing.

As the bubble continues to expand, it also rises to the top, causing the liquid to circulate and mix. The liquid at the top of the container flows outward toward the edges of the container and then circulates towards the bottom of the container. Thus, the entire contents of the container become part of a total circulation that is occurring inside the container.

No, the air that is displaced in the container escapes via air vents that are integrated into the design of the Micro Matic container valve and coupler.

Industrial mixing using compressed pulses of air has been in use globally in many different industries for over 20 years. In 2014, Micro Matic and Pulsair combined product technologies to bring Pro-Blend^® mixing systems into use on closed containers in the Agriculture market.

Pneumatic circuits to time and discharge the pulses of air.

None that are user accessible. The moving parts are located inside the mixing unit.

The filter regulator controls the pressure and flow of compressed air that controls the system. The stainless steel coupler is a Micro Matic fill coupler that allows access to the container in a manner consistent with EPA regulations.

There are two. One for use on drums and one for use on IBC’s.

The Pro-Blend^® IBC Mixer displaces twice as much per stroke as the Pro-Blend^® Drum Mixer.

In the United States.

No, but Micro Matic Closed Systems are compliant with the EPA’s FIFRA regulations. Since the Pro-Blend^® Mixing System uses Micro Matic’s Closed System as an interface to the Drums and IBC’s, it is FIFRA-compliant.

Data to be generated during summer 2015 trials.

The Pro-Blend^® system mixes product in a closed environment inside of the container from top to bottom and in all the challenging areas where product can collect. The mixing blades of an agitator do not mix all the way to the bottom of the container once the level of the liquid is below the mixing blades.

The Pro-Blend^® works well on both drums and IBC’s since the mixing action through a Micro Matic Container Valve and Down Tube takes place from a full container all the way until it is empty. The Pro-Blend^® mixer will mix most Suspension Concentrates and Seed Treatments thoroughly throughout the container in a gentle non-shearing manner.

There is no mess or clean up as it works with a Micro Matic closed system container valve and down tube. There is no rinsing off or generation of rinsate with the Pro-Blend^® mixing system as the product never leaves the container during mixing. Risks of environmental and worker exposure are reduced because the mixing takes place in a closed container.

No, the unit does not add any shear to the liquid like traditional mixers or pumps as the product is moved by the pressure and velocity of the air bubble.

No, the bubble produced by the Pro-Blend^® stays relatively complete as it does its work.
Air sparging adds a lot of energy and velocity and it breaks in to micro bubbles and loses its ability to mix in many cases.

The Pro-Blend^® rapidly mixes and creates a homogeneous product while a recirculation pump gently pulls liquid from the bottom of the container and then adds it back in to the container with very little mixing of solids experienced on the bottom of the container or on the outer areas of the containers.

Since a single Pro-Blend^® can be used on literally hundreds of containers, the cost-benefit calculation quickly turns in favor of Pro-Blend^® after only a few containers. When the cost of the contents are considered and the superior homogeneity delivered by the Pro-Blend^® system, it becomes an investment in quality and helps to ensure product performance and customer satisfaction.

Yes, the technology is used in varied industries worldwide in tanks ranging from several thousand gallons past one million gallons. Its simplicity and low capital cost offer a means to properly mix and maintain multiple tanks for near the price of one traditional electric mixer.
For larger requirements and multiple tanks, a PLC can be utilized to sequence the system. The benefits of reduced labor, low energy use and low capital requirements offer superior results and decreased costs to the customer.

No

Patent applications are pending.

A dispense pump will still be required as Pro-Blend^® is not a pump.

Pumps wear out over several seasons and must be replaced at several hundred dollars each.
Pro-Blend^® has no moving parts and so there is a much longer, even indefinite replacement cycle. Also, the thoroughness of mixing is superior to what a recirculation pump can provide.
When you consider the value of what is in the container, it becomes an investment in quality control.

The containers need to be equipped with a Micro Matic (or similar) three key container valve and down tube.
Operator training can be accomplished by reviewing Pro-Blend^® Operating instructions and on-line videos. Micro Matic company personnel are also available for consultation and on-site instruction is offered upon request.

Yes, containers require a Micro Matic three key container valve and down tube or equivalent.
Micro Matic has also developed down tubes that will optimize system performance. These are low cost options that are designed for best results over time.

A reliable source of clean air at no more than 125 PSI with 4-5 CFM. The ¼” air connection is an industry standard OSHA-approved quick connect.

To optimize system performance, the length of the down tube is very important. The bottom of the down tube should be within ¼” of the bottom of the container.
The design of the down tube foot and the materials of construction also enhance system performance. To calculate the optimal length of the down tube, contact Micro Matic for instructions to calculate the down tube’s H3 dimension. An optional mixing plate is available to enhance the mixing in IBC’s.

The Pro-Blend^® works on a wide range of products. The normal range is up to 2000 Centipoise or cP.
The best means to determine its effectiveness is to conduct trials to determine mixing efficiency as well as the time required to gain proper homogeneity. A larger unit may provide the best mixing when the viscosity is higher.

The Pro-Blend^® works well on both DRY lubricated and oil-free compressed air. Water in the air can shorten the life as corrosion and gumming up of the unit can occur. Water or oil in the compressed air may also be incompatible with the product being mixed.
Pro-Blend^® can also run on room temperature Nitrogen when product purity is a requirement or the product is flammable. When using Nitrogen, the same operating instructions for the system apply since warm nitrogen works to create a pulse and bubble in the same manner as compressed air.

The drum unit requires 1-2 CFM of 45-75 PSI for proper operation. The IBC unit requires 3-4 CFM at 45-90 PSI for proper operation.

No, it is less costly to operate than other means of mixing.

45 PSI is recommended as a starting pressure. It can be gradually increased until proper mixing is observed. Most products will mix properly in a range of 45 to 75 PSI for Drums and 45 to 90 PSI for IBC’s.

The Pro-Blend^® mixer was designed to restore homogeneity to Suspended Concentrates or Emulsions and solutions that have settled out in drums and IBC or similar containers.
Product that is extremely sticky or gummy at the bottom of a container may not be completely remixed by this system. For more demanding applications, additional options can be developed by contacting Micro Matic.

Pro-Blend^® is not designed to mix the initial product. For original mixing, the action of a traditional shear type mixer or homogenizer is required. Pro-Blend^® is ideal for the mixing and remixing of different liquids or powders that will mix with liquids easily.

Yes. Pro-Blend^® is totally pneumatic with no batteries or electricity.

It is not affected by temperature. The liquid viscosity of the product will be different and the mix time will change.

Environmental conditions such as a humid day should not affect the mixing process.
Dry compressed air is always preferable.

Since Pro-Blend^® operates as part of a closed system, it is not really effected by dirt or dusty operating environments.
However, as with any piece of machinery, proper care, handling and storage is recommended.

With a closed system, a thumping sound will be heard about one time per second. The material inside the container will gradually take on the appearance of a homogeneous blend.
In the case of translucent IBC’s, the product movement will appear to be rolling and churning inside the container.

If the product has odors or volatiles that are objectionable, Micro Matic offers a Carbon Vapor Canister as a system accessory.

10 to 15 minutes for a drum and 15 to 20 minutes for an IBC is typical for an emulsion or suspended concentrate like a seed coating material. For many liquid solutions with solids that have settled out, the mixing time will be less.

During initial validations, follow the timing guidelines above. When the mixing time has elapsed, open the container and visually inspect the product for desired consistency.
Then draw samples from several locations throughout the container and perform chemical analysis to validate whether a homogeneous mixture has been achieved.

For field use, follow the product manufacturer’s mixing guidelines for the amount of time needed to mix drums and IBC’s.

Pro-Blend^® has been shown to work with a wide variety of crop protection products in 15 gallon to 330 gallon containers. For containers larger than 330 gallons, additional mixing systems are available from Micro Matic.

Pro-Blend^® has consistently mixed a wide range of products in IBCs. Even in the corners and the hard to reach areas.

top corner of the container instead of in the more typical center location? On a drum this will not be a concern. The recommended location for the mixer on an IBC is in the center top. From this center location, the mixing action can radiate in all directions.

The unit is designed to operate consistently and constantly.

No. The only time any product will appear is if the drum is too full and/or the system is worked at a higher pressure or pulse rate than recommended. The leaking would occur at the outlet of the coupler vent.

It is important to look at the container the product is in. The container must have adequate headspace to allow the pulse of air to expand and rise to the top. Without proper headspace, product may find its way through the vent system of the coupler. Headspace of 1” or more is recommended.

When the unit is first set up and turned on, it is important that the speed of the pulse and the pressure of the air is at a minimum level. This is 40 PSI in most cases. Start slowly and add pressure as required. A pulse rate of one time per second is optimal.

Usually, clean-up is not required when the system is moved from container to container. This saves time and reduces the risk of employee and environmental exposure.
There is no generation of rinsate. Sometimes, the bottom of the coupler probe may have to be wiped with a clean cloth. If the container was too full and product entered the vent pathway of the coupler, then the coupler should be rinsed out.

Yes, this is recommended as a precaution against cross contamination.

Pro-Blend^® in use with a wide variety of Seed Treatment companies as well as Agricultural wholesale and retail sites. The mixing system fits wherever there is filling, storage or preparation for use of Crop Protection or Seed Treatment products.

The best means is to test the Pro-Blend^® on the user’s own material in his own operating environment. The results normally become evident quickly. A very effective test is to run the Pro-Blend^® system and then empty the container to inspect if any residue is left on the bottom.

Yes, tests can be conducted independent of involvement from Micro Matic. A check list of equipment and preparations is available from Micro Matic.

A tamper-evident connection mechanism keeps the two components connected.