Why Use a Vacuum Mixer & Dryer?

Vacuum mixers & dryers are chosen when atmospheric mixing and drying simply cannot deliver the required product quality, efficiency, or control. By lowering pressure inside the vessel, manufacturers fundamentally change how heat, moisture, solvents, and oxygen interact with the product.

The result is better product quality, shorter processing times, and fewer processing steps—all while protecting sensitive materials.

Lower Drying Temperatures Without Compromise

Under vacuum, the boiling point of water and solvents drops dramatically.

This allows manufacturers to:

• Dry products at significantly lower temperatures

• Protect heat-sensitive actives, flavors, nutrients, and APIs

• Prevent thermal degradation and discoloration

• Maintain functional performance of the final product

This is one of the most important advantages of vacuum drying.

Faster, More Efficient Moisture & Solvent Removal

Vacuum accelerates mass transfer.

Key benefits include:

• Faster evaporation compared to atmospheric drying

• More uniform drying throughout the batch

• Reduced risk of overdrying or hot spots

• Shorter overall cycle times

This improves throughput without increasing mechanical stress.

Reduced Oxidation & Improved Product Stability

Removing air from the vessel dramatically reduces oxygen exposure.

This helps:

• Prevent oxidation of sensitive compounds

• Preserve color, flavor, aroma, and potency

• Extend shelf life

• Improve batch-to-batch consistency

For many food, nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, and chemical products, this alone justifies vacuum processing.

Combining Multiple Process Steps Into One System

Vacuum mixers & dryers eliminate unnecessary transfers.

A single vessel can:

• Mix dry powders

• Add liquids or binders

• Dry the wet mass

• Cool the product

• Condition it under inert or vacuum conditions

Fewer transfers mean:

• Less contamination risk

• Less product loss

• Less cleaning and downtime

• Simpler validation

Improved Control Over Hygroscopic Materials

Hygroscopic powders absorb moisture rapidly from ambient air.

Vacuum processing allows manufacturers to:

• Dry and condition materials in a sealed environment

• Prevent re-absorption of moisture

• Maintain consistent bulk density and flowability

This is critical for powders that must remain stable after drying.

Solvent Recovery & Environmental Control

For applications involving solvents:

• Vacuum lowers solvent boiling points

• Vapors can be condensed and recovered

• Emissions are reduced

• Regulatory compliance is simplified

This improves sustainability while reducing operating costs.

Gentle Processing With Full Mixing Control

Vacuum does not replace mixing—it enhances it.

When combined with the correct mixer type:

• Drying remains uniform

• Agglomeration can be controlled

• Product integrity is preserved

• Mechanical stress stays low

This makes vacuum drying suitable even for fragile materials.

Why Atmospheric Processing Falls Short

Atmospheric mixers and dryers often struggle with:

• Long drying times

• High temperatures

• Oxidation damage

• Uneven moisture removal

• Multiple processing steps

Vacuum processing solves these limitations at the source.

How Vacuum Mixers & Dryers Work

Vacuum mixers & dryers operate by synchronizing mixing mechanics, pressure reduction, and heat transfer inside a sealed vessel. The system is designed so that each variable—mixing, temperature, and vacuum—can be controlled independently, allowing precise tuning for different materials and formulations.

This is not simply “mixing under vacuum.” It is a controlled thermodynamic process.

Step 1: Sealed Mixing Environment

The process begins in a fully sealed mixing vessel.

Key characteristics:

• Airtight construction

• Vacuum-rated seals and ports

• Isolated bearings and drives

• Controlled inlet and discharge points

Once sealed, the vessel becomes a closed processing system—critical for drying efficiency, oxidation control, and solvent recovery.

Step 2: Mechanical Mixing (Mixer-Dependent)

The selected mixer type provides the mechanical action.

Depending on configuration, this may include:

• Convection (ribbon mixers)

• Gentle circulation (paddle or conical mixers)

• High-energy dispersion (plow mixers with choppers)

• Tumble mixing (V-blenders, double cone, 3-D mixers)

The key is that vacuum does not change the mixing principle—it enhances it by improving heat and mass transfer.

Step 3: Vacuum Application & Pressure Reduction

Once mixing begins, vacuum is applied.

Under reduced pressure:

• The boiling point of moisture or solvent drops

• Evaporation begins at lower temperatures

• Vapor moves rapidly from the product surface

Vacuum level can be:

• Mild (for conditioning or de-aeration)

• Moderate (for drying)

• High (for sensitive or solvent-based applications)

Pressure is adjusted based on material behavior—not a fixed value.

Step 4: Heat Transfer (When Equipped)

For drying applications, heating is typically applied via:

• Vessel jackets

• Hollow shafts or screws (on certain mixer types)

Heating raises the vapor pressure of moisture or solvents, while vacuum lowers their boiling point—a highly efficient combination.

Key advantages:

• Lower product temperatures

• Uniform heat distribution

• Faster drying cycles

• Reduced risk of degradation

Cooling can also be applied at the end of the cycle to stabilize the product.

Step 5: Vapor Removal & Condensation

As moisture or solvent evaporates:

• Vapors are drawn out of the vessel

• Directed to a condenser or recovery system

• Condensed into liquid for disposal or reuse

This step:

• Prevents re-condensation in the vessel

• Enables solvent recovery

• Protects the vacuum system

Proper vapor handling is essential for efficiency and compliance.

Step 6: End-Point Control & Conditioning

Drying does not end arbitrarily.

End-point determination may include:

• Time-based control

• Temperature stabilization

• Pressure behavior analysis

• Residual moisture testing

Once drying is complete, the product may be:

• Cooled under vacuum

• Conditioned under inert gas

• Discharged directly to packaging or downstream processing

All without exposure to ambient air.

Why This Integrated Process Matters

Because mixing, vacuum, and heat are coordinated:

• Drying is uniform throughout the batch

• Agglomeration can be controlled

• Overdrying is avoided

• Product quality is preserved

This level of control is impossible with standalone mixers or dryers.

Vacuum Mixer & Dryer Configurations by Mixer Type

Vacuum capability is not a one-size-fits-all feature. The mixing mechanism determines how heat, vacuum, and mass transfer interact with the material. One of the defining advantages of PerMix is that nearly every powder mixer platform can be configured as a vacuum mixer & dryer, allowing manufacturers to match vacuum processing to the right mixing physics.

Below is how vacuum integration works across mixer types—and when each configuration is best used.

Vacuum Ribbon Mixers & Dryers

Best for:
Free-flowing to moderately cohesive powders, large batch sizes, efficient convection

How vacuum works here:

• Horizontal ribbons provide strong axial and radial circulation

• Vacuum accelerates moisture or solvent removal from the moving powder bed

• Heating jackets supply uniform thermal input

Advantages:

• Fast drying for large batches

• Excellent temperature control

• Good balance of throughput and gentleness

Typical applications:
Food ingredients, chemicals, polymers, mineral powders, detergents

Vacuum Paddle Mixers & Dryers (Horizontal & Vertical)

Best for:
Fragile, heat-sensitive, or moderately variable materials

How vacuum works here:

• Low-speed paddles gently lift and circulate material

• Vacuum removes moisture without particle damage

• Heating remains controlled and even

Advantages:

• Low shear with active circulation

• Reduced fines and compaction

• Broad batch size flexibility

Typical applications:
Nutraceuticals, specialty foods, agricultural products, sensitive chemicals

Vacuum Plow Mixers & Dryers

Best for:
Cohesive materials, wet masses, fast dispersion, granulation, high evaporation rates

How vacuum works here:

• Plow tools create a mechanically fluidized zone

• Choppers (when used) break agglomerates

• Vacuum dramatically increases evaporation rate

Advantages:

• Extremely fast drying

• Excellent for wet or sticky products

• High heat and mass transfer efficiency

Typical applications:
Pharmaceutical intermediates, catalysts, pigments, battery materials, wet granules

Vacuum Conical Screw Mixers & Dryers

Best for:
Gentle drying, wide batch range, shear-sensitive or segregative powders

How vacuum works here:

• Slow-moving screw lifts material upward

• Gravity returns it downward along the vessel wall

• Vacuum removes moisture uniformly with minimal agitation

Advantages:

• Very low shear

• Excellent for fragile particles

• Scales well from lab to production

Typical applications:
Pharmaceutical APIs, nutraceuticals, fine chemicals, specialty powders

Vacuum Double Cone Mixers & Dryers

Best for:
Free-flowing powders requiring extremely gentle handling

How vacuum works here:

• Tumble motion redistributes material

• Vacuum drying occurs at low temperature

• Heating is applied through the vessel wall

Advantages:

• Zero internal shear

• Simple geometry and easy cleaning

• Ideal for high-purity materials

Typical applications:
Pharmaceutical pre-blends, specialty chemicals, fragile powders

Vacuum V-Blenders & Dryers

Best for:
Dry blends with controlled particle size and density

How vacuum works here:

• Split-and-recombine tumbling

• Vacuum removes residual moisture gently

• Intensifier bars may assist light wetting or de-agglomeration

Advantages:

• Extremely gentle drying

• Preserves particle structure

• Clean and validation-friendly

Typical applications:
Pharma excipients, nutraceutical blends, specialty foods

Vacuum 3-D Mixers & Dryers

Best for:
Segregation-prone, high-value, or formulation-sensitive powders

How vacuum works here:

• Multi-axis motion continuously reorients the batch

• Vacuum drying occurs evenly throughout the material

• Minimal mechanical stress

Advantages:

• Excellent uniformity during drying

• Very low shear

• Ideal for difficult blends

Typical applications:
Pharmaceutical actives, pigments, advanced materials, R&D formulations

Why Mixer Selection Matters Under Vacuum

Vacuum enhances drying—but it does not change material physics.

Choosing the correct mixer:

• Improves drying uniformity

• Prevents agglomeration or segregation

• Reduces cycle time

• Protects product integrity

Choosing the wrong one leads to:

• Long drying times

• Hot spots or overdrying

• Mechanical damage

• Inconsistent results

PerMix’s strength is offering vacuum capability across mixer platforms, not forcing a single solution.

Vacuum Mixer & Dryer Design & Construction

Vacuum mixers & dryers demand a higher level of mechanical, thermal, and sealing discipline than atmospheric mixers. Every component must perform reliably under reduced pressure, elevated temperature, and continuous mechanical movement—often simultaneously.

PerMix vacuum mixer & dryer systems are engineered from the ground up to operate as true vacuum-rated process vessels, not retrofitted mixers.

Vacuum-Rated Vessel Construction

The vessel is the heart of any vacuum system.

PerMix vacuum mixer vessels are designed with:

• Reinforced wall thickness to withstand external pressure

• Fully welded, leak-tested construction

• Rounded internal geometry to eliminate stress points

• Structural rigidity to prevent deformation under vacuum

This ensures long-term integrity and consistent vacuum performance.

Sealing Systems & Leak Integrity

Vacuum performance is only as good as the sealing system.

PerMix designs include:

• Vacuum-rated shaft seals

• Bearing isolation from the product zone

• Optional double seals with purge capability

• High-quality elastomers compatible with temperature and solvents

These features prevent air ingress, protect bearings, and maintain stable vacuum levels throughout the cycle.

Heating & Cooling Jacket Design

Efficient heat transfer is critical for vacuum drying.

PerMix offers multiple jacket configurations:

• Full-coverage heating and cooling jackets

• Steam, hot water, thermal oil, or glycol service

• Zoned jackets for precise temperature control

Jackets are engineered to provide uniform heat transfer without hot spots, enabling faster drying at lower product temperatures.

Internal Heating Elements (Mixer-Dependent)

For certain mixer types, additional heat transfer surfaces are available:

• Hollow shafts

• Heated screws (conical mixers)

• Heated paddles or plows

These options increase heat transfer area and reduce drying time—especially for cohesive or wet materials.

Vacuum System Integration

A complete vacuum mixer & dryer is a system, not just a vessel.

PerMix integrates:

• Vacuum pumps sized for process requirements

• Condensers for vapor removal and solvent recovery

• Knock-out pots or recovery tanks

• Valves and controls for staged vacuum operation

Proper integration ensures stable pressure, efficient vapor removal, and protection of the vacuum pump.

Condenser & Solvent Recovery Design

For solvent-based applications, vapor handling is critical.

PerMix systems can include:

• Shell-and-tube or plate condensers

• Temperature-controlled condensation

• Solvent recovery tanks

• Closed-loop vapor handling

This improves sustainability, reduces emissions, and supports regulatory compliance.

Instrumentation & Process Control

Vacuum drying requires precise monitoring.

Typical instrumentation includes:

• Pressure sensors

• Product and jacket temperature sensors

• Vacuum level control

• PLC/HMI systems with recipe management

This allows repeatable, validated drying cycles.

Discharge & Post-Drying Handling

Discharge design must preserve product quality after drying.

PerMix vacuum mixers & dryers offer:

• Bottom or side discharge valves

• Discharge under vacuum or inert gas

• Cooling before discharge to prevent condensation

This ensures dried material remains stable and free-flowing.

Sanitary, GMP & ATEX Design Considerations

For regulated or hazardous environments, PerMix offers:

• GMP-compliant construction

• Polished internal finishes

• FDA-compliant materials

• ATEX-rated designs (where required)

These features support pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and chemical processing standards.

Why Construction Quality Matters Under Vacuum

Poorly designed vacuum mixers often suffer from:

• Air leaks

• Inconsistent drying

• Long cycle times

• Seal and bearing failures

PerMix vacuum mixer & dryer construction eliminates these issues through engineering discipline, not add-ons.

Vacuum Mixer & Dryer Performance & Scale-Up Considerations

Vacuum mixers & dryers are selected not just for product quality—but for predictable performance as processes move from lab to pilot to full production. Because vacuum fundamentally changes heat and mass transfer, scale-up must be approached with process discipline, not simple geometric assumptions.

PerMix vacuum mixer & dryer systems are engineered so that drying behavior scales as reliably as mixing behavior.

Core Performance Under Vacuum

Vacuum performance is governed by the interaction of four variables:

• Mixing efficiency

• Vacuum level (pressure)

• Heat transfer rate

• Vapor removal capacity

When these are balanced, vacuum drying becomes uniform, gentle, and repeatable—even for difficult materials.

Drying Time Behavior

Vacuum drying typically delivers:

• Shorter drying cycles than atmospheric systems

• Lower product temperatures

• More uniform moisture removal

However, drying time does not scale linearly with batch size.

Key influences include:

• Surface area exposed during mixing

• Internal heat transfer surfaces

• Product porosity and moisture binding

• Vapor evacuation efficiency

PerMix systems are sized to maintain drying efficiency as batch volume increases.

Scale-Up From Lab to Production

Scale-up under vacuum focuses on maintaining thermodynamic similarity, not simply increasing vessel size.

PerMix scale-up methodology emphasizes:

• Preserving mixing mechanics (same mixer type)

• Maintaining heat flux per unit mass

• Matching vacuum levels and pressure profiles

• Scaling condenser and vacuum pump capacity appropriately

This ensures lab results translate to production without extended trial-and-error.

Batch Size & Fill Level Effects

Vacuum mixer & dryer performance is highly sensitive to fill level.

Best practices include:

• Operating within validated working volume ranges

• Avoiding overfilling, which limits surface exposure

• Avoiding underfilling, which reduces thermal efficiency

PerMix provides guidance to define optimal batch size for both mixing and drying performance.

Heat Transfer Scaling

Heat input must scale with moisture or solvent load—not just vessel size.

PerMix addresses this through:

• Proper jacket surface area scaling

• Optional internal heating elements

• Zoned temperature control

This prevents slow drying, overheating, or non-uniform moisture profiles.

Vacuum System Scaling

Vacuum pumps and condensers must be scaled correctly.

Improper scaling leads to:

• Vapor bottlenecks

• Re-condensation inside the vessel

• Inconsistent pressure levels

• Longer cycle times

PerMix systems are engineered as complete vacuum processes, not isolated components.

Repeatability & Batch Consistency

Repeatable vacuum drying is achieved through:

• Stable vacuum control

• Consistent mixing action

• Precise temperature regulation

• Recipe-driven PLC control

This minimizes operator variability and supports validated production.

Why Scale-Up Discipline Matters

Improperly scaled vacuum systems often result in:

• Longer drying times than expected

• Product degradation

• Excessive energy consumption

• Failed process validation

PerMix vacuum mixer & dryer systems are engineered to remove uncertainty from scale-up, protecting both timelines and capital investment.

Vacuum Mixer & Dryer Applications – Industry-Specific Workflows

Vacuum mixers & dryers are applied when mixing and drying must be controlled as a single, integrated process. They are chosen not just for efficiency, but to protect product quality, simplify validation, and eliminate unnecessary transfers between machines.

Below are common real-world workflows where vacuum mixing and drying delivers clear advantages.

Pharmaceutical & API Manufacturing

Primary challenges:

• Heat-sensitive actives

• Solvent removal

• Oxidation control

• GMP compliance and validation

Typical workflow:

1. Wet Charging or Liquid Addition
   Solvents, binders, or wash liquids are introduced during mixing.

2. Vacuum Mixing
   Uniform distribution of liquids across the powder bed.

3. Vacuum Drying
   Solvents removed at low temperature under controlled pressure.

4. Cooling & Conditioning
   Product cooled under vacuum or inert gas.

5. Closed Discharge
   Material discharged without exposure to ambient air.

Why it works:
Low-temperature drying preserves API integrity while reducing solvent handling steps.

Nutraceutical & Dietary Supplement Processing

Primary challenges:

• Moisture control

• Oxidation of vitamins and botanicals

• Product stability and shelf life

Typical workflow:

1. Dry Powder Mixing

2. Light Liquid Addition (oils, extracts, binders)

3. Vacuum Drying & Conditioning

4. Cooling Before Packaging

Why it works:
Vacuum prevents oxidation and moisture re-absorption, protecting potency and appearance.

Food & Ingredient Manufacturing

Primary challenges:

• Flavor and aroma preservation

• Hygroscopic materials

• Microbial control

• Consistent moisture content

Typical workflow:

1. Ingredient Blending

2. Vacuum Drying or Moisture Reduction

3. Cooling & Stabilization

4. Discharge to Packaging

Why it works:
Lower drying temperatures protect flavor compounds and reduce discoloration.

Specialty Chemicals & Fine Chemicals

Primary challenges:

• Solvent recovery

• Heat sensitivity

• Emission control

Typical workflow:

1. Reaction or Wet Mixing

2. Vacuum Solvent Removal

3. Condensation & Recovery

4. Final Conditioning

Why it works:
Vacuum accelerates solvent removal while enabling closed-loop recovery.

Pigments, Coatings & Advanced Materials

Primary challenges:

• Agglomeration during drying

• Uniform moisture removal

• Particle integrity

Typical workflow:

1. Wet Mixing or Coating

2. Vacuum Drying with Active Mixing

3. Controlled Cooling

Why it works:
Simultaneous mixing and drying prevent hard agglomerate formation.

Battery Materials & Energy Storage Powders

Primary challenges:

• Solvent removal

• Oxygen sensitivity

• Moisture control

Typical workflow:

1. Wet Slurry or Binder Mixing

2. Vacuum Drying

3. Inert Conditioning

4. Closed Discharge

Why it works:
Vacuum drying under inert conditions protects material chemistry and performance.

R&D, Pilot & Scale-Up Environments

Primary challenges:

• Predictable scale-up

• Flexible processing

• Process development

Typical workflow:

1. Lab-Scale Vacuum Trials

2. Pilot-Scale Optimization

3. Production Replication

Why it works:
Vacuum systems scale reliably when thermodynamic principles are preserved.

Why Application-Driven Design Matters

Vacuum mixers & dryers perform best when:

• Mixing and drying are treated as one process

• Material sensitivity is respected

• Heat, pressure, and motion are controlled together

Application-specific workflows result in:

• Higher product quality

• Shorter cycle times

• Fewer processing steps

• Reduced contamination risk

Milling vs Mixing vs Drying vs All Three — The Vacuum Processing Perspective

Vacuum mixers & dryers sit at the intersection of three core powder-processing functions: size reduction, blending, and moisture or solvent removal. The mistake many manufacturers make is treating these as independent steps. In reality, they are deeply interdependent, especially under vacuum.

Understanding when to mill, when to mix, when to dry—and when to do all three in one integrated system is the difference between a stable process and a constant troubleshooting exercise.

What Milling Solves in Vacuum Processing

Milling addresses particle size, surface area, and flow behavior before vacuum processing begins.

Milling is typically required when:

• Raw materials arrive oversized or inconsistent

• Surface area must be increased for faster drying

• Particle size must be controlled for downstream blending

• Agglomerates must be reduced before wetting or drying

Under vacuum, milling indirectly affects:

• Drying rate

• Heat transfer efficiency

• Uniformity of moisture removal

Poor particle size control upstream almost always results in uneven drying downstream.

What Mixing Solves Under Vacuum

Mixing is what makes vacuum drying uniform rather than localized.

Mixing under vacuum solves:

• Uneven moisture or solvent distribution

• Hot spots during heating

• Agglomeration during drying

• Inconsistent final moisture content

The correct mixing mechanism ensures that every particle sees the same pressure, temperature, and residence time.

What Vacuum Drying Solves

Vacuum drying addresses limitations atmospheric systems cannot overcome.

Vacuum drying is essential when:

• Low-temperature drying is required

• Oxidation must be avoided

• Solvents must be removed efficiently

• Hygroscopic materials must be stabilized

• Closed processing is required for safety or compliance

Vacuum drying is not a replacement for mixing—it depends on it.

When Milling Alone Is Enough

Milling alone may be sufficient when:

• Particle size is the only requirement

• No liquid is added

• Moisture content is already acceptable

• Only a single material is being processed

In these cases, adding vacuum adds cost without benefit.

When Mixing Alone Is Enough

Mixing alone is appropriate when:

• Materials are dry and stable

• No moisture or solvent removal is required

• Atmospheric exposure is acceptable

Vacuum adds no value if drying or oxygen control is not needed.

When Mixing + Drying Is Required (Most Common)

This is where vacuum mixer & dryers excel.

Typical scenarios include:

• Wet powder blending followed by drying

• Coating powders with liquids and removing carriers

• Washing solids and removing residual moisture

• Conditioning hygroscopic materials

Here, mixing and vacuum drying must be engineered together.

When Milling + Mixing + Drying Are All Required

This is the highest-value vacuum application.

All three are required when:

• Raw materials vary in size and moisture

• Liquids are added intentionally or inherently present

• Final moisture must be tightly controlled

• Scale-up repeatability is critical

In these systems:

• Milling prepares the material

• Mixing distributes energy, heat, and moisture

• Vacuum drying completes the process gently and uniformly

Trying to remove any one of these steps usually increases cycle time, scrap, or rework.

Why Integrated Vacuum Systems Win

Integrated vacuum processing delivers:

• Shorter total process time

• Fewer transfers and contamination points

• Better moisture uniformity

• Lower energy consumption

• Easier validation and scale-up

This is why advanced manufacturers design the process first—and the equipment second.

Why PerMix’s Approach Is Different

PerMix does not sell “a vacuum dryer.”

PerMix provides:

• The correct mixer for the material

• Vacuum capability engineered into the system

• Heating, cooling, and vapor handling sized for the process

• Integration with upstream milling where required

This prevents over-engineering while eliminating performance gaps.

Final Takeaway

Vacuum processing is not a single machine choice—it is a process strategy.

The most successful systems:

• Use milling only where it adds value

• Use mixing to control heat and mass transfer

• Use vacuum to remove moisture or solvents efficiently

• Combine all three when the material demands it

PerMix vacuum mixers & dryers are designed to support this entire decision spectrum, from simple conditioning to fully integrated mixing-drying systems.

Why PerMix Vacuum Mixers & Dryers vs Other Manufacturers

PerMix vacuum mixers & dryers are engineered with a fundamentally different mindset: vacuum is not an accessory—it is a core process condition. Many suppliers retrofit vacuum capability onto standard mixers. PerMix designs vacuum operation into the mixer, the vessel, and the process itself.

The difference shows up in drying consistency, cycle time, scalability, and long-term reliability.

Vacuum as a System, Not a Checkbox

Many “vacuum mixer” offerings are simply:

• Atmospheric mixers with thicker lids

• Undersized vacuum ports

• Generic seals not designed for continuous vacuum

• Inadequate vapor handling

PerMix vacuum systems are engineered as complete vacuum processes, including:

• Vacuum-rated vessels

• Proper sealing and bearing isolation

• Integrated condensers and recovery

• Correctly sized pumps and piping

This ensures stable vacuum levels throughout the entire cycle—not just at startup.

Vacuum Capability Across Mixer Platforms

Most manufacturers restrict vacuum drying to one mixer style, forcing customers to compromise on mixing physics.

PerMix allows vacuum configuration across:

• Ribbon mixers

• Paddle mixers (horizontal & vertical)

• Plow mixers

• Conical screw mixers

• V-blenders

• Double cone mixers

• 3-D mixers

This means:

• The material dictates the mixer, not the vendor

• Drying performance improves because mixing physics are correct

• Scale-up remains predictable

This flexibility is rare—and decisive.

Superior Heat Transfer Engineering

Drying under vacuum is only as effective as the heat transfer system.

PerMix designs feature:

• Full-coverage jackets sized for moisture load

• Optional internal heating surfaces where appropriate

• Uniform temperature distribution

• Precise control over heating and cooling rates

Many competing systems struggle with:

• Long drying times

• Hot spots

• Overheated product surfaces

PerMix systems dry faster, cooler, and more uniformly.

Vapor Handling & Solvent Recovery Done Right

Vacuum drying fails when vapor removal fails.

PerMix systems include:

• Properly sized condensers

• Knock-out pots or recovery tanks

• Controlled vapor flow paths

• Protection of vacuum pumps

This prevents:

• Re-condensation in the vessel

• Pump contamination

• Pressure instability

Competitors often treat vapor handling as optional. PerMix treats it as mandatory.

Sealing, Bearings & Long-Term Reliability

Vacuum exposes weaknesses fast.

PerMix designs address this with:

• Vacuum-rated shaft seals

• Optional double seals with purge

• Bearings isolated from the product zone

• Materials compatible with heat, solvents, and pressure cycling

This results in:

• Longer seal life

• Lower maintenance

• Consistent vacuum performance year after year

Scale-Up Without Surprises

Many vacuum systems perform well in the lab—and fail in production.

PerMix vacuum systems are engineered to scale by:

• Preserving mixing mechanics

• Scaling heat flux correctly

• Matching vacuum levels and pressure profiles

• Upsizing condensers and pumps appropriately

This prevents the most common scale-up failures:

• Drying times doubling unexpectedly

• Product degradation

• Failed validation runs

Honest Process Engineering

PerMix does not sell vacuum where it adds no value.

Customers benefit from:

• Clear guidance on when vacuum is necessary

• Recommendations when atmospheric processing is sufficient

• Selection of the correct mixer platform first

• Integration with upstream milling where required

This protects both process outcomes and capital budgets.

Lifecycle Value Over Initial Cost

Lower-cost vacuum mixer & dryers often lead to:

• Long drying cycles

• Inconsistent moisture levels

• High maintenance

• Limited scalability

PerMix vacuum mixers & dryers deliver:

• Shorter cycle times

• Better product quality

• Reliable scale-up

• Long mechanical life

• Lower total cost of ownership

At the End of the Day

Vacuum mixers & dryers are chosen when process control, product integrity, and efficiency matter more than shortcuts.

PerMix vacuum systems deliver:

• True vacuum-rated construction

• Correct mixer selection for the material

• Efficient low-temperature drying

• Integrated vapor handling

• Predictable lab-to-production scale-up

That’s why manufacturers choose PerMix when vacuum processing is mission-critical, not optional.