Introduction To
Colloid Mills
In-Line Wet Mixers & Mills
What is a Colloid Mill?
A colloid (or colloidal suspension) is a product in
which insoluble microscopic particles are uniformly
dispersed in a carrier liquid. The suspended particles
are called the dispersed phase, while the liquid is called
the continuous phase. If the dispersed phase is a liquid,
the colloid is an emulsion, but if the dispersed phase is
a solid, the colloid is a dispersion or a suspension.
In simplest terms, a colloid mill is a wet milling device
intended for the production of colloids. It is an in-line
machine which can be used in either a single-pass
processing system or in a multiple-pass recirculation
system. Colloid mills perform their task by requiring a
premix of the product to pass through a small gap
between a stationary surface (the stator) and a second
surface rotating at high speed (the rotor). The resulting
mechanical and hydraulic shear forces applied to the
product reduce the size of the insoluble particles.
In Bematek colloid mills, the stator is clamped in a
stationary axial position, while the rotor position within
the stator is adjustable axially while the mill is in
operation. This provides a smooth and continuous
adjustment of the critical gap setting, which can be
read in thousandths of an inch on a micrometer dial.
Bematek offers a wide selection of interchangeable
rotors and stators. These include:
Rotor/Stator Types:
• Smooth surfaces, peripheral lines, axial serrations
or some combination of these features
Rotor/Stator Materials:
• Stainless steel, heat-treated stainless steel or
abrasive stone
With all of these available options, it becomes simple
to configure a Bematek colloid mill for optimum
performance in any application.
Bematek CZ Series Colloid Mills
Bematek Rotors and Stators
Bematek colloid mills use a conical rotor/stator design
for optimum stability and control over the gap.
Style #5 Stator
Model CZ-260-PB
Style #5F Rotor
Bematek’s family of high-speed, high-shear colloid
mills are the perfect choice for applications requiring
precise particle size control. These mills can control the
critical physical properties of the finished product to
meet the most demanding quality control standards.
Bematek Systems Inc.
96 Swampscott Rd., Unit 7
Salem, MA 01970
Web: www.bematekcom
E-mail: [email protected]
Phone (Fax): 978-744-5816 (978-744-2531)
BR-32-003A, Page 1 of 2
Introduction To
Colloid Mills
In-Line Wet Mixers & Mills
Bematek CK Series Colloid Mills
The two most common types of colloid mill processing
systems are:
• Single-Pass: A premix stream is fed directly into
the inlet of the colloid mill, and the colloid mill
discharge is sent directly to the finished product
collection point.
• Multi-Pass: The colloid mill discharge is sent
back into the premix tank, and the recirculation is
continued until the product in the tank meets the
quality control standards for the finished product.
Model CK-260-PB
Typical Applications
In addition to the CZ Series colloid mills with quickclamp I/O connections, as shown on the previous page,
Bematek offers its CK Series colloid mills with
industrial type I/O connections, such as the ANSI
flanges shown above. In fact, Bematek’s entire family
of state-of-the-art colloid mills can be supplied with
whatever I/O fittings make installation into your
processing system most convenient.
Many people have a very narrow impression of the
potential uses for a colloid mill, but the reality is that
colloid mills are successfully used in a very broad
range of applications. A few examples are:
• Greases
• Coatings
• Adhesives
• Mineral Dispersions
Recirculation Systems
Bematek colloid mills are used extensively in singlepass processing systems, but they are equally wellsuited to use in multi-pass recirculation systems. The
system shown below includes both a Bematek colloid
mill cart package and a feed pump cart package.
• Mayonnaise
• Salad Dressings
• Baby Foods
• Sauces
• Cosmetic Lotions
• Makeup Cream Bases
• Hand Creams
• Soaps
The Next Step
Feed Pump Cart
Colloid Mill Cart
To find out what Bematek colloid mills can do for you,
use the information below to contact us for an in-depth
analysis of your application needs, without cost or
obligation. Our responsive engineering team will
discuss the exact Bematek equipment required to solve
your processing problems. Our motto is:
• We Listen! We Solve! We Deliver!
Bematek Systems Inc.
96 Swampscott Rd., Unit 7
Salem, MA 01970
Web: www.bematekcom
E-mail: [email protected]
Phone (Fax): 978-744-5816 (978-744-2531)
BR-32-003A, Page 2 of 2