Process heating - Cosmetic & Toiletry Products

A major manufacturer of cosmetic, aromatherapy and toiletry products uses Thermosafe and ferritic stainless steel 200 litre vessels for many of its batch mixing and heating requirements. Due to the wide range of products and frequent trials of new developments, flexibility is essential. This includes melting out drums of coconut fatty acid. The lack of heating elements, and total encapsulation of all electrical components has resulted in a heater which not only remains much cooler than the drum it heats, but can also be hosed down for cleaning, and is tolerant of spillage. This permits unattended use, with control if necessary, even overnight. These same features, plus easy access to the drum, hazardous area certification, and effective temperature control, have led to Thermosafe being used as an effective basis for drum heated and stirred reactor systems. This often involves adding a range of fragrances, for example in the manufacture of shaving cream. The shaving cream is manufactured “odour free”. Later, batches of up to 200 litres are heated in a stainless steel vessel, prior to adding the different fragrances and homogenising. The Thermosafe units can also be used to dry plastic containers after cleaning, and prior to refilling. The plastic containers are placed within an open top 205 litre mild steel drum. With the lid in position, the drum behaves like a “mini-oven”. Drum wall temperatures will reach 100°C within approximately six minutes, and reach a maximum of 123°C (at 20°C ambient). The containers within will therefore be heated as in an oven. This method is suitable for heating materials in small containers, both metal and plastic. Mild steel containers will additionally receive induced energy directly from the heater, and will thus be heated by two means. Another option is to part fill the 205 litre drum with liquid (usually water), and use it as a hazardous area “water bath”, the smaller containers being immersed in the liquid. T: +44 (0)1440 707141 E: sales@drumheating.com

For more information on Process heating - Cosmetic & Toiletry Products talk to LMK Thermosafe Ltd