Shibuya Kogyo Co., Ltd. will exhibit at FOOMA JAPAN 2026, which will be held at Tokyo Big Sight from June 2 (Tuesday) to June 5 (Friday), 2026. We will introduce various devices that contribute to "quality improvement," "labor saving," and "cleaning efficiency" in food and beverage manufacturing. [Exhibition Details] ■ Two-stage superheated steam circulation baking machine (JESTOS Jr.) *Panel display and tasting available - Achieves fluffy, high-quality baking in a short time using superheated steam - Capable of low-temperature to high-temperature cooking (with a firm browning) with just one machine - Prevents oxidation by blocking outside air with a shielding nozzle (patented) ■ 3D nozzle type container cleaning machine (TSW4000 model) *Actual machine display - Achieves high cleaning power with low water usage and short time - Contributes to reduced cleaning time and utility costs ■ Continuous and batch continuous solid-liquid mixing system *Panel display - Stable inline processing of mixing and dispersing powders and liquids - Accommodates high-viscosity materials and high solid content such as proteins, achieving uniformity and reproducibility in quality - Capable of engineering proposals including process design On the day, you can experience solutions to on-site challenges through actual machines, panels, and tastings. Please be sure to stop by our booth.

In dispersion processes, issues such as unstable particle size distribution and quality variation between batches occur in many settings. These quality variations are caused not only by equipment performance but also by variations in dispersion conditions, flow states, and process design. For example, when shear energy is uneven, differences arise in the disintegration state of particles, leading to a wider particle size distribution and residual agglomeration. Additionally, in batch processing, variations in mixing uniformity and residence time can cause fluctuations in dispersion state between batches, making it difficult to ensure reproducibility. Particularly in high-viscosity systems or high solid content slurries, even slight variations in conditions can significantly impact quality. To suppress quality variations, it is crucial to design processes that maintain consistent dispersion energy and flow conditions. By stabilizing conditions, as in inline continuous processing, it becomes possible to reduce inter-batch differences and achieve stable dispersion quality. Furthermore, in dispersion processes, not only the performance of the equipment itself but also operating conditions such as input order, residence time, and flow control greatly affect quality. Inline continuous processing makes it easier to maintain these conditions consistently, ensuring stable dispersion even in high-viscosity slurries. By designing the entire process, it is possible to fundamentally suppress quality variations.

In dispersion processes, the occurrence of agglomerates (clumps) during powder addition, which cannot be resolved in subsequent dispersion stages, is a common issue in many settings. The cause of this is that the powder does not wet uniformly in the liquid, leading to the formation of localized high-concentration areas. These agglomerates are also referred to as "fisheyes," and due to their internal unwetted structure, they are difficult to break apart. Once an agglomerate forms during powder addition, liquid has difficulty penetrating its interior, resulting in only the outer layer being wetted, which makes it hard for the internal particles to be disintegrated. Additionally, depending on the addition position and speed, the powder may float on the liquid surface or remain stagnant without following the flow within the equipment, promoting the formation of agglomerates. Particularly under conditions of high viscosity or high solid content, the low fluidity makes it challenging to achieve uniformity in the initial dispersion stage, leading to a higher likelihood of agglomerates remaining. Such agglomerates may not be completely resolved even with strong shear in subsequent processes, causing variations in the quality of the final product and introducing foreign substances. To prevent the formation of agglomerates, it is crucial to improve wettability during powder addition, ensure appropriate addition positions and flow design, and optimize the initial dispersion. By performing shear and mixing simultaneously right after addition, as in inline powder addition and simultaneous dispersion, it is possible to suppress the formation of agglomerates and achieve stable dispersion quality.

In dispersion engineering, stable quality cannot be achieved solely based on the performance of the equipment. What is important is the overall design of the process, taking into account material properties and process conditions. This is referred to as dispersion process design. Dispersion quality is determined not only by the strength of shear but also by multiple factors such as flow state, residence time, and method of input. If these conditions are not properly designed, localized agglomeration or variation can occur, making it difficult to maintain stable quality. For example, poor wetting during powder input or the occurrence of stagnant areas due to flow bias can lead to clumping or dispersion issues. Additionally, even if the shear energy is sufficient, if it does not act uniformly on all particles, differences in dispersion state will arise. Therefore, in dispersion processes, it is crucial to design "flow," "shear," and "processing time" as an integrated system. This allows for all particles to receive the same dispersion history, achieving uniform and highly reproducible dispersion quality. In particular, inline continuous processing has the advantage of maintaining consistent conditions within the flow, making it easier to ensure reproducibility in process design. Dispersion process design is a key concept for stabilizing quality and successfully scaling up.

In dispersion processes, viscosity is an important factor that significantly affects dispersion efficiency. Generally, as viscosity increases, fluidity decreases, making it more difficult for dispersion energy to be transmitted to the particles. When viscosity is low, liquids flow easily, and shear energy is widely transmitted throughout the system, making it relatively easy to break apart particle agglomerates. On the other hand, as viscosity increases, flow becomes localized, and shear tends to be concentrated near the equipment. As a result, there is a mixture of particles that receive sufficient energy and those that do not, leading to variability in the dispersion state. Additionally, under high viscosity conditions, the movement of particles is also restricted, making collisions and breakdowns between agglomerates less likely. Consequently, even if the mixture appears homogeneous, there may be undispersed regions remaining internally. To enhance dispersion efficiency, it is crucial to implement appropriate shear conditions and flow designs according to viscosity. Particularly in inline continuous processing, it is possible to provide uniform shear to the particles within the flow, allowing for efficient transmission of dispersion energy even under high viscosity conditions. In dispersion processes, optimizing flow, shear, and processing time while considering the effects of viscosity is key to achieving stable dispersion quality.