Ointment Mixing Vessel

An Ointment Mixing Vessel (also commonly called Ointment Manufacturing Vessel, Cream Mixing Vessel, Ointment Preparation Vessel, or Emulsification Vessel) is a specialized stainless steel tank used primarily in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and sometimes chemical industries. It is designed for the efficient blending, emulsification, and homogenization of semi-solid products like ointments, creams, lotions, gels, toothpastes, and other emulsions to achieve a smooth, uniform, and stable consistency without lumps or separation.

Ointment Mixing Vessel Video

Purpose and Role

It serves as the main processing vessel where different phases (typically oil/wax phase and water phase) are combined, heated/cooled as needed, mixed thoroughly, and homogenized to form the final product. In a complete ointment manufacturing plant, it often works alongside separate water phase vessels, wax/oil melting vessels, and storage tanks.

Key Features and Design

Modern ointment mixing vessels are built to meet cGMP (current Good Manufacturing Practice) standards for hygiene, safety, and regulatory compliance in pharma/cosmetic production. Typical characteristics include:

• Material — Fabricated from high-quality SS 316L (or SS 316) stainless steel for product contact parts (mirror-polished finish for smoothness and easy cleaning); non-contact parts often in SS 304.

• Jacketed Construction — Triple-jacketed (or limpet coil) design for heating (via steam/hot water) and cooling (via chilled water/brine), enabling precise temperature control during melting, emulsification, and cooling.

• Mixing System —

  • Top-entry or bottom-entry agitators (e.g., anchor-type, contra-rotary, or planetary mixer).

  • High-shear homogenizer (inline or in-tank) for fine emulsification and particle size reduction.

  • PTFE (Teflon) scrapers on the anchor to prevent wall buildup/caking and ensure complete product discharge.

  • Variable frequency drive (VFD) for adjustable speed of stirrer and homogenizer.

• Vacuum Capability — Many vessels operate under vacuum to remove air bubbles (deaeration), prevent oxidation, and improve product stability and appearance.

• Lid and Access — Hydraulic lid lifting system, sight glass, inspection light, and manhole for easy charging/cleaning.

• Additional Features —

  • CIP (Clean-in-Place) spray balls for automatic cleaning.

  • Temperature sensors, pressure gauges, level indicators.

  • Bottom discharge valve (flush type) for complete product transfer.

  • Insulation and cladding to maintain temperature and safety.

• Capacities — Range from small lab-scale (5–50 liters) to production-scale (100–5000 liters or more).

Typical Working Process in the Vessel

1. One phase (e.g., melted waxes/oils) is added.

2. The other phase (e.g., heated water with emulsifiers) is slowly introduced.

3. Mixing starts with slow stirring → high-speed homogenization for emulsion formation.

4. Heating/cooling applied as per formula.

5. Vacuum applied to de-aerate.

6. Final cooling with gentle mixing to achieve desired viscosity.

7. Product discharged for filling/packaging.

* Power voltage can be adjusted as per customer’s domestic power voltage requirements.

* Rights of technical improvements & modification reserved.
* Illustrations & dimensions are shown for information purpose only.