Glossary

Wetting

In mixing technologies, "wetting of solids" refers to the process of evenly coating or enveloping solid particles with a liquid. This is a crucial step in many industrial applications, including the production of paints, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and food products.

The wetting process aims to completely surround the surface of solid particles with a liquid. This can be necessary for several reasons:

• Improved Mixing Homogeneity: Wetting ensures that solid particles are evenly distributed throughout the mixture, leading to a more homogeneous mix.
• Processing Efficiency: Good wetting can enhance processing efficiency by reducing the agglomeration of particles, which in turn improves the quality of the final product.
• Enhanced Product Quality: In many cases, such as in the manufacture of paints or coatings, the uniform wetting of pigments is crucial for the quality of the final product, including color distribution, gloss, and durability.
• Reduced Energy Consumption: Effective wetting can lower the energy requirements of the mixing process as less mechanical work is needed to achieve the desired homogeneity and consistency.

To achieve effective wetting, special mixing techniques and equipment are often employed. Additionally, wetting agents or dispersants may be used to improve the interaction between solid particles and the liquid, facilitating the wetting process.