Foamguard inline slurry loop for low-foam spirulina dispersion
FoamGuard is a retrofit process module designed to efficiently disperse powdered spirulina in water by minimizing foam formation. It employs advanced powder induction, mixing, and degassing techniques to enhance dispersion quality and reduce air entrainment.
Overview
FoamGuard offers an innovative solution for the food and beverage industry, specifically for the dispersion of powdered natural colors like spirulina in water. By retrofitting existing immersion-mixer tanks, FoamGuard effectively tackles common challenges such as poor wetting, agglomeration, and foam stabilization, which are typical in spirulina dispersion. This technology ensures efficient wetting, deagglomeration, and foam reduction, resulting in consistent and high-quality color dispersion.
Technical specifications
Key features:
- Eductor/venturi powder induction: Rapidly wets powders, preventing fisheyes (dry cores).
- High-shear rotor-stator or static mixer: Breaks down agglomerates efficiently with minimal residence time.
- Vacuum/membrane degassing loop: Collapses foam and removes entrained air, reducing oxidative stress on pigments.
- Closed-loop control system: Monitors and adjusts foam, torque, and turbidity to prevent over-shearing and over-foaming.
- Optional additives: Low-dose natural wetting aids and silicone-free antifoams are available to meet specific color targets with minimal additive use.
Technology readiness level
FoamGuard is currently at Technology Readiness Level 5, having been validated through bench and pilot testing phases. The process is poised for plant trials and further scale-up, aimed at multi-site rollout by Q4 2026.
About Re-Du Company
RE-DU is a recycling technology company that has developed a patented process for the chemical deconstruction of mixed plastic waste. By breaking down diverse plastic types—such as PET, PC, PU, and PA—into monomers, the company enables the transformation of previously difficult-to-recycle materials into commercially valuable chemical products. This technology eliminates the need for costly sorting of mixed waste streams and offers an efficient, cost-effective alternative to traditional plastic management systems, which often rely on outdated processes that fail to address the majority of global plastic waste.
By providing a scalable solution for chemical recycling, RE-DU aims to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and minimize the environmental impact of plastic pollution in landfills. The company serves as a partner for industries seeking sustainable chemical feedstocks and is contributing to the development of a circular economy. Supported by initiatives like the Innovation Crossroads Award and research collaboration with Oak Ridge National Laboratory, RE-DU is positioned to help transition toward a net-zero carbon society by proving that mixed plastic waste can be successfully converted into high-quality, reusable resources.
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