EIRICH seminar event generates strong interest in Thailand

The ceramic industry in Thailand is known for its focus on exports. Products such as tiles attract a large number of buyers in the world market. The producers are constantly optimizing their production process so that they are able to continue offering these high-quality products at low-prices and remain competitive. Processing of the ceramic compounds including granulates, slurry and plastic compounds is a significant cost factor, and EIRICH processing technology often has distinct advantages. At the request of several ceramics manufacturers, EIRICH staged a seminar in Bangkok at the end of the year 2016. More than 100 experts took part in the event and shared information on the practical aspects of processing flow optimization.

The event was organized by the Ceramic Industry Club of the Federation of Thai Industries, and the theme was “Energy saving and product improvement with new technologies”. Professionals from all areas of the ceramics industry attended the full-day seminar in the Rama Garden Hotel. At the start of the day, the latest information on the many crucial processing steps including mixing, granulating, coating, kneading and dispersing was shared. The different process steps were then visualized using an EIRICH lab mixer.

EIRICH grinding technology and the EcoPrep® process for production of tile press bodies were other major items on the agenda. Build-up agglomeration is used to produce the granulate for the pressing process. The moisture content of the granules only needs to be reduced from about 11% to approx. 6% - 7% for the pressing process, and that has considerable advantages from an energy standpoint compared to processing with a spray dryer. Besides a reduction in energy costs, significantly less organic lubricants and binders are needed, which is another advantage. A further welcome consequence is a reduction in emissions during the drying and firing process. The flow characteristics of the granulate are comparable with spray grains and are even suitable for production of large tiles.

The industry professionals attending the seminar actively participated in the discussions on granulating, kneading and dispersing operations which EIRICH mixers can perform efficiently and at lower cost. Deliberations on opportunities for optimization on the production floor will now continue at the manufacturing sites. It is safe to assume that many process improvements will be introduced in the near future - using EIRICH technology and machines.