Used Dispersers
Dispersers are high-speed mixing machines that use rotating blades to break apart particle agglomerates and create uniform dispersions in liquids. They apply intense mechanical shear forces to incorporate powders into liquid carriers, reduce particle size, and achieve stable suspensions and emulsions.
Federal Equipment Company stocks single-shaft, dual-shaft, and triple-shaft dispersers from leading manufacturers, including Myers, Hockmeyer, and Cowles. Our inventory ranges from 1 HP lab-scale units to 150 HP production systems, with both stainless steel and carbon steel construction options available.
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Dispersers operate by rotating a flat, toothed blade at high speeds—typically 1,000 to 5,000 feet per minute tip velocity. The blade creates intense hydraulic shear and turbulent flow patterns that pull material from the top and bottom of the mixing vessel, forcing it through the blade teeth. This action breaks particle clusters, wets powder surfaces, and uniformly distributes particles throughout the liquid phase. The result is a stable dispersion, emulsion, or suspension suitable for further processing or final formulation.
The equipment consists of a motor-driven shaft with a serrated or toothed disperser blade, mounted on a support structure with vertical positioning capability. Most production units include hydraulic or pneumatic lift systems that allow operators to raise and lower the disperser head for loading, unloading, and cleaning. Single-shaft dispersers provide high-speed dispersion only. Dual-shaft configurations add a slow-speed anchor or gate agitator for bulk mixing and wall scraping. Triple-shaft systems incorporate an additional intermediate-speed element for enhanced mixing of complex formulations.
Federal Equipment Company carries dispersers from manufacturers recognized for precision engineering and durability. Our inventory includes single-shaft high-speed dispersers in the 1 HP to 75 HP range, dual-shaft vacuum mixers with combined dispersion and agitation in the 5 HP to 60 HP range, and triple-shaft systems rated up to 150 HP for large-batch production. Many units feature explosion-proof (XP) motors for handling volatile solvents, vacuum-rated covers for air-free processing, and jacketed mixing vessels for temperature control. Stainless steel construction predominates across pharmaceutical and food applications, while carbon steel remains common in industrial coatings and chemical processing.
All dispersers can undergo functional testing and mechanical inspection before sale. We can arrange rigging, freight coordination, and installation support through our logistics network.
Applications & Industries
- Paints, coatings, and inks — Dispersing pigments, resins, and additives into solvent or water-based carriers for architectural coatings, industrial finishes, and printing inks
- Adhesives and sealants — Mixing polymers, fillers, and modifiers for construction adhesives, pressure-sensitive tapes, and automotive sealants
- Pharmaceuticals — Preparing suspensions, emulsions, and topical formulations requiring uniform particle distribution and controlled dispersion intensity
- Cosmetics and personal care — Creating lotions, creams, makeup bases, and hair care products with stable emulsions and smooth texture
- Food and beverage — Dispersing stabilizers, flavors, colors, and functional ingredients into liquid food products, beverages, and nutritional supplements
- Chemical processing — Blending catalysts, surfactants, polymers, and specialty chemicals for industrial formulations and intermediate products
- Plastics and polymers — Incorporating pigments, UV stabilizers, flame retardants, and other additives into polymer melts and plastisol formulations
Specifications & Configurations
Motor Power: Lab-scale dispersers begin at 1 HP for small-batch development and QC testing. Pilot production units range from 5–15 HP. Production-scale equipment spans 20–75 HP; large installations use 100–150 HP systems.
Shaft Configurations: Single-shaft, dual-shaft (with anchor), and triple-shaft systems provide increasing mixing complexity and capability.
Materials of Construction: Stainless steel for sanitary and corrosive applications; carbon steel for non-corrosive industrial uses.
Mounting and Positioning: Benchtop units for lab/pilot work; floor-mounted production units with hydraulic or pneumatic lifts (typically 36"–72" travel).
Vessel Integration: Standalone or tank-mounted systems; jacketed vessels available for temperature control and vacuum-rated configurations.
Drive Systems: Mechanical variable-speed drives, hydraulic drives, or VFD-equipped electric motors for precise speed control.
Safety and Compliance: Explosion-proof motors, vacuum-rated covers, safety guards, interlocks, and emergency stops.
Why Buy Used
Purchasing used dispersers delivers immediate cost savings compared to procuring new equipment. Production-ready systems typically cost 40% to 70% less than comparable new machines, while laboratory and pilot-scale units often price at 50% to 75% below new list prices.
Lead times favor used equipment significantly. New disperser orders commonly require 12 to 24 weeks from purchase order to delivery, while used units ship within days or weeks after purchase. Federal Equipment Company inspects each disperser for mechanical integrity, motor function, and operational readiness and can perform refurbishment services such as shaft polishing, blade replacement, seal upgrades, motor rewinding, and control system modernization.
