Split-Type Mobile Gelatin Melting Tank

Introduction & Design Philosophy

The Split-Type Mobile Gelatin Melting Tank represents a significant advancement in gelatin mass handling for the softgel manufacturing industry. Engineered for optimal performance and integration within a softgel machine production line, its core philosophy centers on mobility, modularity, and process efficiency. By eliminating frequent gelatin transfers and enabling direct feeding to the encapsulation machine, it streamlines workflow, reduces material loss, and enhances overall production hygiene and control.

Key Components & Technical Specifications

• Tank Body: Constructed from high-grade stainless steel in a triple-wall structure (inner shell, water jacket, outer insulation cladding). This design ensures rapid, stable, and uniform heating with excellent temperature retention and a wide heating range. The smooth interior surface allows for easy cleaning and maintenance.
• Stirring System: Features a multi-layer, split-flow agitator designed to create thorough and homogeneous mixing of the gelatin mass. This prevents localized heating or settling, guaranteeing consistent material quality crucial for the softgel capsule machine process.
• Heating & Temperature Control System: Utilizes a water-jacket heating method for gentle and precise thermal management. A temperature probe at the tank bottom provides accurate readings of the gelatin mass itself, enabling faithful and reliable control for perfect melt consistency.
• Hydraulic Lifting System: The hydraulic system is integrally assembled with the stirring mechanism, creating a compact footprint that saves valuable floor space. It allows for smooth elevation and lowering of the entire stirring assembly, facilitating easy access for cleaning and inspection.
• Discharge & Functional Ports: Employs a side-wall discharge port, which is connected directly to the hopper of the softgel making machine. Various other ports are provided for vacuum connection, water inlet/outlet, and sensors.
• Mobility & Support Structure:The unit is mounted on a frame fitted with robust polyurethane swivel casters, ensuring effortless, stable, and safe movement across the plant floor. Support feet with locking mechanisms provide stability during operation.
• Split-Type Vacuum Degassing System (Included): The tank is accompanied by a separate mobile vacuum pump trolley. This innovative split design is a key benefit:

1. Reduced Tank Weight: The main tank is lighter and much easier to move.
2. Shared Resource: Multiple mobile melting tanks can share a single vacuum pump trolley,offering substantial cost savings.
3. Simple Workflow: Prior to gelatin preparation, the vacuum trolley is moved to the tank and connected via a quick-connect hose for degassing. After degassing is complete, the hose is disconnected, and the trolley is moved away. The tank can then be transported directly to the soft gelatin encapsulation machine area without being encumbered by the vacuum system.

Operational Workflow & Integration with Softgel Encapsulation

1.  Preparation & Degassing: Ingredients are loaded into the mobile tank. The vacuum pump trolley is connected to evacuate air from the gelatin mass, preventing bubbles that could disrupt encapsulation.
2.  Heating & Mixing: The temperature-controlled heating and stirring system activates to melt and homogenize the gelatin.
3.  Mobile Transfer: Once the gelatin mass is prepared, the vacuum trolley is disconnected. The tank is then wheeled directly to the softgel production area.
4.  Direct Feeding: The tank’s discharge port is connected to the gelatin spreader boxes of the rotary die softgel machine. The hydraulic system can be used to adjust the height for optimal material flow into the machine’s gelatin reservoir (gelatin box).

Significant Advantages

• Minimized Waste: Gelatin is prepared, stored, and used from the same vessel, virtually eliminating losses associated with transfer between containers.
• Enhanced Flexibility & Efficiency:Mobile units allow for dynamic production scheduling and quick changeovers between different gelatin formulations for different soft gel capsule machine lines.
• Reduced Labor Intensity: Easy mobility and ergonomic design simplify handling compared to fixed tanks or heavy integrated units.
• Space Optimization: The compact, integrated design and the shared vacuum system free up valuable production area.
• Cost-Effective:The ability for several tanks to share one vacuum system reduces capital investment and maintenance costs.
• Improved Process Control: Precise in-mass temperature control and uniform mixing ensure a consistent, high-quality feed for the soft gelatin making machine, directly contributing to superior softgel production.