BUSS Kneader series KX

The most efficient mixing technology for anode paste

For more than 60 years the Buss Kneader series KE and CP have been the benchmark for cost-effective compounding of anode paste. We continue the tradition with genuine KX technology. Safe. Efficient. Proven.

In 2012, ten years after the successful introduction of 4-flighted screw technology in plastics compounding – thereby doubling output rates and setting new benchmarks in terms of mixing efficiency – Buss AG undertook to adapt and enhance the proven solver-based math model-ling tools for anode paste mixing.

The resulting 4-flighted KX geometry has the following main advantages over traditional 3-flighted technology of the CP kneader:

  • Up to 50% more throughput for the same machine size
  • More intense mixing thanks to 33%additional shear surface
  • Improved microdispersion due to 45%higher flow separation rate
  • Bigger volumetric capacity

Process Aspects

The KX process zone is divided into four sections, each with a specific purpose and screw geometry:

  • Intake section: The intake section takes up the incoming coke and transports it into the process zone by feeding elements with continuous flights.
  • Transition section: In the transition section, liquid pitch is directly injected into the feedstock via drilled kneading bolts. At the end of this section, the screw profile changes from transport to mixing and kneading.
  • Kneading section: In the kneading and mixing section, the focus is on optimum mixing. Innumerable flow separations and reorientations with uniform shear rates ensure maximum homogeneity.
  • Dynamic throttling: Dynamic throttling is an innovative feature that replaces the flap-die used previously. Screw flights with reduced feeding effect slow down the mass flow to increase the filling degree in the kneading section, resulting in optimized mixing.

Features & Benefits

  • Improved anode quality thanks to 4-flight mixing technology and dynamic throttling

  • Higher specific output per machine size

  • Less maintenance cost due to shorter process zone and dynamic throttling

  • Less investment, installation and maintenance cost through electrical heating and omission of hydraulic closing system

  • Improved safety and user-friendliness through electrical heating

  • Optimal mixing and pitch dispersion through injection of liquid pitch, preventing accretion and lumping at the same time

  • No volatile emissions due to liquid pitch injection

  • Improved accessibility through omission of external screw shaft bearing

  • Shorter downtimes and improved service-ability

  • Reduced space requirement due to shorter and more compact machine design

  • Improved price/performance ratio in terms of investment, operating and maintenance costs

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Typical Application

Anode paste is critically important for the industrial production of aluminium (aluminum).

Read more about anode paste

Technical Data & Application

  • BUSS Kneader Series KX
  • Aluminium Journal: Four-Flight Technology greatly enhances throughput and quality
  • Aluminium Times: KX Kneader series launch