ROSS Announces CDA-200 Dual Shaft Mixer for Processing Viscous Pharmaceuticals

Ross has introduced the CDA-200 Dual Shaft Mixer, designed to provide a versatile and cost-effective solution for processing formulations that require both thorough agitation and high-speed dispersive mixing, according to a company news release.¹ This mixer is powerful enough to batch viscous solutions, dispersions, suspensions, and emulsions with viscosities reaching up to 500,000 centipoise. Within the system, two independently driven agitators work together to achieve uniform mixing and dispersion in viscous, dense, and demanding applications. A 10-horsepower anchor agitator ensures the continuous movement of high-viscosity materials, while a 12-inch diameter high-speed disperser, operating between 160 and 1,600 revolutions per minute (RPM), induces the vigorous turbulent flow necessary for effective dispersion.¹

The open disc blade of the disperser, which travels at roughly 5,000 feet per minute, is designed to induce vigorous turbulent flow. This action creates a vortex that allows dry pharmaceutical ingredients to be quickly wetted upon entry into the vessel. To ensure the entire batch is processed evenly, the anchor feeds product towards the high-speed disperser blade and ensures that the mixture is constantly in motion.¹ This dual-action approach is particularly critical when obtaining a good dispersion of fillers into a mixture is critical to end product quality. The mixer is made of high-quality stainless steel type parts and features precision bearings with large bearing spans to minimize vibration and enhance the longevity of the agitation system during continuous use.

What design features address contamination risks and thermal sensitivity in large-scale manufacturing?

A significant advantage of this design is that no bearings or seals are submerged into the product zone, which means better protection against contamination. Thermal control is also managed through the CDA-200 change can design. It features a hydraulic lift that allows for the use of multiple jacketed mix cans which are constructed of stainless-steel type 304 and can be used for heating or cooling temperature-sensitive products. To further assist with temperature regulation and batch uniformity, Teflon scrapers can be installed on the anchor to remove materials from the interior vessel walls,¹ enhancing the mixer's heat transfer capabilities. These scrapers continuously remove material from the vessel walls, helping to keep them clean, improve batch uniformity, and enhance heat transfer across jacketed surfaces, particularly during cooling cycles when viscosity increases.

Manufacturers can improve final product quality by utilizing the application of a vacuum up to 29.5 inches of mercury to minimize air entrapment. This dual shaft mixer supports efficient, high-volume production, as it is capable of processing up to 200 gallons per batch. Safety protocols are also integrated into the workflow, as safety limit switches prevent operation of the mixer when the mix vessel and/or agitators are not in the mixing position.² This ensures that all motors and control panels can be customized to meet specific area classification requirements within a pharmaceutical facility. For fast transfer of the finished product, the system can be used with a discharge system for higher yield and easier cleaning.

What other innovative technologies are coming out of ROSS’s output?

For small-to mid-scale powder processing, the ROSS DCB-5 Double Cone Tumble Blender provides a solution for high-precision manufacturing of dense materials.³ This system achieves repeatable homogeneity, which is vital for ensuring dose uniformity in pharmaceutical solids. A 2 HP intensifier bar featuring dual 6-inch chopper blades operates at up to 1,520 RPM to provide effective deagglomeration of ingredients.³ This ensures that clumps are broken down during the tumble process, resulting in a consistent powder blend. To support thermal requirements, the vessel includes a stainless-steel jacket rated for 50 pounds per square inch gauge for heating or cooling the batch. Additionally, the double cone vessel is rated for vacuum up to 29.5 inches of mercury, enabling efficient vacuum blending and drying via an integrated rotary vane vacuum pump.³

What design elements ensure compliance with high-purity cleaning and safety standards?

Ease of cleaning is paramount to prevent cross-contamination. All product contact parts are polished to a 240-grit finish, and a large, hinged cover allows for sufficient access during cleaning cycles according to a ROSS press release.³ The system is built for stability with an A-profile support frame and integrated guardrails for safe operation. Material discharge is handled via a 6-inch butterfly valve with a Tri-Clamp outlet, providing a secure connection for material transfer. Operators manage all functions through a 7-inch color touch screen interface, which controls the Variable Frequency Drives (VFD) for both the blender and intensifier bar. These integrated VFD units allow for precise speed adjustments, ensuring the blender can be tailored to the specific flow characteristics of different pharmaceutical powders.³

References:

1. Ross. Precise High-Speed Dispersion and Agitation with the ROSS CDA-200 Dual Shaft Mixer. Press Release. Jan 29, 2026.
2. Ross. Benefits of choosing a ROSS Dual Shaft Mixer. Press Release. Jan 29, 2026.
3. Ross. ROSS DCB-5 Double Cone Tumble Blender Achieves Superior Homogeneity in Heavy-Duty Applications.Press Release. Dec 30, 2025.