Gelatin Coloring Mixing Machine | Batch Color

Product Overview

Our Softgel gelatin coloring machine is a purpose-built high-shear dispersing system designed specifically for the pigmentation of gelatin solutions in softgel capsule manufacturing. The softgel capsule coloring machine combines a vertically lifting high-shear mixing head with variable frequency speed control, delivering uniform pigment dispersion throughout the gelatin batch without introducing air bubbles or causing shear degradation of the gelatin matrix.

Thegelatin solution coloring equipment operates as a stationary overhead unit positioned above your existing gelatin service tank. After the coloring cycle is complete, the mixing head lifts clear of the vessel, allowing the gelatin tank to be moved onward to the encapsulation line. This lift-out architecture ensures rapid batch changeover, easy access for cleaning, and compatibility with multiple service tanks in multi-product production facilities.

Color Consistency Engineering

Achieving uniform, reproducible color batch after batch is one of the most critical quality challenges in softgel production. Our Softgel gelatin coloring machine is engineered around three core principles that ensure consistent pigment dispersion:

Controlled High-Shear Deagglomeration
The rotor-stator dispersing head generates intense localized shear forces that break down pigment agglomerates down to primary particle size. Unlike simple propeller mixers that only circulate the bulk liquid, the high-shear head actively processes every gelatin volume that passes through the rotor-stator gap - ensuring no undispersed pigment clusters remain in the final product.
• 0 – 1,400 RPM variable speed via VFD control - matched to pigment type and gelatin viscosity
• Precision-machined SS316L rotor-stator assembly for repeatable shear intensity
• Circulating flow pattern draws gelatin upward through the shear zone and discharges radially outward

Reproducible Immersion Depth

Color variation often stems from inconsistent mixing head positioning relative to the gelatin surface. Our hydraulic lift system delivers precise, repeatable vertical positioning:
• 700 mm lifting stroke with upper and lower limit switches for consistent immersion depth
• Hydraulic track mechanism ensures smooth, vibration-free vertical travel
• Position can be stopped at any point along the stroke - adaptable to different batch volumes
• Integrated level sensor confirms proper submergence before mixing initiates

Batch-to-Batch Process Repeatability

Every parameter that affects color dispersion is controllable and recordable:
• Digital speed setting with VFD - same RPM every batch, no operator variation
• Programmable mixing time and ramp-up profiles
• Standardized rotor-stator geometry across all machines - scale-up without re-characterization
• Consistent hydraulic positioning ensures identical flow patterns batch after batch

Process Workflow & Operation

The Softgel gelatin coloring machine integrates seamlessly into standard softgel gelatin preparation workflows:

Tank Positioning

Gelatin service tank (pre-melted and degassed) is positioned under the dispersing head

Head Lowering

Hydraulic lift lowers the mixing head into the gelatin solution to the pre-set immersion depth

Pigment Addition

Colorant (liquid or powder pigment dispersion) is added to the gelatin surface

Dispersion Cycle

High-shear mixer runs at controlled speed for the specified duration - pigment is drawn through the rotor-stator gap and uniformly dispersed throughout the batch

Head Lift & Tank Removal

After cycle completion, the mixing head lifts clear of the vessel; the colored gelatin tank moves forward to holding or directly to the encapsulation line

Quick Cleaning

Mixing head can be rinsed in-place by lowering into a rinse tank, or the shaft assembly can be disassembled for full cleaning between product changeovers

Common Coloring Challenges & Solutions

Color Quality Issue	Root Cause	Engineering Solution
Color specks / spots in finished capsules - visible undispersed pigment particles	Pigment agglomerates not broken down; insufficient shear energy	Rotor-stator high-shear head generates intense localized shear that deagglomerates pigment down to primary particle size; adjustable speed matched to pigment hardness
Batch-to-batch color variation - noticeable shade differences between production runs	Inconsistent mixing time, speed, or head immersion depth between operators	VFD digital speed control + hydraulic positioning with limit switches + programmable timer - all critical parameters are set values, not operator judgment
Uneven color distribution - darker and lighter zones within the same batch	Poor bulk circulation; pigment only processed near the mixing zone	Combined high-shear dispersion with radial discharge flow pattern - processed gelatin is pushed outward and downward, creating full-tank circulation through the shear zone
Air entrainment / foaming - bubbles in gelatin affecting capsule quality	Vortex formation at the surface; mixing too close to the liquid surface	Controlled immersion depth keeps rotor fully submerged; gradual speed ramp-up prevents surface vortexing; sub-surface pigment addition option available
Gelatin viscosity loss after coloring - degraded bloom strength	Excessive shear or prolonged high-speed mixing breaks down gelatin molecular chains	Variable speed control allows optimized shear intensity - just enough to disperse pigment without over-processing the gelatin matrix; timed cycles prevent over-mixing
Cross-contamination risk between color changeovers	Difficult-to-clean mixing assembly; pigment residue in crevices	Lift-out design provides full access to the mixing head; SS316L polished surfaces; shaft assembly disassembles without tools for thorough cleaning and visual inspection

Hygienic Design & Cleanability

Materials of Construction

All product-contact parts: SS316L stainless steel
Electropolished surfaces (Ra ≤ 0.8 μm) for easy cleaning
Frame and support structure: SS304 square tube construction
Hydraulic tracks: corrosion-protected steel

Cleaning Accessibility

Full lift-out head - complete access to all wetted surfaces
Quick-disconnect shaft assembly - no tools required for disassembly
Rinse-in-place capability using a dedicated wash tank
No dead legs or crevices in the product-contact zone
Smooth, polished rotor-stator surfaces resist pigment buildup

Technical Specifications

Parameter	CM Standard	CM-W Wide Frame
Dispersion Motor Power	7.5 kW	7.5 kW
Mixing Speed Range	0 – 1,400 RPM (VFD variable frequency control)
Hydraulic Lift Power	0.75 kW hydraulic cylinder drive
Lifting Stroke	700 mm
Product Contact Material	SS316L stainless steel
Compatible Tank Volume	200 – 500 L gelatin service tanks	300 – 800 L gelatin service tanks
Electrical Supply	380V / 3-phase / 50Hz (configurable to local standards)
Control Components	Schneider electrical components; Siemens frequency converter
Footprint (L × W)	1,365 × 500 mm	1,600 × 800 mm
Overall Height (lowered)	2,400 mm	2,070 mm
Overall Height (fully lifted)	3,150 mm	2,770mm

Standard & Optional Configurations

Standard Configuration

• 7.5 kW high-shear disperser with SS316L rotor-stator head
• Hydraulic lifting system with 700 mm stroke and limit switches
• VFD variable speed control (0 – 1,400 RPM)
• Push-button control panel with speed display, lift controls, and emergency stop
• Level sensor for immersion confirmation
• SS316L product-contact surfaces (electropolished)
• SS304 stainless steel frame with adjustable leveling feet
• Schneider electrical components, Siemens frequency converter

Optional Upgrades

• 21 CFR Part 11 Compliance Package: Electronic signatures, audit trail, user access level control for regulated pharmaceutical production
• Sub-Surface Pigment Injection Port: Closed pigment addition below the gelatin surface to prevent dusting and reduce air entrainment
• Tank Alignment Guide System: Floor-mounted positioning guides for consistent tank placement under the mixing head
• Dedicated Wash Cart: Mobile SS316 rinse tank for in-place cleaning of the dispersing head between batches
• Multiple Rotor-Stator Heads: Interchangeable heads with different gap sizes for varying pigment types and viscosities
• Temperature Probe Integration: In-line temperature monitoring to ensure gelatin stays within optimal processing range during coloring

Compliance & Quality

FDA-Compatible Materials: All product-contact components use SS316L stainless steel - compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 211 requirements for non-reactive, non-absorptive equipment surfaces
EU GMP Alignment: Hygienic design supports cleanability and visual inspection requirements for pharmaceutical manufacturing
CE Marking Available: Full CE certification package for European market installations
Material Traceability: Material Test Reports (MTR) available for all SS316L product-contact components
Documentation Package: Operation manual, maintenance manual, electrical schematics, and spare parts list included; IQ/OQ documentation available on request