The PATTERSON® Autoclave-Style Grease Kettle can be used for the complete grease manufacturing cycle - saponification, grease finishing and cooling. However, the process time is extended when compared to saponification being performed in a PATTERSON® Contactor. The Contactor with its jacketed vessel construction - jackets over both the shell and cone sections - and double wall construction inner circulation tube offers a greatly increased surface area for transfer of heat to the soap. Coupled with this is the dramatically increased rate of product circulation brought about by the bottom propellor agitator that operates at full or half motor speed (typically 1750/875 rpm or 1500/750 rpm.) This type of agitation/mixing action ensures a homogeneous soap base for transfer to the Grease Finishing/Cooling Kettle where the balance of oils and additives are charged and the final grease product manufactured.

Heating can be either by steam or thermal fluid. At the end of the basic soap manufacturing cycle and after the soap has been initially transferred, there will still be soap residue remaining in the Contactor. The residue is removed by adding more of the base oil, circulating the oil and transferring to the Grease Finishing/Cooling Kettle. This not only removes the residue (removing the potential for fatty acid attacking the steel and causing corrosion pitting) but in addition cools the Contactor in preparation for the next cycle.

Due to the faster production of the soap in the PATTERSON® Contactor, one Contactor can generally service two or more Grease Finishing/Cooling Kettles thus increasing the plant production.

Design Features and Benefits:

• Designed, engineered and manufactured to individual customer specifications.
• Standard sizes range up to a maximum capacity of 1750 USG (6600 litre); can also be supplied in non-standard sizes.
• High product circulation rates achieved by the bottom mounted propellor agitator ensures a faster homogeneous product than with the Grease Kettle.
• Increased heat transfer area together with the mixing action results in a dramatically decreased soap preparation cycle time than with only a Grease Kettle.
• Two-speed motors are standard.
• Pressurized lubrication/cooling system for the mechanical seal included.
• Designed, manufactured, tested and inspected in accordance with the ASME Code Section VIII Division I and with the stamp of the National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors.
• PATTERSON® has over 50 years experience in the design, engineering and manufacture of Agitated Process Vessels, Reactors and Kettles with either single or double motion agitation systems.

See the Specifications for the Contactors.