How SPG Delivered a Buss Mixer Refurbishment to Eliminate Condensation and Improve Hygiene
Buss mixer refurbishment was at the centre of a recently completed project by Specialist Painting Group Ltd. (SPG), as the team delivered a targeted insulation and coating solution to address persistent condensation and hygiene risks on critical food processing equipment. By combining precise surface preparation with specialist insulation coatings, SPG provided a long-term solution designed to improve performance, protect the asset, and eliminate the conditions that could lead to any contamination.
Meeting the Challenge: Condensation on Food Processing Equipment
Buss mixers are commonly used in food manufacturing to combine ingredients such as flour and water. During operation, temperature differentials between the internal process and the external environment can cause the dew point to be reached on the outside of the mixer barrel.
In this Buss mixer refurbishment case, condensation was forming on the exterior of the main body of the Buss mixer, leading to several operational concerns:
Ongoing moisture exposure increasing corrosion risk
Hygiene and contamination challenges within a food processing environment
Conditions conducive to insect infestation
Increased cleaning and maintenance requirements
SPG was tasked with delivering a refurbishment solution that would address the root cause of the problem rather than relying on reactive maintenance.
Surface Preparation to BS EN ISO 8501-1 ST3
As with all refurbishment projects, correct surface preparation was critical to long-term performance. SPG mechanically prepared the Buss mixer to BS EN ISO 8501-1 ST3, ensuring the steel substrate was thoroughly cleaned and ready for coating application.
This process removed corrosion, degraded coatings, and surface contaminants, ensuring ST3 preparation and optimal adhesion of the anti-corrosive and insulation coating systems.
The Solution: Buss Mixer Insulation and Condensation Control
- Anti-Corrosive Priming
Following surface preparation, SPG applied an anti-corrosive primer to the mixer. This layer provides essential corrosion protection and forms a stable foundation for the insulation coating system, extending the service life of the equipment in a moisture-prone environment.
- Hempatherm IC 175 Insulation Coating
To address condensation at source, SPG specified and applied 4mm of Hempatherm IC 175 to the barrel section of the Buss mixer refurbishment.
Hempatherm IC 175 is a specialist insulation coating designed to move the dew point away from the steel substrate, preventing condensation from forming on the surface. The controlled application thickness was key to achieving the required thermal performance.
This insulation solution delivered multiple benefits:
Elimination of condensation on the mixer barrel
Reduced corrosion risk caused by surface moisture
Removal of conditions that encourage insect infestation
Improved hygiene standards within the processing area
- Water-Based Topcoat Finish
To complete the Buss mixer refurbishment, SPG applied a water-based topcoat across the mixer. This final layer provides a durable, sealed, and cleanable finish suitable for food processing environments, while also supporting lower VOC requirements.
Delivering Performance, Hygiene, and Longevity
Throughout the project, SPG’s experienced applicators worked methodically to ensure correct coating application, consistent thickness, and full compliance with manufacturer specifications.
Key delivery priorities included:
High-quality workmanship across all coating stages
Reliable scheduling with minimal operational disruption
A practical, long-term solution focused on performance rather than short-term fixes
The Result: A Long-Term Condensation-Free Buss Mixer
By combining mechanical surface preparation with Hempatherm IC 175 insulation technology, SPG delivered a refurbishment solution that achieved clear, measurable outcomes:
Condensation eliminated from the mixer barrel
Corrosion risk significantly reduced
Insect infestation risk removed at source
Improved hygiene and asset protection
Extended service life of the Buss mixer
Why This Matters
This project demonstrates how Specialist Painting Group Ltd. applies specialist coatings knowledge to solve complex industrial challenges within food processing environments. By focusing on dew point control rather than surface-level symptoms, SPG continues to deliver engineered solutions that protect assets, improve hygiene, and support operational efficiency.
To find out how SPG can support your next industrial refurbishment or insulation coating project, contact the team today.
