Start-up losses

Picture on the left: The amixon® continuous mixer completely eliminates start-up and shut-down losses. 

Start-up losses occur when a plant transitions from a standstill to operation. During this start-up phase, process parameters such as temperature, throughput, level or moisture content have not yet stabilised. The product produced during this period often fails to meet the required specifications. It must be discarded, reprocessed or used as substandard goods. In addition, losses arise from unused raw materials, energy consumption and time. 

In continuous processes, start-up losses can account for a significant proportion of total costs, particularly when the plant is switched on and off frequently. In bulk material handling, start-up losses occur, for example, when mixers, dryers, mills or conveyor systems are brought up to speed. The aim of process design is to minimise the duration and frequency of such start-up phases and to ensure that the transition to steady-state operation is as short and reproducible as possible.