3. Conclusion

While we can expect good precision in estimating the stirring power and heat transfer coefficient for a given stirrer, thanks in particular to the progress and precision of measuring equipment, the determination of mixing times remains highly imprecise, especially for viscoelastic media, since it is highly dependent on the experimental technique used.

Proximity stirrers seem to be the obvious choice for homogenizing pasty products. Similarly, it seems preferable to use such stirring systems equipped with a double jacket when heat transfer operations are to be carried out with pastes. However, great care must be taken when optimizing their geometrical and operating characteristics, to avoid potential malfunctions due to rheological complexity.