Mixing and steeping

[Jen]

Mar 1, 2013 10:02:46 GMT JimmyJ said:

"NEVER shake your final mix too much because you are breaking the connections of it."

Sounds too technical for me

Well, having an incredibly rudimentary grasp of physics and chemistry...they're all particles suspended in a carrier, aren't they? And shaking them means they become even more dispersed giving a better and more even distribution of flavour particles, I would have thought. No idea what 'connections' he's talking about! If you could 'break' things apart on a molecular level by shaking them, we'd all be in trouble

[Frogster (The Alchemist)]

Very true Jen,

Question = Why do Laboratories use ultrasonic frequency, vibrating plates, tables, containers, etc , to mix component chemicals together ? (for the technical minded, this is called microfluid mixing using low frequency and oscillating vibration).

Answer = To ensure even distribution and mix.

Hence, the advice given to "not shake" is wrong!! This requires us to question all his other advice.


Edit to add...

Microfluidic mixing is taking it a step further, but shows the lengths taken to ensure molecular diffusion of liquids, Much research has been undertaken, for example:-

Microfluidic mixing under low frequency vibration.
Source:- Dept. of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Monash University, VIC 3800, Australia.
Abstract
In the laminar flow regime which characterizes the operation of most microfluidic systems, mixing is governed primarily by molecular diffusion. An increase in the interfacial surface between the fluids contained in the system facilitates the mixing process. This can be obtained by active external perturbation, requiring complex systems and complex operation, or passively by clever design over the geometrical constraints.

Loads more info out there..... Google is your friend!

[flipflop]

So, I've been mixing for about 9 months now.
I always shake my mixes.
Surly this mixes the different elements together making for a more even mix.
Or am I just completely wrong?
How do I mix without shaking?
I'm confused.
???

[Frogster (The Alchemist)]

Flipflop..... give it a good shake.

[flipflop]

Cheers Frogster,
I feel good na na na na na na.

[Jen]

Or you could do an anti-James Bond, and have it stirred, not shaken

[andy01424]

so think best way then using movement would be A: Take up Zumba Classes or B: attend Weight Watcher class put bottles on well bouncy floor!

[Jen]

Stick em on top of the washing machine

[kruegerbait]

The quote in the OP was an email sent to Todd from someone who has attended an Atmos Labs Seminar about their experiments in mixing, with this is in mind I thought I'd give it a go. At the moment I've got 2 batches of identical mixes steeping, one using my usual lid off etc. method and one using the Atmos labs method. They will have been steeping two weeks by next weekend, I'll let you know if I notice anything different. I'm not expecting much to be honest, but who knows?

[Jen]

That's a really good idea, kruegerbait - the results will be v. enlightening

[kruegerbait]

I'm tempted to have a look but the drawers are staying shut until Monday the 10th. For anyone interested I'll let you know what I have done so far.

I have made two batches of liquids, each containing the same 4 mixes. I have tried to make them as varied as possible, one is a straight up fruit mix Green Apple, one is a tobacco American Red, one is Perps Vanilla Custard, and one uses 4 ingredients Harvest Berry Pie.

The first four were mixed using my original method, adding the ingredients in the order they appear on the calculator then shaking until my arms drop off . The lids and caps are removed and then they are put away in dark drawers.

The second four were mixed using the Atmos method, adding the flavours first followed by VG, Nic base, then PG. I did a very gentle shake for less than 30 seconds, left the lids on then put them away in dark drawers.

I'll post the results when they are ready and some photos if the colours are different.

[OneDay]

This will be fascinating

Sent from Proboards Mobile

[Perpetua]

They will indeed . . . though I shall probably still stick to doing what I do, cos I'm happy enough with the end result.

[Deleted]

So has anyone tried Atmos Labs' juice ?

Presumably by their mixing advice they have counteracted the effects of entropy. Someone should inform CERN.

[chykensa]

I will await your results with some considerable interest Krueger - I always steep with tops on, and as someone else said, it's good enough for me.
Andy