How to dissolve Alginate

By Rapid Stirring

• Use a propeller-type agitator or similar device to vigorously stir the water, creating a large vortex that fills the entire container.^※1
• Sprinkle the alginate powder gradually into the wall of the vortex created in the container.^※2
• Continue rapid stirring until no undissolved particles remain visible.

• The stirring device must have the capability to sufficiently stir the water inside the container and the power to stir the liquid, which becomes highly viscous after hydration.
• Occasionally stop stirring to check if any powder has adhered to the propeller or the walls of the container. If adhesion is observed, use a spatula or similar tool to scrape it off, and then continue mixing.

If clumps form・・・

If the powder is not properly dispersed when added, the surface of the powder will become wet and clump together, forming large clumps. But don’t worry. Even if large clumps form, if left undisturbed overnight (or for an extended period)^※3, they will eventually swell and dissolve on their own.
If you have enough time, creating the clumps intentionally at the beginning and allowing them to slowly swell over time is also an option.

• Leaving alginate in water at room temperature for an extended period may lead to quality degradation, such as viscosity reduction. If storing for a long time, it is recommended to keep it in a cool, dark place, such as in a refrigerator.

By Premixing with Dispersing Agent

By premixing with dispersing agents such as sugar or salt before adding to water, the alginate will disperse and dissolve cleanly without forming clumps, even with poor stirring. To achieve good dispersibility, it is necessary to mix the alginate powder uniformly with at least six times its weight of dispersing agent.

Alginate premixed with sugar disperses easily in water without forming clumps, even with poor stirring.

The alginate powder begins to hydrate, but since the particles are properly dispersed, it does not form large clumps.

A dispersed solution without clumps has been obtained. If left as is or gently stirred, a clear alginate solution will be achieved in a short time.

There is also a method that uses alcohol as a dispersing agent. By adding a small amount of alcohol (such as ethanol) to alginate powder and creating a slurry with fluidity (a mud- or porridge-like dispersion), then quickly adding water, a dispersion without clumps can be achieved. Once the dispersion is made, a uniform solution can be obtained by gentle stirring.

Alcohol is added to alginate to create a slurry. A slightly higher amount of alcohol makes it easier to achieve dispersion.

Water is added to the slurry. The key is to stir while adding the water to prevent the alginate powder from settling.

A dispersion without clumps has been obtained. If left as is or with gentle stirring, a clear alginate solution can be obtained in a short time.

By Using an Eductor

An eductor enables efficient dispersion and hydration in a short time without high-powered stirring devices or dispersing agents. Its simple structure with no need for power (electricity) make installation and cleanup easy.

With Eductor

Without Eductor

By using a polymer disperser (eductor), the powder is absorbed by the water flow, preventing the formation of clumps without dispersing agents or high-powered stirring. The alginate powder dissolves efficiently in water.

How to Use

Connect the hopper and water supply to the eductor and locate above the mixing tank.

Turning on the water supply creates a partial vacuum. The alginate powder is transported from the hopper into the mixing tank. Once all the powder in the hopper has been added, fill the tank with water to the required level.

^* The use of hot water may degrade the alginate viscosity.