Ribbon Blender
A ribbon blender is a batch mixer that uses helix ribbons on an agitator shaft to gently mix dry bulk solid materials together to form a homogenized mix. Typically, the outer ribbons that are 180° apart, convey the material in one direction, while the inner ribbons move the material in the opposite direction. The balance is to design surfaces, pitch and speed to uniformly mix the material to deliver maximum performance. Homogenous mixing is measured as a coefficient of variation (CV) of less than 10, which can be achieved in a ribbon mixer in 2-4 minutes.
Paddle Mixer
A paddle mixer uses a series of offset paddles to perform the same mixing action as the above described ribbon blender. The precise balance of shaft speeds, paddle component pitch, width and spacing, along with width-to-length body ratios are critical to maximizing mixing performance. The advantage of a paddle mixer the ease of cleaning. Regarding the choice for mixing various constituents, testing is recommended to determine the best mixing technology.
Plough Share Mixer
The plowshare mixer offers a unique mixing action accomplished by a horizontal shaft evolving at a high rate of speed, rapidly projecting and hurling the mix materials away from the vessel wall into free space, filling the entire vessel. This mixing action causes the materials to crisscross in the direction of the vessel walls and inversely back again, providing a high volume rate of material transfer throughout the entire length of the vessel. This blending action is the result of special mixing element shapes and speeds within the closed vessel, which transmits energy to the mass of material in the form of particle speed, with a minimum impact and subsequent degradation even with fragile materials.
Continuous Mixer
Continuous mixers are charged through a port mounted on the top side of the carrying end of the mixer. Typically working at a 50% fill level, the adjustable advanced mixing paddles put the product into a three-dimensional motion, resulting in a superior mix achieved during a short retention time. The discharge of the product can be through an adjustable weir to adjust retention time and mix level. These units are sized based on testing, and on the overall volumetric requirements of the application.