When choosing the suitable ribbon mixer for your business, it’s essential to consider several factors. These include size, power, construction, and discharge requirements.
A ribbon mixer consists of a U-shaped horizontal trough and an agitator of inner and outer helical ribbons that are pitched to move material axially, in opposing directions, and radially. This combination promotes fast and thorough blending.
Size
The size of the suitable ribbon mixer for your business depends on the amount of material to be mixed and the mixing speed. This is especially true for solid pastes and high-liquid ingredients.
Ribbon blenders are industrial mixers with a U-shaped trough with a horizontal agitator consisting of inner and outer helical ribbons. This creates a radial and axial flow pattern that allows the materials to be mixed properly.
A ribbon mixer is a good choice for powders and bulk solids. However, they can also be used for blending liquids.
A specialized ribbon blender model can combine large ingredients. This machine is more accessible with working platforms, steps, and feeders for automatic loading.
Power
A ribbon blender is a powerful machine that can be used for various applications. This type of equipment is an excellent choice for businesses looking to make many products quickly and easily.
These machines are ideal for various solid-solid and liquid-solid mixing applications. They are also helpful in preparing pastes, slurries, and even solid-liquid suspensions.
A ribbon mixer can be fitted with a screw extrusion agitator for shear-sensitive blending applications. The screw inflates and agitates the material as it flows around the agitator blades to help mix thick pastes and other dense materials.
Construction
A ribbon mixer is a highly effective tool for mixing many different materials. They can mix grout, fine gravel, cake mixes, pet food, cereals, and pharmaceutical chemicals.
The agitator of the ribbon mixer rotates and moves material both radially and laterally to blend ingredients thoroughly in short cycle times. It also allows for rapidly mixing powders and granular that are difficult to combine with other agitators due to their stick or cohesion character.
Some ribbon agitators also feature plows and paddles that make it possible to have better mixing, even on the walls of the mixer. Depending on the application, this type of ribbon agitator can also be changed to include double agitators for added power and functionality.
One of the essential maintenance tips for a ribbon blender is to keep the rotating shaft and agitator adequately lubricated. This can help prevent damage and prolong the machine’s lifespan.
Discharge
A ribbon mixer is a U-shaped horizontal trough with an agitator of inner and outer helical ribbons that move radially and axially. It is a good choice for mixing various solids and liquids, including foods, paints, and petrochemicals.
The discharge from a ribbon mixer typically flows through a valve at the trough’s bottom center. The type of valve that is best suited for your application will depend on the nature and properties of the material being processed.
The valve can be manually operated, electrically, or pneumatically. It should have an intelligent design that ensures consistent discharge without wastage of blended materials. It should also be sealed to prevent leakage. This will provide a safe working environment for your employees.
