Ribbon mixers are ideal for mixing free-flowing products that require a low degree of shear. They can handle liquids, solids, and pastes. They can also be equipped with paddle agitators or choppers for mixing delicate products.
Mixer selection should be based on container volume capacities and the characteristics of your ingredients. This will ascertain that the agitator profile perfectly matches your mixing cycle.
Versatility
Ribbon mixers are a versatile option for mixing dry ingredients and powders. They are used for pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and dietary supplements to add binders, fillers, and other elements to create the final product.
These mixers can be configured to use different agitator types, depending on the material being mixed. Some agitators are better suited for shear-sensitive ingredients, while others can provide increased shear for more rigid materials.
The type of discharge gate can also influence the mixing cycle and mix profile. For example, drop bottom gates may discharge quickly but can be hard to seal, while slide valves offer a slower discharge but can provide a tight seal. Lastly, the shaft speed of your mixer can impact the operating costs and maintenance requirements.
Efficiency
Ribbon mixers are practical in many industries because they can easily blend dry and solid materials. These machines have twin agitators that allow them to mix the ingredients quickly. Additionally, they can seal the products inside the mixing tank. This is because they come with compression robes that can eliminate any leakage of products from the mixing tank.
The best ribbon mixers also feature a direct drive motor that does not suffer from issues like belt slippage and stretching. This reduces the amount of maintenance they need to perform. They also have tight gaps between the channel surfaces and agitator tips that prevent any powder from hiding in these gaps and contaminating fresh material. It is essential to consider the volume and batch size your ribbon mixer can handle when choosing one.
Convenience
Ribbon mixers are convenient for mixing shear-sensitive ingredients. Since they are gentle and do not cause a lot of shear, these mixers are suitable for mixing solid ingredients and liquid coatings. They are also easy to clean and sanitize.
These mixers come with a U-shaped basin that is used to mix products. They can be made of stainless steel or other materials that are safe to use for food processing. It also have hatches or a cover that you can remove to access the inside of the mixer for loading and cleaning purposes.
They can be driven by a motor through belts and pulleys or by a direct drive via a gear reducer. The latter type of drive system is more energy efficient and lowers power consumption.
Safety
Ribbon mixers use dual helix agitators that rotate to achieve the mixing process. They can be made of stainless steel, and lubrication reduces friction during operation. They also feature a discharge valve and a top cover that can seal to avoid leakage. These features prevent cross-contamination and keep products safe from damage.
It is essential to choose a mixer that has the correct working volume for your products. Mixers with too little capacity may not create sufficient contact between the agitator and the product.
It would help if you also considered the temperature of your products. Too much heat can cause them to melt or scorch. This can affect the consistency of your product and create lumps. This is why you should use a mixer with an insulated design and cooling systems.
Customization
Ribbon mixers are customizable in many ways to meet the needs of various industries. For example, they can be designed to include a variety of discharge valves to suit different powder blending requirements. These can include plug valves for low to medium-density products, butterfly valves for liquid pressure applications, and various other options.
The agitator type can also be customized to match the specific ingredients you use. For example, paddles work better for some types of abrasive elements sensitive to shear. Dual agitators can also help minimize the mixing times required to achieve your desired results.
Other customization options include a stainless steel finish or food-grade materials to prevent contamination. You can also select the right motor power to ensure your machine can handle your production requirements.
Read more exciting articles on Smartmetaclicks
