Ribbon mixers are used to blend liquid and powder. They are homogeneous and have a high loading coefficient. Mixing powder, liquid, paste, and heavy materials is particularly well-suited for this mixer. The chemical, pharmaceutical, and pesticide industries may use them.
Multiple openings
A ribbon mixer is an industrial mixer used to mix two different materials. It employs a countercurrent motion to mix raw ingredients. It is constructed from stainless steel, manganese steel, or mild steel. Depending on the application, the ribbon mixer may have multiple openings to ensure the smooth flow of materials.
Due to the complex shape and size, ribbon mixers need enough space for proper operation. The most common access method is a hatch on the top of the mixer. However, there are also designs that use sliding or tilting covers. Some manufacturers also propose a ribbon extraction system. However, this adds cost and mechanical complexity.
Heavy duty design
The heavy-duty design of ribbon mixers has two essential advantages. One is a large loading capacity of 70 percent, and the other is a more compact design. In addition, the mixer’s cylinders are inclined 180 to 300 degrees, allowing the interior ribbon to move material further away from the discharge door. Another benefit is the two-part design, which allows for thorough cleaning.
The discharge gate on a ribbon mixer depends on the blended cycle time and materials. For example, a drop-bottom gate may not be suitable if fine ingredients are mixed. A slide gate discharges more slowly but seals tightly. Multiple slide gates can also provide a tight seal while removing the product more quickly.
Variable frequency drive
The variable frequency drive is an integral part of the ribbon blender. It allows the user to control the speed and soft start of the agitator. It is beneficial in mixing fast-flowing powders and granular materials.
Traditionally, ribbon mixers used a belt drive. This drive involved flexible belts and pulleys in generating the desired speeds. However, a newer, direct-drive version uses a one-piece hollow shaft gear motor that transmits power directly to the screw ribbon rotor. This drive provides a high dynamic capacity, which is essential for applications with high start/stop cycles. In addition, this type of drive requires less maintenance and performs better than other designs.
When choosing a ribbon mixer, consider its price, material type, and operating process. A direct gear reducer is the most expensive, while a motor-pulley-belt transmission is the most economical. For wet materials, a discharge plug valve is a good option. A pneumatically operated valve can provide more precise discharge.
Multipurpose application
When selecting a ribbon mixer, it is essential to consider the specific needs of your application. Whether you mix two or more constituents in one batch, you must choose a model with the appropriate capacity and speed. The size of your raw materials will determine the power of your mixer. When mixing liquids, the ribbon agitator can be fitted with atomizing nozzles to spray liquids evenly throughout the trough. A pneumatically operated valve can also be installed to control the discharge rate.
The ribbon mixer is ideal for mixing wet or easily aggregated powders. It can be used to mix dry and wet powders and can also be used to mix high-viscosity substances. It has an easy-to-clean design and is ideal for various mixing processes.