Things to Consider When Choosing Ribbon Mixers

When purchasing a ribbon mixer, there are several factors to keep in mind. These include size and volume, motor power, and discharge valves. The size and motor power of the mixer will significantly affect the final performance, so take the time to choose a model that fits your facility’s needs. Then, read on for more information. Choosing a mixer is an integral part of improving the quality of your manufacturing and processing operations.

Size

There are several different sizes and types of ribbon blenders. PATTERSON, for example, produces a 90-cubic-foot Ribbon Blender, which is ideally suited for manufacturing wall coverings. In addition, its 19-cubic-foot (.54-cubic-meter) capacity Ribbon Blender is ideal for processing precious metals. PATTERSON Size A ‘G’ Standard Duty Ribbon Blender, on the other hand, features a 0.8-cubic-foot (0.6-cubic-meter) capacity and is equipped with a pneumatically operated 10-inch Knife Gate Valve.

When choosing the size of a ribbon mixer, remember to consider the type of materials you’ll be using and the process you need to follow. By selecting a machine that blends materials uniformly, you’ll prevent downstream problems like lumps and debris. You can even ask the supplier for help customizing features and ensuring compatibility with your process. For example, if you need a horizontal Ribbon Blender, you can choose the APEC Horizontal Ribbon Blender.

Volume

When choosing ribbon mixers, it’s best to choose models with a large capacity. These mixers can handle larger batches and require more liquid than a standard blender. However, they are also an excellent choice for small batch sizes. The volume of liquid a ribbon blender can hold depends on the type of product it’s making. Manual mixers require that materials are added before running. In addition, the liquid flow rate is usually adjusted throughout the mixing process to prevent wet powder clumps or a batch’s flooding.

Ribbon mixers come in stainless steel and carbon steel. If mixing food-grade materials, you’ll need to choose a stainless steel mixer. Stainless steel is also more hygienic than mild steel, so select a food-grade model. Otherwise, choose a carbon steel mixer. You can also set a custom-finish mixer if you need to ensure the materials it’s made from are food-grade.

Motor power

When choosing ribbon mixers, there are several factors to consider:

1. You must choose the material for the parts that come in contact with the raw material and those that do not. Consider the processing conditions, the employees’ health, and the nature of raw materials.
2. You must choose the motor power according to the material, fluidity, and application.
3. You should also consider whether you need auxiliary components like sprays, heating, cooling, etc.

As for the driving system, you should choose between electric, pneumatic or manual.

There are several advantages of using a gear motor to drive ribbon mixers. It offers more excellent dynamic performance and reliability than a traditional electric motor. It can also be used with electronic inverters, which provide enhanced speed control, overload protection, and adjustable starting torques. A helical ribbon mixer does not require elaborate controls to operate. It requires only a start and stops button. In addition, pre-wired control panels have an emergency stop keypad to lock out the main power source in an emergency. Finally, a warning label for your employees’ protection is also helpful.

Discharge valves

There are several factors to consider when choosing a ribbon mixer. The discharge valve must be able to disperse the finished product, while non-contact parts should be made of stainless steel or mild steel. The materials inside the mixing chamber must be of the same density because if the mixture is too dry, it will not mix properly. Also, the non-contact parts must be pressurized. The non-contact parts will often be equipped with temperature and speed sensors, which will help the user measure shaft rotation and speed. Some ribbon mixers also feature weld finishes, ranging from standard to sanitary. Finally, the discharge gate can be fitted with a valve that permits partial or complete release of the finished product.

A discharge valve must be installed to prevent the products from spilling into the mixer. It should also be large enough to avoid the products from leaking or clogging. The discharge valve should also be designed to detect the opening or closing of the mixer. A valve with a small opening will prolong the discharge time, resulting in a smaller capacity. In addition to valve size, the tip speed of the paddle must be at least one m/s when loading and discharging. The paddle must also be large enough to prevent clogging.

Agitator type

There are many factors to consider when choosing a ribbon blender, including its capacity and construction materials. Most ribbon mixers require about 30-40% of their rated capacity for proper agitation and contact between the agitator and the material. Make sure to confirm this ratio with the manufacturer of your ribbon blender. If your ribbon mixer is too powerful, you may have problems mixing your product, including inefficient performance and over-flooding.

The size and density of your batch dictate the type of ribbon blender you need. The right horsepower for blending depends on the bulk density of the component materials. For materials with a density of 0.6kg per L, you can choose a standard-duty agitator shaft. For denser materials, you need a heavy-duty mixer. Remember that an oversized batch on a light-duty ribbon blender may overload the motor and cause mechanical failure.