Mixers

Batch Ribbon Mixers

BATCH MIXERS

Mixers of specific capacity, mix each time the specific batch, e.g. 1000 kg in the specific mixing time, e.g. 3 min.

There are the dead times of filling and emptying.

There is usually a (horizontal) rotating shaft with either 2 rows of counter-current stirring knives, or fins, or “paddles”, depending on the requirements of the mixture.

There are also mixers with 2 shafts, upright conical mixers with planetary rotation of the rotating shaft, shaftless mixers with strong body movement, etc.

At the outlet of the mixer, there is a discharge door, usually driven by a pneumatic cylinder. The tightness of the outlet gate, the 100% emptying of the mixer are matters to be taken care of.

Also, the mixing time and the degree of homogeneity of the mixture are related to the cost and quality of each mixer.

To increase the efficiency of the mixing line, it is useful to place a pre-hopper and a post-hopper of equal capacity before and after the mixer.

Mixers with plows

PLOUGH-SHARE MIXERS

They are mixers, which have plows on their shaft, shaped like the plow that plows the earth. They are applied to more abrasive products, where the ribbon mixer would show wear.

Vertical mixers

VERTICAL MIXERS

Vertical or vertical mixers consist of the main body – silo and the vertical auger, which lifts the product through the silo and throws it to the highest point inside like a fountain. They are mainly used in plastic and animal feed factories. Also, in addition to mixing, they continuously recirculate the product, e.g. so that it does not collect moisture.

Mixing cones

CONICAL MIXERS

Conical mixers have a cone shape and inside there is an inclined screw, which in addition to its rotation, also rotates around the vertical axis of the mixer (planetary rotation). The combination of these two movements achieves a mixing of very high homogeneity. The German house NAUTA was the first to manufacture this mixer, that’s why it is known as NAUTA MIXER.

Rotary mixers

DRUM MIXERS

Rotary mixers or drum mixers or flavoring mixers consist of a horizontally rotating drum and have some helical flights inside. They are applied to very sensitive products and, especially when some liquid or perfume is to be added in the form of a spray.

Mixing continuously

CONTINUOUS MIXERS

Continuous flow mixers are applied when the raw materials are continuously fed (and not in batches).

The mixing time that each particle remains in the mixer is much shorter.

Even an auger could mix materials with the same principle of operation.

Continuous mixers have much higher throughput and usually the accuracy of the recipe is no priority.