Principle:
It's an “Agitator Mixer”.
It works on the mechanism of Shear and Convective Mixing.
This type of mixers employs a stationary container to hold the material and brings about mixing by means of moving screws, paddles or blades.
Construction:
Consists of a U shaped horizontal shell with an opening lid.
Shell contains a double helical ribbon agitator that rotates inside the shell.
The agitator shaft is fixed on the inside wall of the shell.
The shaft can have an attachment of spray.
Depending on the application the gap between the agitator and the wall is maintained from 3-6 mm.
Feed material can be charged through the lid.
The shell may have an external jacket for warming or cooling.
Working:
The materials to be mixed are introduced to the mixer through the lid.
The mixer is loaded approximately 40-70% of the volume to allow tumbling of the powders.
When the mixer is started, the one set of agitator blades moves powder in one direction while the other set moves powder in the opposite direction.
The powders are lifted and are allowed to cascade at the bottom of the container.
After mixing the material is removed by opening the lid.
Material with similar size and density mixes faster than the materials with density difference and particle size change.
Uses:
For mixing large volumes of dry solids.
Solid liquid mixing.
Lubrication of dry granules.
Coating of powders with a small amount of liquids.
Advantages:
Batch and continuous operation.
Ability to cool or heat the materials.
Place required is comparatively less.
Disadvantages:
Damage to fragile substances.
Less application of shear.
Commonly Asked Questions:
Define Mixing. With help of a diagram describe the principle, construction and working of the Ribbon Blender.
Write a short note on Ribbon Blender.