We’ll discuss Liquid-solid mixers, Ribbon mixers, Laboratory homogenizers, and Gas-solid blenders. First, learn about the advantages and disadvantages of each type of mixer. Then shop for the best one for your needs. Then review some of their main features.
Liquid-solid mixing
The various industrial mixer is essential in the manufacturing process of personal and cosmetic care products. For instance, a chemical or cosmetic formulation requires a perfect mixing of ingredients to achieve the desired dosage. During the process, liquid-solid mixtures can become inhomogeneous if not blended properly. Therefore, these mixers are handy in many different applications.
Industrial mixers contain a large tank or vat with paddles that forcefully mix the materials. They are primarily used in large-scale commercial production, as they process many materials. Another type of mixer is called an in-line mixer, installed inside a pipe and agitates its contents. This mixer is suitable for large batches of material, uses low horsepower, and offers high batch turnover.
Ribbon mixers
Industrial mixers are usually equipped with a ribbon to combine wet and dry ingredients. They are suitable for mixing dry ingredients such as gravel, pet food, cereals, and grout. Other mixtures can be mixed using a ribbon mixer, although they should not be used to mix sticky substances such as paint or glue. Ribbon mixers are also versatile and can be adapted for multiple industries.
A ribbon blender consists of a U-shaped horizontal trough and a specially-fabricated ribbon agitator with inner and outer helical ribbons. The agitator pitches materials both axially and laterally. The resulting blending action encourages thorough mixing and is fast. These mixers are ideal for blending materials between 40 and 100% of their rated capacity. In addition to being efficient and energy-efficient, ribbon blenders are durable and can withstand long periods of use.
Laboratory homogenizers
There are different kinds of industrial mixers for lab applications. You may want to choose the one best suited to your needs based on the sample size. High-pressure and liquid mixers are similar in function, but the difference between them is in their size and viscosity ranges. The right size of the rotor-stator and the sample volume will determine the mixing process’s speed and efficiency.
The lab homogenizers available in the market include the High-Shear Mixer and the Laboratory Mixer. Both types are capable of handling small samples and high-pressure operations. High-pressure homogenizers can reach a maximum pressure of 2000 bar.
Gas-solid blenders
Choosing an industrial gas-solid blender is not as straightforward as one might think. First, one must consider the blended material to select the best industrial gas-solid blender. Segregation occurs when critical components of the material separate during blending. This can occur as a result of air entrainment, angle of repose, or sifting. Therefore, a different blender may be required depending on the specific material.
While gas-solid mixing has several advantages, it can also be difficult. Often, it is critical to maximize contact between the two phases and ensure that the molecules are distributed evenly throughout the liquid. Depending on the process, gas-solid mixing may involve batching or continuous processing, and in either case, quality control is paramount. Chemical companies rely on the versatility of fluid mixing technology for many processes, from wastewater treatment to fermentation.
Agitator mixers
There are many different agitator mixers, each with unique benefits. These industrial mixers are used in various applications, from dough to ice preparation. They all have some standard features, but there are important differences, too. The most crucial factor to look for in an industrial mixer is its agitator. Some types have a higher agitation rate than others.
Agitator mixers are motor-driven devices that process a variety of substances by releasing centrifugal force. They are commonly used for wet or dry mixing and are also used for slurry or high-viscosity liquids. A general description of agitator mixers includes those with a fixed anchor. Other types are driven by compressed air or gas and work by sequentially discharging large bubbles at the bottom of the tank.