Unique Mixers & Furnaces Pvt. Ltd. Thane, Maharashtra

Ribbon Blendercomprises of a U-Shaped Horizontal Trough with Double Helical Ribbon Shaftrotating within.The ribbons rotate at approximately 70 100 meters per minute and move the material both radially and laterally to ensure thorough blends in short cycle time. Ribbon Blenders are used for blends that are between 50 to100% of the rated working capacity without change in blend properties.

Ribbon Blender GMP Model RB 400 supplied is designed and manufactured for mixing of cocoa basedproduct.This unit has a grosscapacity of approximately 600 Liters and has working capacity of approximately400Liters. The blender is powered by a 3.75 KW/ 5HP, 1440 RPM, 4 Pole, Nord make Geared Motor. The contact and Non contact parts of the blender are manufactured using Stainless Steel confirming to SA-240 Gr. 304.For raw material charging Hopper complete with protective Grill followed by easily removable and cleanable Magnetic Grid, Cover is provided. For product discharge Pneumatically Actuated FlapType Flush Bottom Valve is provided thus ensuring near zero dead pocket.

For viewing operation and also for charging, mobile stair with support railing is supplied. For operation, VFD operated electrical panel with Digital Instruments is supplied.

This article onRibbon BlenderDesigndetails the design, construction and operation ofRibbon Blendercommonly used for mixing of blending of free flowing powders.The industrial applications for whichRibbon Blenderis used are listed.

Media:Free flowing powders, granules

Mode of Operation:Batch Mixing, Continuous Mixing

Design and Operation

Mixing Vessel The ribbon blender consists of a U-shaped horizontal trough containing a double helical ribbon agitator rotating within.The clearance between the external periphery of the ribbon and the internal wall of the mixing vessel is generally in the range of 3 mm.The clearance may be higher depending on the properties of the materials being blended.

Mixer Drive System -The ribbon blender is powered by a drive system comprising of amotor, gearbox, couplingsand/orchain-chain wheel.

Mixer Seal-The blender shaft is provided with an appropriatesealingarrangement in the area where it exits the mixing vessel.

Material Charging and Discharging-Material is loaded in the blender through the charging nozzles provided on the top lid.Discharge of material is generally through a centrally located bottom discharge valve.The blender may be provided with more than one valve, depending on the operational requirement.

Mixer Assembly-The blender assembly comprising of the mixing vessel and the drive system are mounted on a supporting structure, base frame.The height of the base frame is decided based on the required charging height and the discharge height required for the blender operation.

Horizontal Ribbon Blenderconsists of a U-shaped horizontal vessel with a single or double helical ribbon agitator rotating within. The agitator shaft is located at the centre of the vessel. The shaft has support arms on to which the external and internal helical ribbons (spirals) are wound. The clearance between the external ribbon periphery and the internal wall of the mixing vessel is 3 to 6 mm depending on the application.

The ribbon blender is driven by an assembly of mechanical components comprising of a motor, gearbox and couplings. This type of blender can be operated in batch as well as continuous modes. It is primarily used for blending large volumes of dry solids, dry powder to wet phase mixing and for coating solid particles with small quantity of liquids to produce formulations.

Since blending involves the flow of materials, blending mechanisms are affected by the same properties that affect flow.Flowability of bulk solids depends upon factors such as particle size and size distribution, particle shape, bulk density, all of which affect blending.The powder materials to be blended are charged in the mixing vessel, with a fill up volume ranging from 40 to 70 percent of the gross volume. Addition of liquids, if any, is through an optional spray piping system provided in the top portion of the blender.

The ribbon agitator is operated at an appropriate speed depending on the size of the blender and the application. The geometry and rotation of the helical ribbon creates a counter-current axial movement and radial movement resulting in homogenous blending within 15 to 20 minutes, with about 90 to 95 percent homogeneity. After completion of blending, the material is discharged from one or more discharge valves located at the bottom of the vessel. The blenders versatility to perform multiple functions such as heating, cooling, coating, and other processes besides mixing make it a popular blender.

The ribbon blender is popular with the food industry due to its easy of operation and maintenance.Food blendersare manufactured with stainless steel contact parts.

Applications include bakery mixes, cake mixes, cereal, cocoa, dietary supplements, dried food products, flavorings, flour, soft drink blends, milk powder, pet foods, seasonings, spice blends.

If you are unable to view video

This article of details the design, construction and operation of V-Blender commonly used for mixing of free flowing powder materials. The industrial applications for which V-Blender is used are listed.V shaped mixing vessel mounted on trunions that allow the blender to tumble end over end. The mixing vessel is built using two hollow cylindrical shells that are joined at an angle of 75 to 90.