The ribbon blenders are simple equipment that is used across industries. These blenders feature a U shaped tub, which is integrated with rotary helical ribbon agitator structures. These blenders are widely popular for homogeneous mixing of solid, and liquid products, however, they are suitable for heterogeneous mixing as well. They are used for mixing granules, powders, liquid mixes, fertilizers, spices, etc. However, for various operations, various mixing capacities, feeder orientations, input-output parameters are required. This is why it is essential to know all the considerations to select ribbon blenders. This post offers easy-to-follow tips to choose ribbon blender mixers.
How to choose a ribbon blender for an industrial application?
Although the required specifications for an industrial ribbon blender may vary according to applications, a few factors remain must for considerations. The following are a few considerations that will aid you while choosing ribbon blender mixer for your industrial application.
- Blending Capacity: The blending process is often performed in batches. To form a batch, it is essential to know the blending capacity of the blender. Generally, the ribbon blenders are distributed in two different blending capacities; standard-duty and heavy-duty. A standard-duty ribbon blender can blend up to 35lb/cu ft. Any batch above this capacity is considered heavy duty. Based on the capacity requirements, the ribbon blender must be chosen.
- Driving Mechanism: Conventionally, a belt drive mechanism is utilized in ribbon blenders. These mechanisms are suitable for flexible operation and versatile torque operations. However, the modern ribbon blenders are incorporated with the direct-drive mechanisms. The direct-drive mechanisms feature a motorized driving mechanism with gearbox integrations. These types of driving mechanisms are suitable for speed variations, quick start operations, torque adjustments, and overload prevention. Therefore, based on the nature of the operation, the driving mechanism of ribbon blenders must be chosen.
- Raw Material Input Path: Based on the raw material, the input path must be available in the ribbon blender. Solid raw material often requires to be poured through multiple inputs in uniform quantities. The blender is generally stopped to fill the raw materials. On the other hand, the liquid raw material can be added to the blender during active blending operations. For liquid raw material, spray input, liquid injections can be utilized.
- Suitable Discharge Valve: When it comes to choosing a ribbon blender mixer, the material outlet valve must be checked for multiple specifications. The material discharge valve must be sealed in order to prevent leakage. The valve must have a smart design to enable a consistent discharge without the wastage of blended material.
- Controls: A ribbon blender is equipment with limited control requirements. It only needs start/stop, speed control, and torque control. Therefore, these are the controls must look for while choosing a ribbon blender mixer. However, if the blender features automated valves, pneumatically controlled valves, etc., the controls for certain parameters must be there on the control panel.
Additional Tips to Choose Ribbon Blenders
When it comes to how to select ribbon blenders, the above-mentioned considerations may suffice. However, in order to refine the selection process the following tips to choose ribbon blenders can be of immense help.
- Select the ribbons or agitators by considering the forces and material properties they may be exposed to. The ribbons are often exposed to shear force and material weight etc. The nature of material like brittleness, hardness, moisture content, etc may impact ribbon performance.
- Consider mixing duration. Based on the time available for mixing, the single or double ribbon blenders must be chosen.
- Consider the properties of the blender’s material. The blender material must be resistant to chemicals, corrosion, high temperature, and cleaning agents.
Now that you know all the considerations to select ribbon blenders, you can select a brand new or a used ribbon blender. However, it is important to know that selecting a used or surplus mixer and blender and gravity blender can certainly economically-efficient without jeopardizing the operational efficiency if sourced from a prominent supplier like JM Industrial. The company is a global supplier of high-quality surplus and used industrial equipment.
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