Principles of Ribbon Blender:
The ribbon blender uses convective mixing by means of a helical ribbon agitator that moves materials both radially and laterally.
Construction:
Trough: U-shaped horizontal trough that holds the materials.
Ribbon Agitator: Double helical ribbons mounted on a central shaft.
Drive System: Motor and gearbox to rotate the ribbon agitator.
Support Frame: Sturdy frame to support the trough and drive system.
Loading and Unloading Ports: For adding and discharging materials.
Optional Features: Heating or cooling jackets, spray nozzles for adding liquids
Working:
Materials are loaded into the trough.
The agitator rotates, with the inner ribbon moving materials towards the center and the outer ribbon moving materials towards the ends.
This counter-flow action ensures thorough mixing.
The process continues until the desired homogeneity is achieved.
The mixed product is discharged through a bottom valve or port.
Uses:
Food Industry: Mixing dry powders, granular ingredients, and pastes.
Pharmaceuticals: Blending powders, granules, and moist materials.
Chemical Industry: Mixing fine chemicals, pigments, and other powders.
Construction: Mixing dry mortar, plasters, and cement blends.
Merits:
Versatile, can handle a variety of materials including dry powders, pastes, and slurries.
Efficient mixing action ensures homogeneity.
Can be equipped with heating/cooling jackets for temperature-sensitive processes.
Suitable for continuous and batch operations.
Demerits:
Can be energy intensive.
Not suitable for highly cohesive or sticky materials.
Cleaning can be challenging due to the complex structure of the ribbon agitator.
May generate heat, which can be detrimental to heat-sensitive materials.