Principles of Sigma Blade Mixer:
The sigma blade mixer operates on the principle of shear and kneading, suitable for mixing high-viscosity materials.
The design includes two sigma-shaped blades that rotate towards each other, creating a shearing and kneading action that mixes the materials thoroughly.
Construction:
Mixer Body: Heavy-duty trough that houses the blades.
Sigma Blades: Two interlocking, Z-shaped blades mounted on parallel shafts.
Drive System: Consists of a motor and gearbox to rotate the blades.
Discharge Mechanism: Includes a bottom discharge valve or a tilting mechanism for easy emptying of the mixed material.
Jacket: Often includes a heating or cooling jacket for temperature control.
Working:
Materials are loaded into the trough.
The blades rotate in opposite directions, pulling materials through the space between them and shearing them against the walls of the trough.
This kneading action ensures thorough mixing of high-viscosity materials.
The mixture is then discharged through the bottom valve or by tilting the trough.
Uses:
Pharmaceuticals: Mixing ointments, creams, and adhesives.
Food Industry: Preparing dough, chewing gum, and confectioneries.
Chemical Industry: Blending rubber compounds, resins, and high-viscosity chemicals.
Merits:
Effective for high-viscosity and cohesive materials.
Provides intense mixing and kneading.
Can be equipped with a heating/cooling jacket.
Suitable for batch processing.
Demerits:
High energy consumption.
Requires thorough cleaning, which can be time-consuming.
Limited to batch processing.