Ribbon Mixer

What is ribbon mixer?

Ribbon mixer, also called horizontal ribbon mixer machine,ribbon blender,is a type of mixing equipment commonly used in various industries for blending dry powders, granules, or other solid materials. It consists of a U-shaped trough or container with a horizontal shaft running through it. The shaft is equipped with inner and outer helical ribbons, also known as agitators or paddles, that rotate in opposite directions.

Ribbon mixers operate by moving material in a double helix pattern. As the belts rotate, they lift material from the bottom of the trough and convey it to the center, while the outer belts push the material toward the ends. This movement creates a gentl e yet efficient mixing action, ensuring materials are thoroughly blended. Dry materials can be mixed evenly, making them suitable for a wide range of applications including food processing, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, plastics and more. It is commonly used to mix ingredients, mix powders, form a homogeneous mixture and achieve consistent product quality.

Ribbon mixers can be customized to meet specific requirements, with options for different capacities, materials of construction (such as stainless steel for sanitary applications), discharge mechanisms and control systems. They are generally easy to operate, clean and maintain, making them a popular choice in many industries.

What are the application fields of ribbon mixer?

Ribbon mixer is a mixing equipment widely used in industry, food, agriculture, pharmaceutical, environmental protection and other industries.The following are the specific applications of ribbon mixers in various industries:

Ribbon Mixers for Industrial Mixing Applications

In the industrial field, ribbon mixers are often used to mix chemical raw materials, granules, powders, resins, etc., and to prepare coatings, adhesives, cosmetics and other products.

Ribbon Mixers for Food Mixing Applications

In the food industry, ribbon mixers are widely used to mix food raw materials, such as flour, seasonings, granules, etc., for preparing bread, pastries, biscuits and other food products.

Ribbon Mixers for Agricultural Mixing Applications

In the agricultural field, ribbon mixers are often used to mix feed raw materials, such as grains, protein powder, vitamins, etc., to prepare livestock and poultry feed.

Ribbon Mixers for Pharmaceutical Mixing Applications

In the pharmaceutical industry, ribbon mixers are widely used to mix pharmaceutical raw materials, such as pharmaceutical powders, granules, liquids, etc., for the preparation of tablets, capsules, oral liquids and other pharmaceuticals.

Ribbon Mixers for Environmental Protection Mixing Applications

In the environmental protection industry, ribbon mixers are often used to mix waste materials, solid waste, etc. for resource utilization or processing, such as the preparation of renewable energy particles, solidification treatment, etc.

What are the design principles/factors of the ribbon mixer?

Ordinary ribbon form(internal mixing blade)	Internal mixing blade with scraper	Ribbon mixer with oil spraying device	Double ribbon agitator blade
The raw materials are mixed by forced convection through the rotation of the spiral blades. It has a simple structure and easy operation, and is suitable for general mixing tasks.	In addition to the spiral blades, it is also equipped with scrapers or internal stirring blades to increase the mixing effect. It is suitable for processes that require higher mixing uniformity, such as the mixing of special chemical raw materials.	Equipped with a spray gun device, liquid or powder raw materials can be added to achieve uniform spraying and mixing of raw materials. It is used in production processes that require the addition of liquid or powder raw materials during the mixing process.	Double ribbon agitators are designed with a continuous spiral, with no gaps between the ribbon flighting, it is best for low density, free-flowing materials that are of like size and shape.

Ribbon mixer vs paddle mixer

Both ribbon mixers and paddle mixers are commonly used for mixing applications, but they have some differences in terms of their design and mixing capabilities. Here's a comparison between ribbon mixers and paddle mixers:

Comparative Item	Ribbon Mixer	Paddle Mixer
Equipment Design	Typically features a U-shaped groove, horizontal shaft, and twisted spiral blades. The ribbon-like leaves are arranged in a spiral pattern along the axis.	It has a cylindrical or rectangular mixing chamber with a rotating paddle or agitator mounted on the shaft.
Mixing Action	Utilizes the shearing and folding effects of rotating ribbon blades. Inner and outer ribbon blades move material in opposite directions, resulting in efficient mixing and homogenization.	Paddles or agitators that rotate on a shaft are used to produce a more vigorous mixing action, often involving a combination of fluidizing, lifting, and tumbling motions.
Mixing Efficiency	Provides uniform mixing and thorough particle distribution. They are particularly suitable for sticky materials and applications requiring gentle mixing.	Has a stronger mixing action and is generally better suited for applications that require more intense mixing, such as breaking up agglomerates or dispersing additives.
Material Handling	Can handle a variety of materials including powders, granules and pastes. They are particularly effective on sticky materials that tend to stick together or clump together.	Suitable for a variety of materials, but may be more effective on larger or heavier materials due to its powerful mixing action.
Mixing Times	Generally known for its relatively fast mixing time. The combination of shear, fold and loop actions facilitate rapid mixing.	The mixing action is stronger, so longer mixing times may be required, especially when working with materials that are difficult to disperse or break down.

What is the function of ribbon mixer?

The ribbon mixer is a type of mixing equipment that uses a set of inner and outer helical ribbons to blend materials. It is commonly used in industrial settings for mixing dry powders, granules, and other solid materials. The main functions of a ribbon mixer include:

Mixing: The main function of a ribbon mixer is to thoroughly mix and blend materials. The inner and outer helical ribbons rotate in opposite directions, creating a gentle and efficient mixing action. This ensures that the materials are uniformly distributed and blended, resulting in a homogeneous mixture.

Homogenization: Ribbon mixers are effective in achieving a consistent and uniform blend of multiple components. They can evenly distribute different ingredients throughout the mixture, ensuring product uniformity and eliminating any potential segregation or clumping.

Particle Size Reduction: In some cases, ribbon mixers can also help reduce the particle size of materials. The shearing action of the ribbons can break down agglomerates and promote the dispersion of particles, leading to a finer and more uniform product.

Batch Mixing: Ribbon mixers are typically used for batch mixing, where a specific quantity of materials is loaded into the mixer, mixed, and then discharged. This allows for precise control over the mixing process and ensures consistent results for each batch.

Gentle Mixing: Ribbon mixers provide a gentle mixing action, which is particularly important for fragile or heat-sensitive materials. The low shear forces generated by the ribbons help prevent material degradation or alteration during the mixing process.

How does a ribbon mixer work?

Here's the principle and steps involved in the mixing process of a ribbon mixer:

Loading: The materials to be mixed, such as powders, granules, or pastes, are loaded into the U-shaped trough of the mixer.

Rotation: The horizontal shaft, along with the inner and outer ribbon blades, starts rotating. The ribbon blades are designed to move the materials in a specific manner.

Shearing Action: As the ribbon blades rotate, they create a shearing action by moving the materials in opposite directions. The inner ribbon blade pushes the material in one direction, while the outer ribbon blade pushes it in the opposite direction. This shearing action helps break up clumps, agglomerates, or any cohesive particles present in the mixture.

Folding Action: The twisted design of the ribbon blades also causes a folding action as they move through the material. This folding action helps to further blend and homogenize the components, ensuring thorough mixing.

Circulation: The rotation of the ribbon blades also causes the materials to circulate within the mixing trough. This circulation helps to expose different parts of the mixture to the shearing and folding actions, promoting uniform mixing.

Discharge: Once the desired mixing time is achieved, the mixed material is discharged from the mixer through an outlet, typically located at the bottom of the trough.

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