If you have ever wondered how a ribbon blender works, you’ve come to the right place. There are three basic types of ribbon blenders. Each of these models operates on two mixing principles: convection and diffusion.
In convection, a large portion of the solid is moved across the agitator assembly in one direction while in diffusion, small portions move in one direction. Both of these methods result in the mixing of solids.
The first thing you should know about a ribbon blender is that they rotate in a U-shape horizontal trough. The trough is a horizontal vessel that contains a double helical ribbon agitator.
The ribbon agitator has an axial shaft with welded spokes. The two helical ribbons are designed to mix materials together efficiently.
The gap between the outer edge of the ribbon and the wall of the container varies from three to six millimeters, depending on the size of the particles or the bulk density.
The size of the ribbon blender depends on the volume of the batch. The bulk density will determine the horsepower and type of mixer. Most standard ribbon blenders are designed for bulk densities of up to 35 lb/cu ft.
However, if you need a higher-density mixer, there are more powerful models available. They can handle higher densities and require more horsepower than a standard blender.
A ribbon blender is made up of a U-shaped body with a ribbon agitator. The agitator moves in synergy to mix materials uniformly. The shaft exits the unit and has sealing arrangements to prevent contamination of the liquid.
The ribbon combines with the liquid material and is separated into many particles. A single-strand or two-stranded agitator is more effective in achieving uniformity.
In contrast to a planetary mixer, a ribbon blender uses a rotating motion to make a homogeneous mixture. A typical ribbon blender may require removing the agitator shaft for cleaning, but many companies prefer to leave it in place while mixing.
The agitator shaft may also need to be aligned when reinserted, which is not always desirable. If a ribbon blender is a necessary part of a manufacturing process, it is essential to customize it.
A ribbon blender’s main components are the U-shaped tank and the double spiral agitator. Both of these types of mixers use the convective and diffusion mixing principles to mix bulk ingredients efficiently.
When using a ribbon blender, it is important to consider the materials that are being blended and the amount of liquid used.
These factors affect the blending efficiency of a ribbon mixer, so you should pay attention to these characteristics when choosing a unit.
The efficiency of a ribbon blender depends on the particle size and bulk density of the mixture. The bigger the particle size, the greater the particle size will be. The greater the bulk density, the faster the blender will mix the ingredients.
The more radial the movement of the ribbons, the more effective the mixer will be. The more complex the process, the more expensive the equipment will be, but the lower the cost, the better.
The type of gearmotor that drives a ribbon blender will depend on the bulk density and the desired batch volume.
A standard ribbon blender will only handle a maximum bulk density of 35 lb/cu ft, but if you have a high bulk density, you’ll need a more robust blender. The motor will be more efficient if you can find a machine that works well for your needs.
A ribbon blender that uses a gearmotor is more efficient and requires less maintenance. The gearmotor will provide variable speed, overload protection, and adjustable starting torques.
A ribbon blender that is direct drive will have fewer maintenance requirements and perform better. A direct drive ribbon blender is also quieter, and will last longer, because it does not have a belt or other mechanical parts to wear out. You can purchase a new unit without replacing the old one.