Ribbon blenders are a type of industrial mixer. The main agitator shaft is fixed in the exact center of the trough, and the ribbon blades are welded to the shaft. Both components are made of stainless steel, but the latter should be polished to 150 grit to prevent material buildup.
In addition, the interior surface of the blender should be polished, so that it can be cleaned easily. The amount of liquid that can be mixed with a batch will determine the size of the machine and the motor horsepower.
The ribbon blender is a double-helix mixer, which tumbles the material inside the mixer. The exterior ribbon transfers the material toward the discharge door, while the interior ribbon moves the material away from it. A gear motor’s low-inertia rotor matches the characteristics of the gear unit.
This provides high-dynamic capabilities, which is essential for high start/stop cycles. Compared to conventional motors, a gearmotor-driven ribbon blender is simpler to maintain, and the motor is compatible with electronic inverters.
In addition, a gearmotor-driven blender offers variable speed, overload protection, and adjustable starting torques. Direct drive ribbon blenders are free of issues related to belt slippage and stretching.
The ribbon blender is designed with a nonexplosive motor that is controlled by a digital control panel. It can be used for both liquids and powders, and is capable of blending materials with different particle sizes.
The inner agitator combines both the material and the agitator, which causes the liquid to discharge from the top. It has a high capacity and can blend a wide range of materials without dead zones.
A ribbon blender has a U-shaped trough and a double helical ribbon agitator located in the middle. The agitator is composed of inner and outer helical ribbons that are connected by welded spokes.
The outer helical ribbon transmits the raw materials from one end of the trough to the other. The inner ribbon then moves in a counter-clockwise direction. This is a typical design of a ribbon blender.
The ribbon blender’s structure is unique, resulting in a superior blend. The materials to be blended are loaded into the cylinder, and the outer ribbon should be fully covered on the top to prevent leaks. The ribbon agitator should be able to move the material at a peripheral speed of about 100 metres per minute.
The operating panel is also integral to the design of the mixer. Lastly, the mixer should be designed with a high-speed chopper for dissolving agglomerates.
The ribbon mixer’s construction varies, but generally consists of two helical ribbons. The ribbons are attached to the agitator tips by a spout. The blender trough can be fitted with a pressure vessel.
If a liquid is added to the trough, it should be sprayed to the center of the batch. For best results, equal numbers of nozzles are preferred.
The outer ribbon of a ribbon blender is generally located at the bottom of the trough. The agitator is designed to rotate material at a peripheral speed of 100 meters per minute. The trough outlet is located at the center of the trough bottom.
The discharge valve must have a seal that is able to prevent air from escaping. If the product is sensitive, the valve should have minimum dead spots. This will ensure that the blend is accurate.
The construction of a ribbon blender is very important. The material it contains cannot be mixed 100 percent. The lower the clearance between the inner and outer ribbon and the container, the higher the amount of unmixed material will remain.
In addition, the material must be thoroughly mixed in order for the blender to function effectively. In addition, the lower the pressure, the better the efficiency of the blender. If the capacity is low, a larger agitator may be required.
A ribbon blender has a non-explosive motor, a digital control panel, and is designed to blend materials with similar particle sizes. The agitator in a ribbon blender is a helical agitator with a circular blade.
The blades in a ribbon blender are inclined at different angles. In addition, the agitator in a ribbon blender does not have dead zones and is capable of mixing different materials.