A ribbon blender is a type of industrial mixer machine that comprises a U-shaped horizontal trough and a specially developed double helical ribbon agitator. The ribbon is inserted into the trough from the top and rotates at high speeds, ensuring that the material is well mixed.
Its unique design combines a rotary action with a planetary action, ensuring fast blending without dead spots.
A ribbon blender’s drive arrangement depends on the brand and model. A gearmotor, also known as a one-piece motor reducer, is a better option than a belt-driven system.
A belt-driven design relies on flexible belts and a set of pulleys, which limits horsepower and efficiency. Overhung loads limit the life of the motor, reducing its lifespan. A gearmotor, on the other hand, is more efficient and provides smoother mixing.
A ribbon blender has a unique design that enables it to handle a variety of materials. Material is tumbling as the outer ribbon pitch moves toward the discharge opening, while the inner ribbon pitch moves away from it.
The alternating movement creates a homogenous blend in a short period of time. Its efficiency depends on the particle size, bulk density, and speed. In most cases, the efficiency of a ribbon blender is ninety-five percent or higher.
The ribbon blender has many uses. It is used to mix ingredients that are similar in texture and composition. The cycle time for a single batch is around two to three minutes. A 100-cuft batch takes between 20 and 25 minutes.
Typical applications include general purpose slurry, solid-liquid suspensions, and vacuum-drying. It can be used to produce a cake batter, guacamo sauce, and guacamo sauce. It can also be used to prepare plasters and joint compounds.
There are a number of benefits to the modern ribbon blender. A ribbon mixer with a patented design is an excellent choice for food processing, since it can easily be customized to fit your needs.
Its double helical agitator has a gap of about three to six millimeters between the outer edge of each helical ribbon. These troughs are designed to withstand high temperatures and high pressures.
The ribbon blender has alternatively designed blades for fried materials and the total capacity is twenty percent less. Its blades are typically made of stainless steel, either 304 or 316. Its options include a heating system, a vacuum system, and a cover paddle agitator blade.
Despite its versatility, the ribbon blender is not for everyone. It is an ideal choice for food processing applications in many industries.
The size of a ribbon blender will vary depending on the volume of the batch. The correct horsepower will depend on the bulk density of the component materials. A standard-duty agitator shaft is recommended for materials with a bulk density of thirty-five pounds per cubic foot.
The density of materials with higher bulk densities will require a heavy-duty ribbon blender with a larger capacity. A heavy-duty blender is essential to avoid overheating the motor.
The drive arrangement of a ribbon blender will differ between suppliers. The one-piece motor reducer, also known as a gearmotor, is more efficient than a belt drive.
This feature is necessary for maintaining quality mixing and long-term efficiency. If the speed is too slow, the agitator will overheat. However, a high-speed mixer will give the best results with a low speed-efficient machine.
The Ribbon blender is an efficient machine for mixing similar materials. A single batch of one cubic foot requires about two to three minutes to complete. Depending on the application, a 100-cuft batch can be processed in 20 to 25 minutes.
It can be used for wet and dry liquids and can even be vacuumed to remove the agitator for washing. Its compact design makes it easy to clean. It is also easy to store.
The Ribbon blender is an excellent choice for fast and thorough mixing of solid materials. It is commonly used for solid-liquid suspensions and pastes.
The ribbons in the ribbon blender are mounted on a central shaft and are arranged to rotate in a circular pattern. Oftentimes, they are customized to handle different kinds of materials and processes.
In addition, the agitator is adjustable to the feed and discharge arrangements. The most important feature of a ribbon blender is its versatility.