Ribbon blenders are designed to quickly and efficiently blend similar materials. The U-shaped shell rotates an agitator, which consists of inner and outer helical ribbons. These agitators pitch the material and help it move axially and radially for rapid blending.
The resulting consistency is similar to that of a traditional food mixer and can be used in a variety of industries.
Ribbon blenders are scalable, with models ranging in volume from half a cubic foot to more than a thousand cubic feet. They can be used to blend powders in various solid forms, such as spice blends, drink mixes, multivitamins, and polymer mixes.
They can also be used for batched mixing of ceramic powders. The agitator must be cleaned frequently to prevent contamination.
The discharge of a ribbon blender requires a certain amount of product to be blended efficiently. Depending on the type of product and the desired consistency, 30-40% of the agitator’s volumetric capacity is necessary. If the volume is less than this, the agitator may not be able to create adequate contact with the product.
Some manufacturers prefer to remove the agitator shaft after each batch, and some companies prefer to have the agitator completely removed. To achieve this, some companies install match marks on the flanges of the agitator shaft. A more elaborate modification allows operators to raise and lower the trough so that the nebulizer can be cleaned easily.
A ribbon blender is an esthetic mixing device that can easily mix a variety of solid ingredients. These blending devices can accommodate a variety of granular materials, including cereal, dried fruits, nuts, seeds, pretzels, and granola.
They are highly versatile and are ideal for batched blending. The versatility of the design makes these mixers an essential part of many food and beverage production lines.
When mixing solid ingredients, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. For example, the product should not be too dry or too wet, as this can damage the blender. It is important to make sure the ingredients are compatible with the ribbon blender and the other equipment.
When the mixers are properly maintained, the final product will last longer. This ensures that they meet the standards of the industry.
When selecting a ribbon blender, it is vital to consider the size of the vessel. A smaller ribbon blender will have less volume and may require an emptying process. However, a larger ribbon blender may be necessary for large batch sizes.
In this case, a larger agitator is required to create a homogenous mix. Ultimately, the choice of a ribbon blender depends on the size of the application.
When using a ribbon blender, it is important to remember that it has specific requirements. The volume of the mixture should be around thirty to forty percent of the total capacity of the machine. A smaller volume than this will result in a lack of adequate contact between the ribbon and the product.
Historically, these blenders have used a belt drive system to transmit power between the motor and the gear reducer. This design is much more efficient and flexible than a conventional motor and can be fitted with the exact speed and torque needed.
A ribbon blender’s agitator should be sized appropriately for the material it will be processing. The agitator should not be too large and should not be filled with a liquid that is too thick or watery.
Typically, a liquid or solid-based powder is blended to achieve a homogeneous blend. The agitator should be between 2.5 and four times the diameter of the vessel.
The materials that will be blended are loaded into the blender and need to be between forty and seventy percent of the volume. The agitator should be able to rotate freely at a peripheral speed of 100 meters per minute.
The agitator should be adjustable to provide the most flexibility to the user. A ribbon blender can also be customized to add additional features, such as high-speed choppers and interchangeable paddle agitators.