How Do Ribbon Blenders Work?
Industrial mixing is done with a wide variety of mixers. A popular option is the ribbon blender. A ribbon blender, generally, has circular blades that run the length of the blender and agitate the mixture. The ribbon rotates at approximately 300 feet per minute and is used to produce mixtures quickly.
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Types
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There are three types of ribbon blenders: the double-ribbon agitator, the paddle/ribbon agitator and the paddle-only agitator. The double-ribbon agitator has an outer and inner ribbon. The outer ribbon pushes material toward the center, and the inner ribbon pushes material away from the center. The paddle/ribbon agitator has an inner ribbon, but the outer ribbon is replaced with paddles. The paddles create less friction and heat because they do not produce as many pinch points as a ribbon does. The paddle-only agitator has only paddles and no ribbon.
Design
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There are three basic design options for ribbon blenders: the U-shaped shell, the cylindrical shell and the semi-cylindrical shell. The U-shaped shell is the traditional shell and has a full, open top for easier cleaning. The cylindrical shell withstands higher pressures used for vacuum and heating and cooling mixtures. The semi-cylindrical shell transfers heat more efficiently than U-shaped shells and is easier to access because of its flat top.
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Features
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Common ribbon blender features include high-speed options, ribbon or paddles designed to mix nearly anything, spray nozzles and plates designed to prevent premature wear and tear. Other common features include designs that are easy to clean, scrapers that prevent collection of material at the ends of the blender and a choice of construction and materials.
Applications
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Traditional double-ribbon blenders are used for nearly any kind of mix. They are designed to mix quickly and efficiently. A paddle/ribbon blender is better suited for fragile and heat-sensitive mixes and mix more quickly than double-ribbon agitators do. The paddle-only design is best used in uniform mixes, where the size and density of the components are the same.
Considerations
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When choosing a ribbon blender, there are several things to take into consideration. The drive design must be suited to the density and volume of the mix desired. The option to start at a slower speed allows for the use of a smaller motor because it does not need to start the mix out from a standstill to the maximum speed. Variable speed and ribbon design and finish are determined by the mix desired and the number of changes that will be made to the mix. The seals and valves on the blender can provide versatility and depend on the design and application.
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References
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