How To Choose A Mixer?

When mixing powders, granules, or other materials, choose a horizontal mixer. This equipment offers high mixing efficiency, excellent mixing quality, short unloading times, and minimal residual material. However, the following points should be considered when selecting and using a horizontal mixer:

1. Select a horizontal mixer based on daily production volume. Since the mixer takes approximately 10 minutes to process each batch, plus the time required for discharging and loading, each batch can be processed for 15 minutes. This means four batches can be processed continuously in one hour. For example, a mixer with a 100 kg batch capacity can process 400 kg per hour. Users can select a horizontal mixer based on their needs.

2. According to the operating principle of a horizontal spiral ribbon mixer, the double spiral ribbons used for mixing and stirring should have roughly the same ability to push materials in opposite directions. Since the pitch of the inner spiral should be smaller than that of the outer spiral, to achieve consistent pushing capacity, the inner spiral should have a smaller pitch and a wider width. Otherwise, the material will tend to concentrate in one direction. Therefore, keep this in mind when selecting a horizontal mixer.

3. According to design principles, the gap between the spiral ribbon and the housing in a spiral ribbon mixer can be 4 to 10 mm, allowing friction to pull all materials into the mix. However, due to variations in particle size and friction coefficient, different components will mix at different times, resulting in uneven product quality. Some manufacturers have recognized this and have implemented improvements. One approach involves focusing on machining precision, reducing the gap to approximately 3 mm. Another approach involves making the position between the main shaft and the housing adjustable, allowing the gap between the spiral ribbon and the housing to be adjusted frequently based on wear. These two options are considered optimal when selecting a mixer.

4. When choosing a horizontal spiral ribbon mixer, pay attention to the discharge method. Consult with the supplier promptly to select a valve type that suits your process. Avoid side-port discharge methods. The reason is: after the mixer completes mixing within the specified time, draining the material all at once as quickly as possible ensures uniformity. Using a side-exit spiral belt to drain the material gradually will not only waste time and fail to achieve the desired productivity, but also over-stirring the material, which has already reached optimal uniformity, will cause it to segregate, disrupting this uniformity and defeating the purpose of using a horizontal mixer.

5. When using a horizontal mixer, pay attention to the order of feeding materials. Generally, large materials, such as corn flour and soybean meal, should be added first, followed by smaller materials, such as premixes. Premixes should never be fed using a spiral elevator. Instead, use a one-time tipping bucket or manual feeding to prevent the segregation and loss of active ingredients in the premix.

6. When using a horizontal mixer, feed materials batch by batch after the mixer is started. Do not stop the mixer at the end of mixing; mix another batch after the material has been drained. If the mixer is fully loaded and then restarted, excessive torque can result, potentially damaging the motor.

Choosing a suitable horizontal mixer and using it properly will significantly improve the quality of the mixture, which will soon be reflected in the positive effects of the production process. If you can further master the technology of self-mixing, you can also greatly reduce material costs and thus increase profits.