The food industry as well as the pharmaceutical and chemical industries require high performance powder blending to be integrated into bulk solids processing.

The complexity of the mixing process (given by the infinite variety of ingredients and industrial standards) requires the advice of an expert to choose the best powder mixing equipment.

Industrial powder mixers can be divided into two main categories, depending on the machine’s operating cycle:

  • Batch mixers
  • Continuous mixers

Let’s see what is the difference between a batch mixer and a continuous mixer: in a batch mixer, after loading a predetermined quantity of products, the mixing cycle will start for a set time. At the end of the set operating time, the mixture obtained is discharged from the outlet mouth through an electro-pneumatic valve. The ingredients for one batch are loaded, according to a defined sequence or simultaneously, mixed, and discharged before the next batch. This allows for complete control of mixture and output.

In continuous mixing processes the ingredients are charged continuously and they are usually used for a single high-volume product. The main advantages of these kind of powder mixers are the high capacity and production rates, along with the lower mixing time.

Other key factors to select the right powder mixer

Powder characteristics

Particles size, texture, flowability and stickiness are the main material elements to consider when we design a powder mixing equipment

Hygiene requirements

In many cases, industrial standards impose the use of food grade construction materials and stringent cleaning requirements to avoid cross contamination

Processes requirements

They can vary from the gentle blending of fragile ingredients to the powder agglomeration and deagglomeration, and consequently they require different powder mixing techniques

Space requirements

When a new machinery is inserted into an existing plant, the available spaces become an element to be considered in the design of the powder mixer, for correct integration with the downstream and upstream processes

Batch mixers

Batch mixers can be divided into two main types:

  • Horizontal mixers
  • Vertical mixers

Horizontal mixers

Gimat’s horizontal ribbon mixers are made of thick plates of painted carbon steel or stainless steel AISI 304 or 316 with surface treatment fit for use.

Mixing is done gently and evenly without overheating the product mixed, thanks to the special four-way and four cross-flow ribbon, with central drain. The low peripheral speed makes these mixers particularly suitable for applications in hazardous areas in accordance with ATEX regulations.

The direct transmission (by means of a bevel gear motor, integrated with elastic coupling with torsional flexibility) ensures a high performance of the entire kinematic chain and extremely quiet operation.

The elastic coupling allows to damp vibrations and reduce the maximum impact load,  resulting to all effects in a damping effect of the rotary motion.

Vertical mixers

The vertical mixers are characterized by a conical body with a vertical axis mixing blade.

The rotation of the helicoid creates an upward flow of product on the peripheral portion of the mixing chamber and descending in the center.
The rotation of the mixing shaft is carried out by means of a geared motor unit with single bearing support on the top.

These vertical blenders are particularly targeted at the food industry and pharmaceutical industry, as they ensure good mixing and the absence of residues during emptying.

In addition, the particular shape of the conical mixer body, allows a high quality of interior finish and ease of cleaning. They are also suitable for being placed under vacuum should they be loaded pneumatically.

As in the case of ribbon blenders, the mixing also occurs in a gentle and homogeneous manner without overheating the mixed product.

The low peripheral speed makes these mixers particularly suitable for applications in hazardous areas in accordance with ATEX regulations.

Continuous mixers

As far as continuous mixers are concerned, two main types can be identified:

  • Batching hoppers
  • Paddle mixers

Batching hoppers incorporate powder storage, the dosing of the various components, transport and mixing in the same system.

They are also ideal for mixing 2 or 3, maximum 4 products in powder, granule or ground form.

The individual components starting from the Bag emptying stations or by bulk bag unloaders, through volumetric feeders are conveyed to the inlet of a flexible screw conveyor which picks up the already dosed products and mixes them during transportation towards the unloading point.

Paddle mixers come into play in cases where accurate mixing is required, or in situations of mixing ratios or granulometries that are very different between the individual products, thanks to the centrifugal movement tailored to the individual particles.

The products arrive continuously and pre-dosed at the filling opening of the mixer.

The unit is made up of a series of rotary swivel blades suitably configured, so as to be able to increase or decrease the time spent in the blender during the horizontal transport toward the discharge opening on the side opposite the intake.

They ensure high hourly capacities of mixed products.