Parts, Types, and Configurations for Ribbon Mixers

Ribbon Mixers: Parts, Types and Configurations

Introduction

A description of the types of ribbon mixers and ribbon mixer manufacturers as well as the benefits of ribbon mixers.

You will learn:

What is a Ribbon Mixer?
Types of Ribbon Mixers
How Ribbon Mixers Work
The Benefits of Ribbon Mixers
And much more …

Diagram of a Cross Section of a Ribbon Mixer

Chapter 1: Understanding Ribbon Mixers

Ribbon mixers are specialized mixing devices utilizing helical ribbons to effectively blend a wide range of materials by channeling them inward, outward, forward, and backward during the mixing cycle. These mixers are particularly prevalent for the blending of slurries, dry powders, and granular substances. The design includes a single shaft with spokes that secure the helical ribbons, facilitating the merging and mixing action. In a dual ribbon mixer, external helical ribbons draw materials from the sides toward the center, while internal ribbons drive the powder product back toward the sides, creating an efficient folding and convective mixing motion.

A key feature of ribbon mixers or blenders is their distinctive U-shaped drum that houses the helical ribbons. This U-shaped trough, also referred to as a U-shaped horizontal trough mixer, sets ribbon mixers apart from other industrial mixers. The U-shape assists in several practical aspects such as the straightforward loading of ingredients, ease of cleaning, and remarkably effective mixing capabilities.

ribbon6 — Image Provided by Charles Ross & Son Company

The unique U-shaped configuration allows for the installation of choppers and spray systems, useful for blending liquids, semi-solids, coatings, and low-viscosity pastes when needed. As with all types of blenders, the core of the ribbon mixer's functionality lies within its trough or drum. This component is securely sealed, welded, and polished to maximize the efficiency and effectiveness of the mixing process.

Chapter 2: Types of Ribbon Blenders

Ribbon blenders, also known as ribbon mixers, are versatile industrial mixing machines engineered for the homogeneous blending of powders, slurries, granules, and other bulk solids. These mixing solutions are essential in various industries including food processing, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, cosmetics, and agriculture. The primary function of a ribbon blender is to deliver uniform mixing—whether for dry powder blending, wet mixing, or even coating dry materials using integrated spray assemblies. Through the in-and-out movement of the blender’s helical ribbons, efficient shearing and kneading are performed, ensuring consistent product quality. A key advantage of ribbon blenders is their solid yet accessible construction: the ribbons, precisely mounted on a central shaft, guarantee not only thorough mixing and minimal product residue, but also easy maintenance and straightforward cleaning for sanitary operation.

Ribbon blenders are characterized by a specified gap between the spiral mixing ribbons and the interior trough walls, which is critical for effective blending without dead zones. In some industrial applications, wipers are added to reduce material buildup on blender walls, further enhancing the efficiency of the mixing process. Power transmission systems for ribbon blenders vary, including chain drives, belt drives, and direct gearbox drives, each supporting optimal torque and longevity for different processing requirements. Selecting the right type of ribbon blender and drive system is crucial for batch consistency, energy efficiency, and achieving the highest standards in powder mixing or granule mixing.

Single Ribbon Blenders

Single ribbon blenders—sometimes referred to as single shaft ribbon mixers—feature a helical ribbon agitator and are ideal for blending applications with materials that do not require highly intensive mixing. Common in industries dealing with food flavorings, animal feed, and simple granule combinations, single ribbon blenders provide gentle mixing with minimal risk of over-shearing the material. Their straightforward design consists of fewer moving parts, leading to reduced maintenance costs and easy operation. Single ribbon blenders are fabricated in both vertical and horizontal configurations. Vertical ribbon blenders resemble traditional upright mixers where ingredients are top-loaded, while horizontal single ribbon blenders are designed for continuous feeding and are particularly effective at moving materials radially and axially for balanced powder blend homogeneity. For manufacturers in nutraceuticals or plastics compounding, single ribbon blenders are often preferred for batch processes where simplicity and reliability are priorities.

Double Ribbon Blender

Double ribbon mixers, or dual ribbon blenders, are among the most widely used horizontal mixing equipment for blending a broad spectrum of ingredients in industries such as food, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals. Featuring two offset helical ribbons—a larger outer ribbon and a smaller inner ribbon, both mounted on the same shaft—these blenders create a highly efficient counter-current mixing action. As the inner ribbon pushes materials in one direction while the outer ribbon moves them oppositely, the result is rapid, high-shear mixing with exceptional uniformity throughout the batch. This unique design enables double ribbon blenders to handle more demanding recipes such as spice mixes, baking ingredients, and chemical additives where exact powder mixing and batch consistency are essential.

Double ribbon blenders typically offer a variety of discharge options (center bottom or end discharge) to suit the viscosity, flow characteristics, and specific requirements of the blended materials. The optimal mixing time for a double ribbon blender generally ranges from five to twenty minutes, influenced by batch size and blend complexity. These blenders are also recognized for their energy efficiency—achieving thorough mixing with lower power consumption thanks to the vortex mixing effect generated by the dual ribbons operating along a shared axis. Processing engineers frequently choose double ribbon mixers for their versatility, scalability, and proven results in both pilot-scale and large-scale industrial production.

The forward and reverse rotation of a double ribbon mixer along the same horizontal axis forms a low power efficient vortex mixing process. The vortex mixing method speeds up and improves the homogeneity of a mixture.

Triple Ribbon Blenders

Triple ribbon blenders are specialized industrial mixers equipped with three sets of mixing ribbons—one central and two side ribbons—for attaining even more aggressive and efficient mixing. This advanced agitator design yields triple-action mixing, achieving unparalleled powder or granular blend uniformity in less time. The configuration and dimensions of the ribbons are meticulously engineered to avoid dead spots and promote quick, complete product discharge, making triple ribbon blenders highly advantageous for complex formulations such as specialty chemicals, mineral blends, and nutraceutical products.

As the central agitator rotates, ingredients are tumbled along the interior of the mixing trough. The opposing pitch of the inner and outer ribbons systematically moves product back and forth—forcing particles to collide, disperse, and mix thoroughly. This continuous motion accelerates homogenization and supports fast batch turnaround, reducing production downtime. Operators seeking the highest levels of batch-to-batch consistency, especially when processing challenging mixes, often select triple ribbon blenders to maximize efficiency and product quality in high-stakes industrial settings.

Ribbon Paddle Mixer Blender

Ribbon paddle mixer blenders, often classed as hybrid industrial mixers, combine the tumbling action created by paddles with the rolling, axial flow pattern produced by ribbon agitators. This dual mixing mechanism generates a double reversing effect, allowing for superior mixing flexibility with materials exhibiting varying particle sizes, densities, or moisture content. The interior agitator design can be customized based on the application—ribbons on the inside with paddles outside, vice versa, or combinations thereof—enabling processors to optimize shear and agitation to suit different product requirements.

Hybrid agitators in ribbon paddle blenders perform similar functions to standard ribbon mixer blades: the paddles or outer ribbons move ingredients toward the discharge port while inner components gently move materials away. This is especially beneficial for mixing sticky substances, pastes, or materials comprising soft agglomerates, such as bakery dough, ready-made meals, or personal care powders. The enhanced versatility of ribbon paddle blenders makes them a preferred choice for contract manufacturers, R&D labs, and pilot plants working with both free-flowing and cohesive materials.

Vertical Ribbon Mixers

Vertical ribbon mixers are uniquely designed with an upside-down cone or cylindrical shape and a vertical spiral ribbon agitator. This configuration creates effective upward and downward movement of materials—perimeter ingredients are lifted while those nearer the center flow downward—resulting in uniform mixing even with difficult-to-blend powders or fragile components. The moderate-speed rotation of the vertical spiral makes these mixers ideal for heat-sensitive or shear-sensitive materials, such as pharmaceuticals, fine chemicals, and specialty food ingredients requiring gentle handling.

Equipped with space-saving features and simplified drive mechanisms, vertical ribbon mixers fit flexibly into facilities with limited footprint, offering a practical solution for space-efficient mixing. The gentle, gravity-assisted mixing action not only prevents ingredient breakage and agglomeration but also helps eliminate the formation of dead zones within the batch. A notable benefit of vertical ribbon mixers is their adaptability to a wide range of batch sizes—even as low as 10% of total capacity—making them highly suitable for artisan producers, craft operations, and test laboratories managing variable production runs.

When selecting a vertical ribbon mixer, buyers should consider factors such as desired batch size, viscosity of the materials, ease of discharge, and cleaning requirements to ensure optimal mixer performance and efficiency.

Horizontal Ribbon Mixers

Horizontal ribbon mixers and blenders represent the industry standard for industrial mixing equipment, valued for their consistent performance, scalability, and adaptability. Typically comprised of a horizontal trough equipped with robust ribbon agitators that rotate about a central axis, these blenders generate intense mixing forces that move particles both radially and laterally—ensuring rapid distribution and even incorporation of all batch ingredients. This configuration makes horizontal ribbon mixers the top choice for bulk powder processing, granule blending, and even blending viscous pastes or wet mixes in sectors such as food manufacturing, chemical production, and plastics compounding.

Modern horizontal ribbon mixers feature advanced agitator options including trowel, paddle, double ribbon (multi-pitch), or standard helical designs. Among these, multi-pitch double ribbons deliver superior batch blending, especially for multi-ingredient formulations demanding shorter mixing cycles and high mixing uniformity. The main components of horizontal ribbon mixers typically include a large feed inlet for easy loading, heavy-duty motor and gearbox for power transmission, precision-balanced ribbon agitators on a central shaft, and a reliable discharge port for efficient product removal.

The popularity of horizontal ribbon mixers is driven by their high batch capacities, dependability, ease of cleaning, and capability to fully mix a variety of free-flowing and semi-adhesive materials while preserving their physical integrity. Choosing the right horizontal ribbon mixer involves evaluating mixer volume, agitation intensity, discharge mechanisms, and maintenance access to ensure seamless integration into any powder processing line. For companies striving to increase throughput, enhance process consistency, and reduce blending time, horizontal ribbon mixers are a proven solution delivering best-in-class blending efficiency.

Chapter 3: Ribbon Blender Mixer Construction

The standard type of ribbon blender, often referred to as a horizontal ribbon mixer, features a helical ribbon agitator specifically designed for uniform mixing and blending of powders, granules, slurries, and various bulk solids. Horizontal ribbon blenders comprise rugged, heavy-duty components engineered to withstand the constant forward and backward agitation of ingredients during the dry blending or powder mixing process. The primary element—it’s central shaft, fitted with helical blades or spiral ribbons—creates the signature mixing pattern that gives a ribbon blender its name. This innovative configuration is crucial for achieving high-efficiency blending with optimal distribution of materials.

Trough

The trough, or mixing vessel, forms the largest component of ribbon blenders and houses the shaft, ribbons, and sometimes additional mixing elements. It serves as the primary chamber where the batch mixing of ingredients occurs. Typically constructed from food-grade, corrosion-resistant stainless steel, ribbon blender troughs feature seamless welds, polished interiors, and sanitary design to support hygiene, easy cleaning, and cGMP compliance for applications in food processing, pharmaceutical manufacturing, chemicals, and cosmetics production.

U-shaped troughs—open at the top—are standard for low-pressure, vacuum, or atmospheric mixing operations. The flat cover on top ensures a sealed environment, minimizing contamination and dust. Cover designs often include inlet nozzles or access ports, allowing for the controlled addition of dry powders and granulated ingredients during the mixing cycle. The U-shape supports effortless access to both the agitator and trough interior for maintenance and rapid cleaning, which is critical for batch-to-batch changeout.

While the U-shaped design is most common, custom ribbon blender troughs are available in cylindrical, fully cylindrical, and semi-cylindrical forms, adapted to suit product characteristics and process demands. Optionally, choppers, liquid spray systems, and sidewall scrapers can be installed to accommodate liquid blending, semi-solids, viscous pastes, or to enhance dispersing and emulsification during the mixing process.

Ribbon Agitator

The ribbon agitator system is the heart of any industrial ribbon blender. Composed of a rotating shaft with precision-welded helical ribbons (inner and outer flights), this high-performance agitator is designed for promoting axial and radial material flow, resulting in a uniform and homogeneous mixture. During operation, the counter-flow movement—inner ribbons directing material from the center to the ends, and outer ribbons pulling material back toward the center—promotes a fast, thorough, and efficient blending action. This type of mixer is especially effective for delicate powders, dry bulk solids, and formulated blends where particle integrity must be preserved.

Helical blade geometry, meticulously welded to the mixer shaft with reinforced spokes, creates both radial and longitudinal flow patterns. Shaft seals at both ends of the trough provide leak prevention and process containment—essential for food, pharmaceutical, and chemical processing industries. Ribbon design variations include single, double, triple, and hybrid ribbon-paddle configurations, enabling customization for specific mixing applications, batch sizes, and material flow properties. Double ribbon mixers are particularly prevalent for rapid mixing and high blending uniformity, reducing cycle times and energy consumption.

Alternative agitator types—such as enhanced paddle mixers and plow agitators—are also used based on material characteristics. Paddle mixers use flat blades for gentler blending, resulting in minimal shear and particle degradation, while plow agitators create a folding and low-impact mixing effect, making them suitable for sensitive formulations or gentle coating processes in specialty powder blending. These options provide flexibility for manufacturers to address a wide range of mixing challenges, such as material segregation, agglomerate dispersion, and cohesive powder blending.

Double Ribbon Design – Double ribbon agitators excel in mixing low-density, free-flowing powders and granular materials with consistent particle size distribution. Their continuous spiral structure moves material in opposite directions, ensuring complete batch turnover with no dead spots. The overlapping, closely spaced ribbons guarantee thorough contact and prevent pockets of material buildup, making this design optimal for high-volume batch mixing lines in food, chemical, and pharmaceutical industry settings.
Hybrid Paddle and Ribbon Design – Hybrid mixers combine the high-shear action of traditional ribbon blenders with the gentle tumbling of paddle mixers, yielding versatile agitation for complex formulations. The unique figure-eight pattern improves dispersion of minor ingredients, colorants, or micro-components, while the ribbon element enhances deagglomeration and product uniformity. This design is ideal when precise, repeatable mixing and enhanced productivity are required for sophisticated formulations.

Drive System

The drive system powers the ribbon mixer and plays a crucial role in achieving desired mixing speed, torque, and blending intensity. Mixing drives vary by manufacturer; typical options include belt drive, chain drive, and the highly reliable direct gear drive motor. Direct drive gear motors are favored for their compact design, energy efficiency, superior speed regulation, and reduced maintenance needs. Robust drive trains are essential for handling heavy-duty mixing applications and minimizing downtime in high-throughput environments.

Traditionally, ribbon blenders used belt or chain-driven gear reducers for applications requiring high torque and low speed. These legacy systems, featuring electric motors and mechanical pulley arrangements, demand periodic tension adjustment and regular maintenance. The advent of variable speed drives (VSDs) and variable frequency drives (VFDs) has revolutionized batch mixer technology, enabling seamless switching to direct drive gear motors for precise speed control and greater operational safety.

Direct drive gear motors—engineered as integrated systems featuring a low-inertia rotor and precisely matched gear unit—deliver excellent start-up torque, overload protection, and smooth operation. Their streamlined, low-profile configuration reduces overall machine footprint and enables flexible installation options. Direct drive systems are highly favored in large-scale powder blending operations, bulk solid mixing, and high-intensity industrial mixing because they deliver consistent results with lower total cost of ownership.

Direct Drive Gear Motor for a Ribbon Blender

Feed Inlet

The feed inlet is an integral port located at the top of most ribbon blenders, serving as the point of entry for ingredient loading—whether for powders, granules, or liquids. While some horizontal ribbon mixers lack a dedicated inlet and rely on opening the main cover for batch charging, others feature a purpose-built feed inlet for continuous mixing applications, ingredient dosing, or process integration. In U-shaped trough designs, inlets may be fitted with removable covers, safety interlocks, or sanitary gaskets to facilitate cleaning, prevent contamination, and streamline process workflow. The feed inlet also allows for convenient inspection, minor adjustment, and equipment maintenance as part of a safe and hygienic mixing operation.

Discharge Valve

The discharge valve (or outlet port) enables the efficient and complete evacuation of finished blends or mixed batches from a ribbon blender. Proper discharge design is vital to avoid cross-contamination, minimize material loss, and optimize turnaround time between recipes. The mixer typically operates at low speed during the discharge cycle, continually agitating contents to ensure thorough emptying through the outlet valve.

A variety of discharge valves are used in the ribbon blender manufacturing industry. Among these, plug valves are especially popular for their reliable, flush-mounted design, which assures minimal product retention and optimal seal integrity. Manual or pneumatically operated discharge valves accommodate diverse production scales and operator needs, offering flexibility for automated batch processing or small-scale artisanal production.

Key discharge valve types include plug, butterfly, side gate, knife gate, and spherical valves—also known as discharge gates. While plug valves provide the most comprehensive seal and product containment, alternative designs each offer unique features, such as quick actuation or compatibility with sticky or cohesive materials. Selecting the correct valve type is critical for fire prevention, GMP compliance, and process efficiency when handling fine powders, hazardous dusts, or volatile media commonly found in ribbon blender mixing systems.

For bulk powder blending or large-volume production, specialized discharge methods, such as bomb bay doors, are implemented to expedite batch discharge and eliminate residual retention. Bomb bay doors, modeled after the dual-hinged doors on bomber aircraft, span the entire length of the trough, opening wide to accelerate product release and reduce overall cycle time. This innovative discharge solution is favored in industrial ribbon mixers for high-speed processing and large batch throughput, ensuring rapid, complete product removal and easy sanitation between runs.

Control Panel

Ribbon blenders are equipped with user-friendly control panels that enable operators to set, monitor, and adjust critical mixing parameters—such as agitator speed, mixing duration, and discharge sequencing. Modern control systems often include programmable logic controllers (PLC), touch-screen interfaces, batch timers, fault indicators, and safety interlocks to maximize process control, mixing accuracy, and operator safety. Through the control panel, production personnel can fine-tune recipe settings and maintain consistent blending quality for a wide range of formulations, supporting both batch and continuous mixing operations common in large-scale powder processing plants.

Cover

A comprehensive cover system is essential for any ribbon blender, preventing product contamination, controlling dust emissions, and ensuring operator safety throughout the mixing cycle. Covers vary in design and size depending on the configuration—ranging from smaller hinged covers for semi-cylinder blenders to robust, reinforced lids for large U-shaped or vertical ribbon mixers. Modern blender covers are engineered with safety locks, removable panels, access ports, dust hoods, filter socks, and optional viewing windows to meet stringent food safety and industrial dust collection standards. Airtight and dust-tight sealing supports compliance with food safety regulations, dust control protocols, and explosion prevention guidelines across sanitary processing environments.

Safety Features

Modern ribbon blenders integrate advanced safety components to meet OSHA, FDA, and industry-specific standards for operator protection and process reliability. The principal risk is at the mixing drum—where moving ribbons and rotating shafts demand robust safeguards. Critical safety features include mechanical limit switches to prevent accidental operation while covers or access ports are open, and safety grates or interlocks beneath the lid for extra containment. Additional features may include emergency stop buttons, overload protection devices, and tamper-resistant guards to prevent accidental contact during operation.

Given their widespread use for blending powders, slurries, pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and granular ingredients, ribbon mixers are engineered to assure both material containment and environmental safety. Proper loading, dust-tight construction, and sealed access points are fundamental for preventing cross-contamination or dust explosions. Adhering to best practices and safety guidelines is vital for optimal performance and long service life.

Avoid overloading the blender by keeping material below the tip of the outer ribbon to ensure proper agitation and prevent stress on the mixing mechanism.
Ensure all covers, hatches, and inspection ports are dust-tight for safe operation and environmental compliance.
Charge ports and discharge valves should be air-tight sealed, using industry-standard gaskets or sanitary fittings, to prevent product leakage and external contamination.
Manage and monitor dust emissions carefully. Dust produced by fine powder mixing can present combustion and health hazards; install explosion-proof features and dust collection systems as needed to mitigate risk.
For extra-fine powders, consider lantern rings on stuffing boxes and low-pressure compressed air systems to prevent ingress into shaft seal areas. Using bag dump stations and automated unloading solutions improves operator safety and streamlines product flow.

Thanks to their efficient blending action, reliability, and adaptability, ribbon mixers are an essential solution for industrial mixing of powders, dry bulk solids, granulates, and cohesive materials. By following manufacturer guidelines and established safety protocols, facility operators can guarantee both high-quality blends and a safe, compliant working environment for personnel.

Leading Manufacturers and Suppliers

Chapter 4: How to Select a Ribbon Mixer

The choice of a blender or mixer for a process plays an important part in regard to how fast, efficient, and well the process is completed. When selecting a ribbon mixer or blender, it is possible to add different options that can increase the quality of the process. To ensure the proper selection for an application, it is important to examine the primary factors related to the application for which a ribbon blender is purchased.

Volume

The volume of a ribbon mixer is determined by the amount of material to be mixed and the speed at which it should be mixed. The many sizes of ribbon mixers make it possible to choose the ideal size for the requirements of a mixing process. One of the variations in the configuration of the blending process is whether to choose one large high capacity, high volume ribbon blender or several smaller ribbon blenders to avoid relying on a single blender.

In order to get the best results from a ribbon mixer, it is best to select a ribbon mixer that can be filled to its swept volume capacity, the volume of the area that contains the agitator. The length, width, height, volume, and agitator size are major factors to consider when choosing a ribbon blender.

Agitator Type

The common forms of ribbon agitators are single, double, triple, and hybrid. The general process for a ribbon mixer is to move the ingredients back and forth along the length of the trough. If shearing is required, the mixing speed can be increased or accessories added, such as choppers. Hybrid ribbon blenders have a unique form of agitator that includes ribbons and paddles that perform mixing processes to increase the speed of the mixing.

The factors that can help identify the type of agitator are:

Shearing – Shearing is used for dense viscous ingredients that require a higher mixing speed. During the process, the tolerance between the agitator and walls of the trough can increase the amount of necessary energy.
Friability – Friability refers to the tendency of particulate matter to break apart. Improper agitation can cause harm to such materials and necessitates the use of an agitator that has a gentle motion. Mixing is at a lower speed.
Number of Ribbons – Ribbon mixers can have one, two, or three ribbons depending on the design of the mixer. The most common form of ribbon mixer has two ribbons with one for the inner part of the mixing and one for the outer side. Triple mixers have a central ribbon with two outer ribbons. Hybrid mixers have ribbons and paddles. An increase in the number of ribbons, necessitates an increase in the amount of horsepower that will be required.

Construction

The choice of a ribbon blender can be significantly impacted by the materials from which the ribbon blender is made, since certain industries have to adhere to codes that dictate the types of equipment they use. The construction materials depend on the materials that will be mixed. For the food industry, which has regulations stipulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the construction of ribbon mixers are of the highest quality of stainless steel that has a special finish to enhance cleanliness and hygiene.

Although stainless steel is the main material for the manufacture of ribbon mixers, mild steels can be used for certain types of material. For non-food related applications, the interior of the trough may be made of stainless steel while the non-contact side of the mixer can be made of mild steel. Various types of coatings may be added to the interior surface of stainless steel that enhances the mixing process, which is needed when abrasive materials are blended.

Horsepower

Ribbon mixers operate at 20 RPMs but require more power for dual agitators and wider ribbons. Manufacturers work with their customers to select a ribbon mixer with sufficient horsepower to fit the needs of the application for which the ribbon mixer will be used. Motors that are too powerful can increase the expense of a ribbon mixer while low powered mixers will be unable to start due to the load.

Discharge Gate or Valve

The type of discharge gate is influenced by downstream processes, which determine the best time to discharge the mixture with some processes requiring immediate discharge while others need a gradual and slower discharge. Although there are several styles of discharge gates, the three most common are drop bottom, pneumatic slide gate, and multiple slide gate.

Drop Bottom – Drop bottom gates are full release gates that work quickly, may not have a proper seal, and may allow dust to escape.
Pneumatic Slide Gates – Pneumatic slide gates are a common form of gate that is widely used on ribbon mixers. They can be programmed to allow a specified amount of material to be released for measuring, batching, and bagging. They have an exceptionally tight seal.
Multiple Slide Gates – Multiple slide gates are used for processes that require rapid discharge to meet the rapid rate of downstream processes.

Ingredients

Every set of materials that is processed by a ribbon mixer has a set of stipulated characteristics that require examination in regard to the selection of a ribbon mixer. Different types of ingredients necessitate different procedures in order to mix properly. Attempting to process ingredients in the wrong type of mixer can damage the mixer and the ingredients and separate ingredients faster. Manufacturers use the list of ingredients that will be processed to assist clients in the purchase of the correct mixer for their mixing process.

Density, adhesion, melting and freezing point, particle size, friability, shear sensitivity, and explosiveness are characteristics that assist in selecting the right ribbon mixer for an application. Although choosing a less expensive one may seem to be an option, the cost of a mixer may be irrelevant when examining the characteristics of the ingredients.

Placement

One of the first steps in the assessment by a ribbon mixer manufacturer is to examine the facility where a ribbon mixer will be used. When space is limited and the ingredients are appropriate, a vertical ribbon mixer may be used since they require less space and have a similar mixing motion to that of a double ribbon mixer. There is a wide variety of horizontal mixers with ones of a few cubic feet up to ones with thousands of cubic feet. This factor makes it possible to select a ribbon mixer that is the right size and configuration.

In addition to an examination of the space for a ribbon mixer, it is important to determine how a ribbon mixer will fit into production requirements. Again, manufacturers will provide advice, guidance, and data regarding proper placement such that a ribbon mixer fits smoothly into a production process. Such information can also be used to determine how many mixers will be required and are necessary.

Environmental Conditions

Ribbon mixers require a clean, dry, well lit, and well-ventilated space with a flat stable surface. The power supply for a ribbon mixer must function properly and be grounded. Prior to operation, the seals on the mixing trough and stirring blades should be cleaned and tested for unrestricted rotation. Bearing temperatures must be below 60o C (140o F) when the machine is operating.

Conclusion

A ribbon mixer is an investment that requires careful consideration and the assistance of experienced professionals, which is provided by ribbon mixer manufacturers who work closely with their clients to select the right machine for an application. A ribbon blender should be suited for the process for which it was purchased and the characteristics of the materials to be mixed, information that is available from ribbon mixer manufacturers.

Chapter 5: Uses for Ribbon Blenders Mixers

Several industries rely on ribbon mixer blenders for the blending of ingredients for various applications. The adaptability and flexibility of ribbon mixers makes them ideal since ribbon blenders can be used for mixing food ingredients and chemicals, industries that have highly restrictive regulations and requirements.

Fertilizer

In the fertilizer industry, ribbon mixers are used for their power and mixing capabilities. The two axes motion helps in the manufacture of large production runs of natural fertilizers. The types of fertilizers that are produced using ribbon mixers include ureas, organic manure, and roughage.

Chemical

The manufacture of chemicals requires vigorous mixing, blending, heating, and cooling for complex product production. Ribbon mixers are chosen for use in the chemical industry due to their safety and ability to adapt to hygienic conditions. Since several chemical products involve granules, dry powders, low viscosity materials, and seasonings, ribbon blenders are ideal due to their function and design.

Mineral Production

The types of materials blended by the mineral industry require a mixer that can mix substances of varying densities. Ribbon mixers provide a reliable, efficient, adaptable, and flexible mixing solution for blending dry materials of different densities and semi-wet materials.

Cosmetics

Many of the products for cosmetics involve the use of some form of powder that needs to be blended and homogenized into a single mixture. For many years, the cosmetics industry has relied on ribbon mixers to blend and mix the various powders and ingredients that require gentle but thorough processing. Lotions, shampoos, hair gels, sanitizers, toothpaste, lipstick, and make up powders depend on the mixing power of ribbon blenders and mixers.

Food and Beverage

The industry that makes the most use of ribbon blender mixers is the food and beverage industry that rely on ribbon mixers for sanitary and hygienic construction. The FDA places highly restrictive standards and regulations on equipment used to produce food products for the protection of the public. Ribbon mixers are made of series 300 stainless steels that are ultra-hygienic, resistant to bacteria, and resistant to corrosion such that items produced are protected from contaminants.

Another reason for the wide use of ribbon mixers in the food industry is their flexibility and adaptability. The controls on ribbon mixers make it possible to set the exact rotational speed of the shaft in order to gently blend ingredients. In addition, ribbon blenders can blend semi-dense and semi-wet materials, which are common to the food industry. Ribbon blenders are used for preparing bread, cookies, chocolates, brownies, cakes, and other baked goods.

Conclusion

Ribbon blenders mixers are used to blend solids, dry powders, and semi-liquids using inner and outer ribbons that move ingredients back and forth in a U-shaped trough or cylinder.
The types of ribbon mixers are differentiated by the types of ribbons they have, which include single ribbon, double ribbon, triple ribbon, and hybrid mixer types.
Ribbon blenders have a central shaft that has spokes that hold the mixing ribbons that move ingredients inward and outward for efficient and reliable mixing.
Although belt and chain drives have been used for many years to power ribbon mixers, the advent of variable speed drives (VSDs) or variable frequency drives (VFDs) for electric motors has led to the wide use of direct drive motors for turning the shafts of ribbon mixers.
Ribbon mixers are the most versatile and reliable type of mixer for powder blending and are commonly used for the mixing of solids and the application of coatings on dry particles.