MATERIALS HANDLING
Selecting state-of-the-art designs is becoming a best- in-class practice
INTO THE MIX
Design features that increase product mixing effi ciency and profi tability
ndustrial mixers are essential for the processing of powders, pastes, and liquids in industries such as chemicals, plastics, paints, food, pharmaceuticals, and nutraceuticals. However, selecting the right mixer for an application can be diffi cult. T ere are diff erent types of mixers such as fl uidised zone, plough, paddle, ribbon, or sigma. Variations in quality between domestically sourced and overseas options can also be a concern. Regardless of the industry or type
I
of mixer, quality and performance are crucial to attain the required product specifi cations while meeting inevitable changes in customer demand. In addition, with the current cost of labour
24
www.engineerlive.com
and energy so high, it is vital to optimise effi ciencies wherever possible for long- term profi tability. To this end, industrial processors are
increasingly seeking mixers with design features and capabilities that improve performance, provide more fl exibility of mixing style, limit product loss, simplify cleaning requirements, and reduce capital equipment and ongoing maintenance costs. For guidance on these issues, we
have turned to John Paul, CEO and managing director of PerMix Tec Co. North America, a subsidiary of PerMix, a global supplier of industrial mixing and processing equipment for powders, pastes, and liquids.
EASY TO CLEAN MIXER DESIGNS Periodic mixer cleaning is essential to maintain sanitary conditions, ensure product quality, and facilitate production changeover. Between each batch, the mixer is turned off , opened, and cleaned thoroughly to ensure there is no material residue. In industries like food processing, an SQF practitioner also swabs the area to confi rm that it is free of allergens and pathogens. However, some mixers can be diffi cult to access and clean, which increases time and labour. In modern industrial mixers, two innovative design features – the stub shaft and cantilever end door – are specifi cally intended to simplify cleaning and minimise production downtime.
STUB SHAFT DESIGN Although there are many types of mixers, most involve a rotating impeller to mix material. T e agitator assembly must therefore be mounted securely to ensure proper mixing, yet also be removable for cleaning or maintenance.
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52
