MATERIALS HANDLING
T e challenge is that conventional agitator assemblies are mounted using a fl ange and bolts that are located inside the mixing chamber. T is arrangement leaves crevices or grooves where allergens, pathogens, or other potential hazards can accumulate that are diffi cult to access and clean. In contrast, with stub shaft designed
mixers, the agitator assembly here is mounted on the exterior of the chamber, eliminating this concern. T e design allows maintenance crews to effi ciently remove the agitator assembly, replace the seals, and reassemble the components in under 30 minutes, maximizing production time.
A vertically organised OEM can
CANTILEVER DESIGN Compared to traditional equipment, cantilever designed mixers streamline cleaning by allowing the operator to easily open the machinery and access crevices and hard-to-reach areas. Some high- volume industrial mixers can measure 40ft long and 14ft in diameter, large enough to qualify as a confi ned space, and therefore subject to safety regulations by OSHA when entry for cleaning is required. Most conventional mixers are designed using large pneumatic or hydraulic cylinders on the top or bottom of the
reduce the overall cost of a mixer by a factor of 3 or even 4x
mixer to slide the end plate in or out for cleaning and maintenance. However, the cylinders essentially double the size of the mixer and, when opened, the extended agitator element and end plate poses a trip or “head banging” hazard to personnel, as well as a hazard to forklifts. Hydraulic and pneumatic components also signifi cantly add to the overall cost of the equipment. In contrast, cantilever designed mixers eliminate the need for confi ned space entry into a mixer, while improving access
Compared with traditional equipment, cantilever designed mixers
streamline cleaning
without need for pneumatic or hydraulic elements. Instead, the cantilever end plates extend out and pivot on a hinge, or arm, allowing for much greater interior access than a traditional mixer. “We install the end plates on hinges mounted to the main mixer body or another stationary object so you can simply unlock the end plates and swing them open,” says Paul. “If a very large mixer is used, the OEM may mount an end plate on a supporting pedestal that swings open, so the hinge provides a continuous run of the entire mixer.”
When using a cantilever mixer, the end plate can be locked in a specifi c position or allowed to rotate. Each end plate can be further adjusted to enable opening in tight or restricted areas. “T is enables greater fl exibility when cleaning since you can easily move the end plate around to access diff erent areas,” says Paul.
MINIMISE PRODUCT LOSS WITH INNOVATIVE MIXER DESIGNS Processors expect a certain amount of product loss and residue when using horizontal mixers. Fortunately, several design options have been developed that help minimise waste.
OFFSET DISCHARGE VALVE Horizontal mixers tend to waste a considerable amount of product,
particularly when the discharge valve is positioned in the centre of the mixer. To minimise the product loss, PerMix uses a slightly off set discharge valve.
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