MIXERS | MACHINERY
and ease of use. “The market has changed completely in the last few years. It has become much more demanding and selective, and this is due to several factors: the evolu- tion of the automation processes, the demand for productivity and efficiency, workplace safety, regulatory constraints, and competi- tion. These are all aspects that have led to a transfor- mation in the approach by the manufacturer and user of the plants,” according to the company. UK-based solids handling equipment specialist Ajax Equipment’s vertical screw mixer combines a mass flow hopper design with high-rate vertical screw technology to provide efficient batch mixing and blending in plants with limited space. These Ajax mixers have a smaller footprint than horizontal batch blenders, with powder flow property testing used to establish design parameters. According to Ajax, its vertical screw mixer combines mass flow (determined from powder shear tests) and an inbuilt vertical screw (which effectively promotes high recirculation rates and fulsome flow pattern) to exploit gravity and minimise power consumption while providing efficient mixing. The company has supplied multiple 5.5-m3
vertical screw mixers for blending a plastics compound in an ATEX Zone 22 (dust) rated working area, with the interior of the blenders designated as Zone 21 (dust). The design used special discharge features to utilise the central screw’s rotation to provide discharge to two alternative discharge ports, each of which were required to totally empty the contents within five minutes. Twin screw versions help increase capacity with no further head room requirements. The Ajax silo mixer uses vertical screws to
elevate powder, cascading the material on the bed contents and down the hopper section, which is designed for mass flow. Recirculation of the powder is achieved using screws that have a large entrainment section and include scoops to help reduce the headroom requirement of the hopper section, enabling relatively large volumes of solids to be held within the squat mixer. US company Marion Process Solutions offers diverse blenders for a range of applications in the chemicals industry, including production of PVC compounds, colour concentrates, and TPEs, as well as powdered epoxy and phenolic resins. These
www.pipeandprofile.com November/December 2022 | PIPE & PROFILE EXTRUSION 49
include V-Cone Blenders, Double Cone Blenders and batch mixers. The V-Cone blender is
exactly what the name implies: a tumble mixer in the shape of a V. Marion says this design achieves high performance while providing maximum cleanability, especially since there are no internal moving parts to create pockets or product build-up. The V-Cone blend-
er can withstand highly abrasive products and the gentle blending is said to be very suitable for delicate materials. It is particularly good at mixing powders. The Double-Cone blender uses a tumbling motion within a small footprint and is also said to be easy to clean. Beyond the small footprint, the mix action provides the ability to easily mix large and small-sized ingredients. “Both cone mixers are smart choices when it comes to “high-value” mixes, requiring a premium product,” said the company. Marion batch mixers are available from 42 to 17,000 litres capacity and are customised with features specific to the batch. “For example, we can alter the trough geometry, agitator design, main shaft seals, cover design and discharge,” said a Marion spokesperson. “In addition, we offer dimpled jackets to the trough for heating/cooling. We can also design for vacuum/pressure, often needed in chemical mixing.”
CLICK ON THE LINKS FOR MORE INFORMATION: �
www.zeppelin-systems.com �
www.mixaco.com �
www.valtortamixer.com �
www.kreyenborg.com �
www.plasmec.it �
www.ajax.co.uk �
www.marionsolutions.com
Below: This pair of twin screw Ajax mixers are installed at a site rated ATEX zone 21 (internal Zone 22)
Right: Plas Mec’s TRR mixer is said to provide an alternative to a turbomixer where high versatility is required
IMAGE: PLAS MEC
IMAGE: AJAX EQUIPMENT
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