Difference between mixers - ribbon and paddle

We currently have a feed mill with a horizontal ribbon mixer in place and it has come time to replacing. After looking around we need to know what are the main differences between a ribbon mixer and a paddle mixer. What are the advantages of both and which is most recommended? - Joshua Collins, Mi

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  • edited November -1
    Selecting a mixer

    Here are some guidelines on selecting a new mixer.
    - When replacing a mixer, you may not need a larger one. The newer mixers generally are faster than their predecessors. A mixer will most likely have a greater hourly output compared to an older mixer of the same size. Some mixer manufacturers’ published cycle times are based on the mixing cycle only and do not take batching into account. It is important to clarify this when selecting a mixer and determining which one is right for you.
    - There are many things to consider when determining mixer size, such as the total feed required each day, labor capacity, labor costs, future capacity and growth, and total volume of feed ingredients needed at peak production, the latter of which may be the most important.


    Types of mixers
    There are two categories of mixers: continuous and batch. Continuous mixers provide a steady stream of feed. These systems commonly incorporate the use of a screw drive that continuously mixes raw materials together as they progress through the screw.

    Batch mixers comprise of several types. These include horizontal shaft (paddle, spiral or ribbon blade), and twin shaft mixers.

    Horizontal shaft
    With this type of mixer, the shaft and blades (or paddles) rotate through the feed, and the container or drum remains fixed.

    * Ribbon/spiral blade – create an extremely diverse velocity field by using a counter-transport mechanism consisting of an outside right-hand ribbon and an inside left-hand ribbon, both connected to the same horizontal shaft. Ribbon mixers provide fast blending and mixing in the vertical plane, as they can transport an entire mass of solids a short distance in both directions of the axis of the shaft while lifting a portion of the solids a short distance in each direction; however, they are slow when mixing end to end. Spiral blade mixers work well for both dry and wet mixes.

    * Paddle – This mixer has several paddles attached to a horizontal shaft. Paddle mixers should be used for wet mixes only.

    Twin shaft (dual paddle mixers)
    These mixers are fast mixers that use horizontal rotating shafts with fixed arms and attached paddle-shaped feet to impact the solids and throw some of them onto the second shaft, while pushing the rest toward one end of the device. The paddles on the other shaft push the solids toward the opposite end and toward the other shaft and paddle set.

    These mixers are very good for wet mixes, but are not commonly used for dry mixes. However, some producers have had success with dry mix applications. Although twin shaft mixers mix very quickly, they require more cleaning. Twin shaft mixers create a “zone” where material is suspended and compulsory-mixed into each other. This allows for very well-mixed feed.
  • edited November -1
    We currently have a feed mill with a horizontal ribbon mixer in place and it has come time to replacing. After looking around we need to know what are the main differences between a ribbon mixer and a paddle mixer. What are the advantages of both and which is most recommended? - Joshua Collins, Mi

    Dear SIRS..
    We do offer ribbon mixer, padder mixer and forberg twin paddles mixer for feed process. for more information please contact to
    <!-- e --><a href="mailto:younder2000@yahoo.com">mailto:younder2000@yahoo.com</a><!-- e -->
    YUTEK Engineering and IDAH MACHINERY.
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