Blenders
Blenders mix substances with comparable viscosities into a homogenous solution. Industrial blenders are synonymous with industrial mixers. Sometimes the term "blenders" is used in reference to pieces of equipment with sharper blades that rotate at higher speeds in order to break down larger items but manufacturers frequently use the two terms interchangeably.
Quick links to Blenders Information
Blender Applications
Blenders and mixers are used to thoroughly combine any type of liquid or solid during the manufacturing process; they are usually large tanks or vats with motorized blades or paddles that rotate on a stationary shaft or remain stationary themselves. Stainless steel is most commonly used, especially within the food and beverage industry because of the metal’s sanitary and hygienic properties. Other potential materials include aluminum, steel or cast iron. Because most consumable products contain various ingredients that have been mixed through this industrial process, blenders are widely used across many industries. Nearly all types of consumables or products that come into direct contact with people including beverages, pills and drugs, toothpaste, foods, petroleum products and many other products must be processed by blenders and mixers. Blenders are also used frequently in the cosmetic, pharmaceutical, chemical, agricultural, pulp and paper, automotive, water treatment, adhesive and sealant industries.
Design of Blenders
Industrial blenders are generally composed of mixing blades, ribbons, impellers or propellers that are driven by a rotor-stator, a single rotor or a twin rotor. Certain applications require specific types of industrial blenders in order to achieve the appropriate consistency or end-product. Cost effectiveness and efficiency are often the most important considerations. Blenders have become more powerful, more efficient and more varied. Blades are machined to mix faster while the motors that power them are smaller and use less fuel than older models. Certain designs maximize certain benefits and the variety of blender shapes, sizes and abilities continues to expand.
Types of Blenders
Some of the many types of industrial blenders include ribbon blenders, paddle blenders, vacuum blenders and dryers and agitators. Ribbon blenders are horizontal blenders containing two helical blades, one inside the other, pushing the contents of the mixer both inwards and outwards for thorough shearing mixing action; typically used at full capacity to mix dry or powdered ingredients, ribbon blenders may blend wet ingredients as well. Paddle blenders are similar, moving dry or powdered ingredients laterally and radially with paddles radiating from a horizontal screw. Vacuum mixers and dryers can have horizontal or vertical construction and use a combination of low internal heat and vacuum pressure to blend the mixture while removing moisture. Another very common type of mixer and therefore blender is an agitator with a single or double impeller to mix products with high viscosities.
Things to Consider When Purchasing a Blender
- Power vs Noise Level
- One big issue with blenders in the past was there always seemed to be a trade off between noise level and power. Some blenders are designed for heavy duty tasks and intended for extended periods of use but these blenders can often be loud. In situations where noise is a concern many users will turn to blenders that are quieter. Unfortunately these quiet blenders have much less output compared to their loud counterparts. Innovators in the blending industry are taking interesting approaches to these issues of noise versus power. Manufacturers are also taking great strides in making blenders more usable for a wide variety of industries.
- New Blender Designs
- Some manufacturers utilize new and unique blender designs to try and create blenders that will perform at a higher power rating but at lower decibels. Manufacturers are now creating blenders with enclosure devices. By enclosing the blender it muffles the high-pitched whine sound that has annoyed many operators.
- Upgraded blender Technology
- Innovators have also been upgrading blender technologies to have higher levels of functionality. Companies have integrated more digital capabilities with their blenders. These innovations include: touch screen sliding controls for manual speed variable control, programming tools, and USB interfaces. This USB component is especially interesting because it allows for ongoing customizations with the blender. Most recipes call for different speed cycles based on the foodstuff and the desired viscosity. With these new blenders a user could find a recipe on the internet and then with the USB get the exact speed variable to blend the food. These blenders are just another example of the connective power and usability of the internet and new technologies.