Where is a Ploughshare Mixer Used?
A ploughshare mixer is versatile and can be used for substances ranging from liquids to solids with medium viscosity (a measure of a fluid's resistance to flow). The system is also qualified for washing-in-place (WIP) cleaning and can mix sensitive contents. Examples of applications include cheese, chocolate, tea and coffee extracts, or cereal flours in the food industry; dietary supplements or vitamin preparations in the pharmaceutical industry; and primarily creams in the cosmetics industry. Ploughshare mixers are also commonly used in companies in the chemical, pharmaceutical, and food industries. They are excellent for mixing granules and powders, as well as liquid and viscous substances. Different consistencies of the individual components pose no problem, for instance, when mixing oil into a paste. In the food industry, these mixers are used in the production of muesli, baking mixes, and dough. Pharmaceutical applications include mixing powders, granules, and lotions, among others. Various branches of the chemical industry also offer many application possibilities. Ploughshare mixers treat the components gently despite the rapid mixing process, making them suitable for mixing delicate materials.
How is a Ploughshare Mixer Constructed?
A cylinder with ploughshares, ranging from 5 to 90 liters in capacity, is attached to a horizontal shaft. The horizontal shaft is driven by an electric motor. For a more efficient process of pulverizing solids, high-speed rotating cutting heads are installed in the lower part of the ploughshare mixer. Two methods are provided for adding liquids: either from above through a nozzle or directly onto the blade using a lance. Two corresponding discharge valves, one at the bottom and one on the side, are provided for emptying the finished mixture. Some ploughshare mixers even offer the option of generating continuous flow, allowing continuous addition and removal of material, while others only produce mixtures in batches.
How Does a Ploughshare Mixer Work?
Two mixing techniques are distinguished:
Batch Mixing: By adjusting the number, size, and position of the ploughshares and their peripheral speed, the contents of the mixer can be set in a three-dimensional motion. This ensures efficient and precise mixing, as no stagnant or dead zones can form due to the turbulence generated. Everything remains in constant motion, and it is also constantly lifted from the walls, preventing any buildup. Additionally, the product can be dried due to the good separation of particles in the fluidized bed.
Continuous Mixing: Essentially, the operation is the same as before, but here, the tools are tailored to the individual task. The throughput depends on the properties of the contents, residence time, and fill level.
Purchase the Right Used Ploughshare Mixer
There are ploughshare mixers with large capacities, as well as smaller versions. The container for the mixture can be oriented vertically or horizontally. The most suitable option for your needs depends primarily on the space available at the site. Other distinguishing features include the types of feed and discharge of the mixture. Filling can be done from above or from the side, while the finished mixture can be extracted either from the bottom or the side, in both cases via a corresponding discharge valve. Some mixers produce mixtures in batches, while others allow continuous flow, enabling continuous addition and removal of material. The mixing tools in many models can be replaced to suit the mixture. If you also need additional pulverization, choose a ploughshare mixer with cutting tools.
Choose an appropriate ploughshare mixer from our inventory or seek advice anc contact us!
