When it comes to blending, two popular options stand out: the Double cone blender and the V Cone Blender. These machines offer distinct mixing techniques, each with its own unique characteristics. Let’s get into their principles of operation, construction, working mechanisms, and applications.
Principle:
The Twin Shell Blender achieves mixing through a captivating tumbling motion.
Construction of the V Cone Blender:
Its construction involves two blending shells connected in a V-shaped configuration. Intensifier bars within the blender serve to break up solid clumps, while the product resides at both ends of the V (when the blender is inverted). A horizontal shaft, rotating about an axis, induces a tumbling effect, causing particles to intermix on the mixture surface. Material charging can occur through either end of the V-Blender, offering flexibility in the process. The blending capacity ranges from 20 kg to 1 tonne, depending on equipment size.
Working Mechanism:
The Twin Shell Blender, also known as a V-Blender, ranks among the most widely employed tumbling blenders. Material is loaded into the vessel, initiating the blending process. As the V-blender tumbles, the material continuously fragments and merges, with the mixing action occurring as the material free-falls unpredictably within the vessel. This blending technique harnesses the force of gravity, enabling the powder to cascade within the rotating vessel. It is recommended to fill the V-Blender to approximately 50 to 60% of its total volume. The blended product is collected from the bottom of the V-shaped container. Blend times typically range from 5 to 15 minutes, depending on the material properties.
Merit or Demerit of V Cone Blender:
V Cone Blender Merit:
Without Baffle:
- Boasts large capacities
- Facilitates easy handling
- Requires minimal maintenance
With Baffle:
- Enables wet and dry mixing
- Provides high shearing force
- Eliminates the need for serial dilution
V Cone Blender Demerits:
Without Baffle:
- Provides ample headspace for installation
- Not recommended for fine particulate systems
- Requires serial dilution
With Baffle:
- Allows for size reduction
- May pose challenges to cleaning
- May require extra attention to sealing
Applications of Twin Shell Blender or V Cone Blender:
V blenders excel in dry mixing applications, delivering efficient blending in a short span of time. They are commonly employed in pharmaceuticals, although they may not be suitable for very soft powders or granules.
V blenders are widely used in the food industry for products such as milk, dry flavors, spices, and baby foods. They also find usefull in pesticide and herbicide manufacturing, animal feed production, and cosmetics.
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