What to consider when choosing a horizontal batch mixer
This article concentrates on one common dry bulk solids mixer -- the horizontal batch mixer -- and explains how to select one to handle your process requirements. Much of the information also applies to other batch mixers.
In batch mixing, ingredients are loaded into the mixer, the mixer is operated, and the mixture is unloaded so another batch can be loaded into the vessel. This operation is quite different than continuous mixing: In a continuous mixer, ingredients flow steadily from upstream processing into the operating mixer and are retained and mixed for a specified time, and the mixture discharges steadily from the mixer at the same flowrate. Because of this operating difference, a batch mixer is often used for mixing smaller quantities of material, handling multiple ingredients or multiple product formulas, and providing longer mixing times, such as to blend difficult-to-mix ingredients.