Principle of Operation

 

The infeed ingredients are continuously weighed by the Gericke metering system and fed into the mixing chamber in accordance with the recipe. GCM continuous mixers offer the optimum combination of radial and axial mixing (dispersion) depending on the task and the type of component.

 

The axial dispersion compensates for variations in feed concentration and results in a defined residence time distribution.

 

The radial dispersion is defined as mixing by rotation. The forward motion causes intensive material transport and forms a fluidised zone. This allows even addition of liquids.

 

 

 

Typical Applications

 

Solid-solid blending
Powdered products such as additives, washing powder components, solids and grains including cereals or plastic granulates can be mixed. Product properties such as very fine, wide particle size distribution or variable specific density can be handled. With the optimum ratio of mixing volume to throughput the mixing process is gentle, fast and respects the different properties of the bulk material.

 

Examples:

• Preserving sugar
• Milk powder with vitamins and mineral additives
• Spices
• Additives with plastic granules
• Raw materials for ceramic extrusions

 

 

Solid with liquid additives
Bulk materials are sprayed with aromas, binding agents or other liquids or the liquid is poured on. The prime concern is prevention of formation of agglomerates, absorption or liquid binding with the product. The mixer is adjusted by size, number and location of spray points, nozzle, residence time etc.

 

Examples:

• Instant coffee with aroma
• Mixing muesli bars
• Spreads
• Viscous mixtures

 

Liquid with solids
The ratio between solid and liquid may be 50% or greater. The mixed product remains in a liquid or viscous phase. GCM mixers can be cleaned quickly with the easy access mixing chamber.

 

Examples:

• Coating masses for confectionary
• Binders for gluing processes
• Viscous mixtures