Evaluating the mixing performance of a ribbon blender

This paper investigates the effects of processing and equipment parameters of a ribbon blender (i.e. loading method of lubricant, fill level, blade speed and blade design) on magnesium stearate homogeneity. A core sampling technique is used to obtain at least one hundred samples per sampling event, which are extracted throughout the blender and yield a thorough characterization of the entire bed. The results presented here can be used as a guideline to develop appropriate blending processes and characterization protocols for ribbon blenders.

Graphical abstractThis paper investigates the effects of processing and equipment parameters of a ribbon blender (i.e. loading method of lubricant, fill level, blade speed and blade design) on magnesium stearate homogeneity. It was found that a layered distribution of the lubricant and lower fill levels yield more homogeneous blends. Regarding blade parameters, it was found that a blade with less turns or higher blade rotation speed yields a blend of poorer homogeneity.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide