Mixing in a mechanically generated fluid bed

Ploughshare® shovels in special arrangement on a horizontal shaft rotate in a horizontal mixing drum. The number, size, shape, positioning and peripheral speed of the shovels are coordinated with regard to the geometry of the drum to cause a defined, three dimensional movement of the components. The specially shaped shovels lift the product from the inner drum wall into the open mixing area counteracting the centrifugal force. The fluid bed mechanically generated in this way, whereby all the product is constantly involved in the mixing process, ensures maximum mixing intensity at even the highest feed rates and shortest residence times. All components of the product are intensively mixed, even in cases where the proportion, bulk densities or granular structure differ considerably.

As the product is lifted from the drum wall the particles can not be squashed or damaged between the mixing elements and the drum wall. The mixing elements can be modified (no lift effect) for special applications or particular component characteristics.

The Lodige ploughshare® mixer is designed for continuous and batch operation. The feeding and discharge of the batch mixer is carried out on the top and bottom of the mixing drum respectively, both openings placed centrally along the drum length. The feeding of a continuous mixer is carried out on the top of the mixer next to the endplate and the discharge at the opposite end of the mixer. The product to be mixed flows through the entire length of the mixer. The filling degree and the residence time (depending also on the shape and position of the mixing elements and the size of the discharge) are defined in accordance with the product and unit characteristics and must be specifically adjusted.

Charakteristics: 

. Rapid and gentle mixing process 
. Operation even with hypercritical rotation speed 
. Filling degree for batch process: approx. 30 – 80 % of the drum volume
. Filling degree for continuous process: approx. 20 – 50 % of the drum volume s 
. Process designed for a wide range of production
. Extreme product ratio of the components (up to 1 :100.000 )
. Combined radial and axial movements to lift the product in a three dimensional movement 
. In continuous operation product is axially flowing into both directions

Gebrüder Lödige Maschinenbau GmbH