What Is a V Type Mixer?
A V type mixer is a mixing vessel in the shape of a V. It uses a rotating motion to uniformly mix powders and granules by repeatedly dispersing and aggregating them.
Rapid and uniform mixing is made possible by the repeated convective motion of the powder/pellets moving throughout the mixing vessel. In addition, mixing time can be shortened due to the three-dimensional collision and folding action. The simple internal structure makes it suitable for mixing raw materials in the pharmaceutical and food industries.
The advantages of the V type mixer are their short mixing time and high mixing accuracy. Also, the cross-sectional area of the mixing vessel is smaller than that of a W-type mixer, enabling uniform mixing of even small amounts of raw materials. For this reason, they are widely used as indispensable machines for the uniform mixing required to maintain product quality.
In addition, V type mixers have the advantage of being easy to clean. Its simple internal structure reduces the need for cleaning and enables the machine to meet the high hygiene standards required in the pharmaceutical and food industries.
Uses for V Type Mixers
V type mixers are used for mixing a wide variety of materials, such as pellets, synthetic resin powders, seasonings, paints, dairy products, detergents, ceramic clay, glass, powder jig metal, and ferrite materials. They are especially suited for mixing raw materials in the pharmaceutical and food industries and are often utilized as one of the processes to produce high-quality products.
In addition, V type mixers have a simple internal structure and are easy to clean, allowing them to be used in a hygienic environment. In addition to the pharmaceutical and food industries, V type mixers are also suitable for mixing cosmetics and chemicals. They are used in many fields and are indispensable for achieving uniform mixing.
Principle of V Type Mixers
The principle of the V type mixer is based on the fact that, unlike fluid-to-fluid mixing, powder/pellets do not self-diffuse, and therefore, external force is applied to the powder/pellets to set them in motion. However, when an external force is applied, the static and fluid states are separated, preventing efficient mixing. A particular drawback is that when there is a large difference in specific gravity or particle size, there is a difference in the strength of homogenization and segregation, making it difficult to maintain the mixing state.
With the V type mixer, aggregation and segregation are repeated by the rotation of the V-shaped mixing tank, enabling ideal overall mixing. By properly selecting the feed rate, equipment design, and operating conditions, the V-type mixer is also suitable for mixing powders and granules that have flowability or are fragile.
Furthermore, the machine allows for the complete discharge of all materials, is easy to clean and wash, and is relatively inexpensive. Contamination is also basically prevented except from the shaft penetration, so it can be used with peace of mind. V type mixer is a device to achieves efficient and ideal mixing by applying the external force necessary to perform the mixing operation, thereby eliminating the difference between homogenization and segregation.
Other Information on V Type Mixers
1. About the Recommended Feeding Volume for V Type Mixers
The recommended stocking rate of a V type mixer is 40% or less because sufficient mixing effect cannot be obtained unless the space for free flow of powder is secured inside the V type vessel. As is common with vessel-rotating mixers, the convection of the powder itself is the driving force for mixing, so the amount of powder fed is inevitably small in relation to the size of the equipment.
In a rotor-rotary mixer such as a screw or ribbon mixer, it is possible to achieve a feed rate of 60% or more. However, the rotor’s force may cause particle wear and breakdown, and segregation may occur due to the agitation motion.
In selecting a mixer, it is important to confirm various requirements and conduct tests using actual powder to check the effect on powder quality.
2. Characteristics of Powders Suitable for V Type Mixers
Since the V type mixer is a vessel-rotating type, the powder particles are not damaged by compression, shear, or frictional forces from the rotor as much as in agitator-type mixers. This type of mixer is suitable for powders whose particle shape should not be damaged.
The shape, size, and surface condition of the particles are important factors in the functions and properties of powders, and if they are altered by mechanical treatment, such as in a mixer, the fluidity of the powder itself, its mixability with other materials, and its dispersibility, when added to resins, may change.
Powders with controlled particle size, shape, or coating for the purpose of adding functionality or value must be mixed gently so as not to impair their function, for which a V type mixer is suitable. Another problem with agitator-type mixers is that the temperature of the powder rises during mixing because heat is generated by friction.
Therefore, a V type mixer is suitable for heat-sensitive samples. Conversely, powders that are not suitable for V type mixers are fine powders or powders with large differences in particle size and density. In these cases, the fine particles and light powders will agglomerate, and it is difficult to break up the agglomerates with a vessel rotation type mixer. Large density differences may also cause segregation of powders.