The choice of powder blender

The ideal powder blender should have the following characteristics(Fischer 1960):

(a)efficient mixing action-to give satisfactory blending in the minimum time,

(b)gentle mixing action-to reduce mechanical fragmentation or agglomeration to a minimum,

(c)dust-free operation-the machine should preferably be sealed,

(d)easily cleanable-surfaces should be smooth, readily accessible and free from obstructions and crevices,

(e)complete discharge-minimum of product retained in the machine,

(f)low costings-installation, running, maintenance and power usage costs must be minimal.

The choice of powder blender may be determined by the need for batch or continuous operation, single or multiple processing, and the degree of precision blending required. Sometimes the choice is a compromise but most authorities agree that for simple powder mixing the tumbler-type blender is more effective than the blade or paddle-type as it can produce the maximum product mobility with the minimum of scraping or frictional action