Lödige Ploughshare® Mixer for continuous operation: a multitude of applications
Universal applicability, consistent reproducibility, maximum homogeneity of the final product and short dwell times are the features that characterize the Ploughshare® Mixer for continuous operation developed by Lödige Process Technology. It is therefore the mixer of choice for a multitude of applications. The low-maintenance mixer is suitable for processing powdery, fibrous or granular solids as well as liquids and pastes with low viscosity. Granulation processes can also be carried out with the continuous mixer with minimum dwell times.
The continuous mixer is based on the process of Lödige’s patented mechanically generated, turbulent fluidized bed. During this process, Ploughshare® shovels rotate close to the wall in a horizontal, cylindrical drum. Their peripheral speed and geometric shape are configured to ensure that they remove the mixing components from the drum wall and toss them into the free mixing compartment of the product bed. Due to the continuous mixing of the entire product, intensive mixing is thus achieved even at large material throughput volumes. Product transport is ensured by the special shape and arrangement of the mixing elements. Excellent homogeneity and consistent reproducibility of the final product are achieved during short mixing or dwell times of only 25 to 60 seconds.
Efficiency for many mixing tasks
In addition to its exceptional efficiency, part of the sophisticated mixer concept is the universal applicability of the machine. Beyond the processing of dry, powdery, granular or fibrous solids, it can be equipped for numerous other mixing tasks. The addition of liquids to moisten the product components is equally possible as the processing of pastes and liquids of low viscosity. Furthermore, the installation of choppers in the mixing drum allows opening-up agglomerates and targeted granulation during the mixing process. A heated or cooled drum, head pieces and a shaft are also available as equipment options. In times of particular demand, the highly wear-resistant surfaces, high-strength structural steels, stainless steels and special materials further increase the high availability of the continuous Ploughshare® Mixer. The wide range of different sizes also promotes the versatility of the mixer. The smallest model with a drum volume of 5 litres has a throughput capacity of 0.25m³/h, depending on the dwell time and filling level. The throughput capacity of the largest model with a drum volume of 57,000 litres is approx. 1500t/h