VARIABLE-INTENSITY BLENDERS

Infinitely adjustable rotor speed, together with variable-pitch paddles, allows fine-tuning of blending action, from slow-speed consistent progression of material through the cylindrical chamber, to high-speed "backwashing" of material through turbulent zones for rapid, high-shear interspersing of particles — with typical residence times of 20 to 30 seconds.

Munson's Continuous Variable-Intensity Blender is based on a horizontal, cylindrical vessel with a single agitator rotating at low to high speed, delivering a wide range of mixing/blending capabilities in high capacities.

Small to large volumes of liquids can be injected through ports strategically located on the vessel, and can be driven into the material rapidly and uniformly.

The agitator is comprised of a large-diameter, solid main shaft equipped with paddles affixed to the main shaft in either of two ways: with threaded paddle shafts that are individually adjustable for pitch up to 180° to impart various degrees of blending intensity, or with permanently fixed and fully seal-welded paddle shafts for sanitary applications.

Shorter residence times of 20 to 30 seconds are typical for dry blends of major ingredients, while longer residence times may be required for critical blends containing minor additives and for materials requiring increased retention for liquid absorption or other conditioning.

An optional weir immediately upstream of the discharge can increase the residence volume as needed for blending of certain dry materials having fluid flow characteristics.

Infinitely adjustable from 50 to 2500 RPM when operated by a variable frequency drive (VFD), the agitator shaft is supported by flange block bearings with mechanical face seals as standard. Optional externally-mounted stand-off bearings are available with air-purged packing gland seals, or block seals of Teflon or UHMW polyethylene, including split designs for sanitary applications and ease of maintenance.

The blender and motor are mounted on a common support base, with multiple "V" belt and sheave drives as standard. Optional gear-reduced drives, synchronous gear belt reduced drives or a combination of both are available to optimize speed and for high-torque requirements. All drives are furnished with complete guarding of rotating members.

For heating or cooling during mixing, optional low-pressure jackets are available, as well as high-pressure jackets constructed to ASME code.

For wash down, water or cleaning solution can be introduced through optional injection ports as the agitator is rotated, and drained through the discharge chute or a separate discharge fitting. The optional weir can also serve to increase the residence volume of liquids injected to dislodge difficult-to-clean materials.

Six models offer maximum throughput of 50 to 3000 cu ft/h (1.4 to 85 m³/h) depending on material characteristics, blend ratios and the residence time required to achieve homogeneity.

The Variable-Intensity Blender is based on a nominal 4-to-1 length-to-diameter ratio allowing high throughput rates for homogeneous blending or conditioning, and is available in carbon steel, #304 and #316 stainless steel and abrasion resistant steel.