V-Type Mixers: The Ultimate FAQ Guide

If you want a powder mixer which is homogeneous, try V-type mixer.

Unlike other pharmaceutical mixers, V type mixers have a uniquely designed shape.

Today’s guide has everything you need to know about V type mixer.

So, whether you’re a newbie or professional, this is a must-read guide for you.

What is a V-type Mixer?

These are v-shaped mixers.

 V shaped mixer

They are used in process industries to easily and sufficiently mix products in bulk.

Some of the solids mixed by this machine are usually in powder, granules, or pellet form.

They are also preferred for their reliability and ability to sustain hygienic standards expected in various industries, including pharmaceutical, food processing, etc.

How does the Ribbon Mixer compare to V-mixer?

 V mixing machine

Ribbon mixer

The difference between a ribbon mixer and a v-mixer is based on their design and operating systems.

Ribbon mixers have their ribbons in the middle of the outer part.

The mixing containers for ribbon mixers are designed to move in opposite directions.

As they move, the central axis rotates.

This results in even mixing of substances.

However, for the v-mixer, the operating principle is a bit different.

The mixing container is suspended by a pivot that rotates at 360◦ as it mixes the products.

This kind of rotation catalyzes the breakage of all the particles resulting in an evenly mixed product.

Is V-shell Mixer the same as V-cone Mixer?

Yes.

V-mixer has a few synonyms.

Some of these synonyms include v-shell mixers and v-cone mixers.

What is the Rotation Angle for V-mixers?

The pivot suspending the v-mixer container allows it to rotate at 360 degrees when in processing materials.

V cone mixer

What are the Applications of V-mixers?

Just like any other mixer, v-mixers are used in various industries to mix dry bulk solids.

Here are some industries that use v-mixers:

· Pharmaceutical Industry

Pharmaceutical industries rely on v-mixers when mixing various medical products before granulation.

This helps in controlling quality and safety in the products.

· Food Processing Industry

V-mixer has a lot of applications in the food processing industry.

It is used in the premixing of various products.

These include cereals and dairy powders.

It is also used in mixing spices and diet supplements.

Apart from precision, v-mixers are essential in quality control.

· Chemicals Industry

This is a very sensitive industry.

A minor error can easily result in multiple fatalities.

As such, for proper mixing of various powders and minerals, v-mixers are the most reliable.

Of course, you can use V mixers in any industry where you would wish to blend two or more powders.

What are the Advantages of V-mixers?

• V-mixers are relied on in minimizing various particles. This is done in the absence of moving blades that are commonly used in other mixers.

This makes the mixer the best choice when handling fragile materials.

• V-mixers will also help you reduce instances of product contamination. The stainless steel used in manufacturing the mixer is responsible for the hygienic standards.
• Additionally, you will realize that v-mixers are easy to clean. Apart from the material used in its manufacture, the shape also contributes to this cleaning ease.
• Using v-mixer in your industry will also increase your output as it is quicker compared to alternatives such as manual mixing.
• V-mixers also help in ensuring precision. You can, therefore, be sure of a quality mixture. This is the desire of any manufacturer regardless of the industry in question.

What are the Disadvantages of V-mixers?

V-mixers also have drawbacks;

• If you are planning to mix particles of different sizes and densities, then this is not the best machine for your industry. This is because the particles are likely to segregate on discharge.
• You will also incur costs implications. The first implication will be purchasing the machine. The second one will be utility bills. You will also have to hire an operator.

What is the Working Principle for V-mixers?

V-mixer’s shell is usually in V-shape.

They are usually made two cylinders welded together at an angle of either 75° or 90°.

Also, they are suspended on a pivot, which usually rotates to mix ingredients.

The v-mixer does not have agitators like other blenders.

Instead, it relies on rotation to attain maximum mixing.

After several rotations, the intended mixture is obtained.

It is worth noting that since the mixer does not have agitators, it best mixes free-flowing solids.

For this reason, you should avoid mixing cohesive solids using this machine lest you experience inconsistencies with the final blend.

The rotation cannot disperse cohesive solids sufficiently.

V-mixers have two openings, which are usually located atop the “V.”

This shape also helps in discharging the mixture after mixing has been done.

V-mixers are the best if you are dealing with fragile products.

The absence of the agitator means that the mixing is gently done hence minimizing damage of ingredients.

What are the v-mixer mixing operating parameters?

V-mixers usually mix ingredients within 10-15 minutes.

For the mixer to achieve meet these expectations, you should fill it with considerable quantities of ingredients.

When you overfill the mixer, the mixing period will be longer, and homogeneity might not be achieved in the process.

You should also ensure that the ingredients filled in the cylinder are not free-flowing.

Instead, ensure that the ingredient is composed of large particles or particles with large density differences.

The following parameters determine whether the ingredients will achieve the desired homogeneity:

1. Size of the Mixing Batch

When you are loading the ingredients into the mixer, ensure that you leave some free space for rotation.

This is supposed to be 40% to a maximum of 70% of the mixer’s volume.

With this space, the particles will be able to roll over.

Filling at 70% could be too high for some ingredients.

It is essential first to conduct an assessment before you start blending.

If this consideration is not made, then you should expect extended mixing time.

2. Mixing Speed

Different mixers come with varied manufacturer’s recommendations on mixing speeds.

For instance, medium size v-mixers that accommodate 500-2000l should be 10-25 rpm.

A bigger mixer is expected to be slower.

V-mixers rely on critical speed.

In this speed, centrifugal force usually matches the gravity force.

The highest mixing speed is experienced in the range of 50% to 80% of critical rotation speed.

The rotation speed has no bearing on the mixing rate.

What are the Specifications of a V-mixing Machine?

 V mixer equipment

· Loading and Discharge

When the shell is rotating, then you should disconnect the mixer from the mixing process.

This means that you will have to load the mixer manually.

The same fate befalls the discharge process.

You should expect dust emissions during this process.

The dusting can, however, be solved by connecting the mixer to the tipping station and discharge hopper.

Although this is a more convenient strategy, it still requires the presence of an operator.

For the discharge, you will have to rely on a butterfly valve.

Currently, such valves are manually operated.

· Instrumentation

V-mixer does not have many instruments.

Such instruments are also not necessary.

In the control panel, there are only two controls.

These help in controlling rotating speed and mixing time.

Manufacturers are currently working on controls that will incorporate NIR sensors, which will help optimize the mixing time.

· Safety

When the mixer is rotating, approaching it poses the risk of injury on the operator.

As such, you should create a barrier around the mixer that will restrict access to the machine when in operation.

The mixer should also be installed in a lockable room.

The door should be closed whenever the machine is in operation.

What are the Special Designs of V-mixers?

There are two special designs of v-mixers.

These include asymmetrical design and an intensified bar.

Asymmetrical Design

When designing v-mixers, it is possible to use two cylindrical shells of varying lengths.

With these variations in sizes of the cylinders, mixing is made easier as ingredients flow between the shells.

Alternatively, baffles can be positioned in the mixer to make mixing easier.

However, this usually has various drawbacks.

First, it reduces the accessibility of the mixer and complicates the cleaning process.

Intensified Bar

V-mixer manufacturers are currently working on a project that will see an agitator installed in the mixer.

This is expected to improve the rotating speed of v-mixers.

Also, this will help intensify shear mixing.

Moreover, this can improve the mixing capabilities, especially when mixing cohesive powders.

This is because the product will be broken into finer particles due to mixing.

It is essential that the operator makes these considerations when using the mixer.

Which Factors should you Consider when Purchasing a V-type mixer?

You have two options when you are purchasing a v-type mixer.

You can buy a brand-new mixer or a second-hand mixer.

 Single arm V mixer

· Brand New V-Blender

When you are purchasing a new machine, it is important that you make the following inquiries:

What is the expected production capacity of the machine?

How long do you expect the mixing sessions to take?

These factors will influence the size of the blender that you should buy.

It is essential to take note of the fact that the v-blender should not be filled beyond 40% to 70%.

It is also vital to put into consideration whether the mixture is free-flowing.

Equally, you should also consider whether you are going to handle cohesive blends.

Lastly, you should also find out whether there was a trial to check on the asymmetrical geometry.

This will help you minimize the mixing time.

You should also enquire how fast the blender discharges.

This helps you identify the necessary outputs to be used in the discharge valve.

Lastly, ensure that the machine has been certified with the relevant bodies.

Second-Hand V blender

Depending on your budget, you could go for a second-hand v-mixer machine.

There are various checks that will help you get the best second-hand v-mixer;

First, check whether the machine you are purchasing has been used for similar purposes as you intend.

Inspect the machine for damages both inside and outside the shell.

You should also check out whether there are marks on the machine’s surface.

You can then start the mixer and keenly listen to whether the bearings are functioning properly.

You can measure the vibrations.

Check out if the v-mixer you are testing can be cleaned.

You can then check the opening doors and outlet valve.

You can modify these aspects to meet your needs.

You should then inspect the user interface.

Specifically, check out the timer and speed.

These controls have to function appropriately.

Lastly, check if the machine has complied with the set quality standards.

Which Factors Influence Mixing efficiency in V-type Mixers?

Portable V mixer

· Physical Properties of Products

In the pharmaceutical industry, v-mixer’s mixing efficiency is influenced by stickiness and distribution.

The density of the products also determines the stickiness and distribution.

· Particles

One important fact in mixing is that in the mixing process, the different sizes of particles are likely to separate.

This is because small particles are likely to come-in-between the large particles.

This also applies to the shape of the particles.

Spherical particles mix easily compared to particles with other shapes.

The particles charge will also have an impact on v-mixer’s efficiency.

It is also essential to note that when the particles have attractive force, then efficiency is further affected.

Which Kind of Substances are Mixed using V-type Mixers?

V-type mixers are used in mixing solids.

These solids include powder, granules, and pellets.

This is done in batches.

What is the Capacity of a V-type Mixer?

V-type mixers come in different sizes.

The most common v-type mixers are the middle size ones that can accommodate between 500-2000l.

Which Materials are used in the Manufacture of V-type Mixers?

Stainless steel is used in the manufacture of v-type mixers.

This material is preferred for being rust-resistant.

They are used in making the contact parts.

What are the Quality Standards for V-type Mixers?

V-mixers are essential production machines used in various industries, including pharmaceutical and food industries.

As such, you don’t want to take chances with people’s lives by manufacturing using a defective machine.

There are several quality standards that you can check out when shopping for these machines.

This will shield you from purchasing substandard machines.

The various quality standards that you should consider are discussed below.

· cGMP

This is perhaps one of the most common standardization for machines.

The current good manufacturing practices will help you establish whether the v-mixer you are purchasing meets current manufacturing practices.

These standards are developed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

If the mixer bears this mark, then you can make a purchase.

· C.E.

This standardization originates from the European Economic Area.

It addresses safety, environmental, and health standards that a product is expected to conform with before it is sold.

When you are shopping for a v-mixer in the European market, this is an essential mark that the mixer must bear.

For v-mixers manufactured outside Europe but marketed within the community, this is still a must-have.

· RoHS

The Restriction of Hazardous Substances is also another quality certification that a v-mixer should have.

Just like C.E, this standardization originates from the European Union market.

It is a safety-based certification that restricts the use of various products on products.

The restricted substances include lead, cadmium, chromium, and mercury.

· CCC

Currently, China is a leading manufacturer of several applications, including v-mixers.

The Chinese market is regulated by the CCC quality standardization.

When sourcing for a v-mixer from the Chinese market, then you should look out for this quality standard.

· ISO

ISO certification is a consumer-based standard that applies across the globe.

All machines are expected to meet specific standards recommended by ISO.

Checking this will help you establish whether the machine you are using is safe.

How do Load and Discharge Material in V-type Mixer?

When the shell is rotating, it is important to disconnect other processes of the v-mixer.

This means that loading and discharge are done manually when working with v-mixer machines.

When the operator loads and discharges products directly, then there will be dust emissions.

This can be mitigated by tipping the station to the discharge hopper using flexibles.

You should note that this will still require the intervention of an operator.

The discharge valve of a V-blender is usually operated manually.

What are the Safety Measures to Undertake when Operating V-type Mixer?

When operating a v-blender, there is the possibility of injury to the operator if he comes near the mixer.

As such, erecting a safety cage around the mixer will help protect both the operator and other employees.

It is also advisable that this mixer is installed within the confines of a lockable room.

As such, the mixer should always be operated behind closed doors.

Proximity switches are necessary if you are going to load the mixer using flexibles.

The proximity switches will help you detect any connection when you start the machine with the flexibles are still engaged.

What are the Maximum Volumes of Solid recommended for V-type Mixers?

The largest v-type mixer has a capacity of 6400l.

However, it is recommended that it should be filled between 40% and 70% depending on the nature of materials mixed.

With this information, it is now easier to choose a suitable V type mixer.

At SaintyCo, we have a range of pharmaceutical mixing machines with different capacities, technologies and designs.

Talk to us today, for free consultations on V Type Mixers.