Five Must-Have Features of Planetary Mixers

Ensuring the correct mixture can mean the difference between a high-quality end product and an inferior one.  This is why choosing the correct planetary mixer is critical.  If the mixer cannot produce high quality product while keeping up with the demands of your process, then it can become a production liability.  Wm. Neundorfer & Co. has been helping our customers improve their industrial processes for over 50 years.  In this article, we will discuss five features to look for in a planetary mixer to help ensure quality products and improve operational safety.

Planetary Mixer Features to Look For:

Fast, Efficient Mixing

Highly efficient counter-current mixing action achieves a homogeneous mix in as little as 30 seconds. Material is quickly mixed from top to bottom and moves opposite the direction of the paddles for thorough blending. The offset path of the paddles completely covers the mixer floor to eliminate dead zones. An open mixing tank permits a lower material level for easier mixing of powders and water. The result is a fast, quality mix, batch after batch

Easy-to-use access doors

Easy-to-use access doors allow for quick and efficient inspection and cleaning of the mixer during routine maintenance and regular wash down periods. Look for a large discharge door that will allow for fast and clean discharge of product from the mixer following the mix cycle to keep production flowing. It will also aid in efficient cleaning of the mixer during wash down, increasing the mixer’s service life.

Dust Protection

Integrated dust protection should be found throughout the mixer. This includes gasketed access doors and top mounted motors totally enclosed.

Pneumatic Discharge Door

Pneumatic discharge door provides a direct, positive connection for easier opening of the discharge.

Paddles Made for Mixing

Optimized paddle design accelerates the mixing process. Depending on mixer size, each mixing spider is equipped with two or three paddles to move more material per revolution.  Look for paddles shaped to produce an efficient lift-and-fold mixing action. Also, long-lasting urethane guards increase the life of the steel mixing arms, which can be easily adjusted from outside the mixer.

Planetary mixers are crucial in bulk solids conditioning for a wide range of industries and applications including concrete products, glass manufacturers, refractories, castables, and pollution control. Looking for these five features in your next planetary mixer will help ensure you will produce high-quality products and help improve operational safety.  If you are in the market for a planetary mixer, contact Wm. Neundorfer & Co. today. We have the expertise and experience to ensure you get the correct product for your specific application.