A ribbon mixer or ribbon blender is a type of impeller-driven industrial mixer (as is a paddle mixer). The ribbon mixer features a U-shaped horizontal trough, with an impeller shaft running the length of the trough and a long ribbon blade mounted on the shaft. As the shaft rotates, the ribbon blade aerates the mixture, forming a fluidized bed. Ribbon mixers provide gentle handling with minimal particle degradation. The ribbon is usually constructed so that the powder near the outside of the container is moved in one direction and in the middle it is moved in the opposite direction. Loading and cleaning of a ribbon blender is usually done from the top of the trough. Ribbon Blenders are often used when blending materials of similar shape, size and bulk density, like powders or granular ingredients. Ribbon mixers are widely used in the food industry.
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