Continuous Mixer

Continuous mixers are used primarily in applications where high volume production is a pre-requisite in the processing of dry products and dry products with liquid additions. Historically batch mixers served the majority of food applications but many manufacturers have turned to continuous or “in-line mixers” because of production efficiencies. Continuous mixers can “time-stamp” a batch and produce the batch identification needed for food manufacturing controls.

Continuous vs. batch controls are a key difference between the two types of mixers as well as some mechanical design modifications that are needed to adapt a mixer for continuous application. For example, a continuous horizontal ploughshare mixer is charged continuously with ingredients through a port on the top side of the charging end of the mixer and discharged through a control valve at the opposite end of the mixer. Continuous mixers are available in a variety of designs and sizes.