Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Different Types Of Laboratory Mixing Devices

Lab mixers can be found in a variety of types and shapes, each with its own applicability and use. Depending on the types of materials to be mixed, as well as the quantity of materials, different laboratories and experiments have the need for different lab mixers. Whether you are looking for a small benchtop model or a larger option with multi-blade designs, you can find a number of different options from the main suppliers and manufacturers. However, there are a few funadamental areas to look at before you begin
The design and construction of lab mixers is totally dependent on their application. Based on application, lab mixers can be broadly divided into paste mixers, dry blenders, high shear mixers, and roll mills. Each of these mixers carries unique characteristics and design elements, making it ideal for the application it is intended for.
  • Paste Mixers: Paste mixers are meant for mixing viscous pastes or converting dry powders into pastes. These come in double shaft, triple shaft, double planetary, planetary, and kneader extruder variants, all with different mixing capacities. The blades in these mixers are also different from other mixers
  • Dry Blenders: As the name suggests, dry blenders are meant for mixing dry powder and materials. These blenders also come in multiple variants include ribbon or paddle blenders, vertical blenders, V blenders, double cone blenders, and dryers.
  • High Shear: High shear mixers are designed specifically for working with materials that require lot of shearing. These lab mixers are available in single stage rotor /stator, multi stage rotor stator, and high speed disperser models. High shear mixers are meant to be used with materials that have to be mixed extremely well to achieve high level of homogeneity.
  • Roll Mills: Roll mills are laboratory mixers of a different kind as these mixers not only mix materials but also grind them. Most roll mills consist of 3 adjacent rolls that are almost touching each other and rotating at increasingly higher rpm. The materials to be mixed are introduced from the lower rpm roll and transferred along the rolls towards the higher rpm roller to achieve mixing and dispersion.
Many manufacturers have come up with their own customized versions of lab mixers, though most of these follow the basic principle of one of the four mixers listed above. It is always worth asking the suppliers if they can offer bespoke accessories or suggest ways to help you improve your working lab mixer.
Andrew Long writes for numerous scientific websites. Take a look at other resources about scientific lab equipment and supplies at http://scientificlaboratorysupplies.org/buying-a-laboratory-mixer/


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