The ring layer mixer has a high circumferential speed, which forces the product into a concentric ring layer. The mixer is particularly efficient at distributing liquids at high throughput rates and is cost-effective and versatile.
The mixing unit of a ring layer system rotates with a circumferential speed of up to 40 m/s. As a result, the product components are accelerated by the centrifugal force, which causes a ring layer to be formed.
Within this concentric layer there are enormous differences in speed between the rapidly rotating mixing tools and the stationary container wall. As a consequence friction is particularly high in the ring layer profile.
The specially shaped tools of the mixing unit move the product during the subsequent process in a pattern similar to that of plug flow in the mixing chamber. Because this happens very rapidly, the residence times are very short and the time deviation is narrow.
As a pioneer of this mixing system, Lödige offers the high-performance CoriMix (CM) ring layer mixer in a variety of sizes as both laboratory and production mixers. Depending on the product, throughput of up to 0.50 m/h in a laboratory setting and up to 500 m/h in production can be achieved, with an effective volume of between 5 and 3000 litres. The compact design enables high performance densities to be obtained.
The individual application-specific design of each individual machine means a wide variety of processes can be implemented cost effectively using the CoriMix. The spectrum ranges from mixing, wetting, compaction and granulation to dispersion, gluing, agglomeration, dissolving and melting. The CoriMix is well designed for the production of moist mixtures and suspensions, as well as for coating primary particles and producing fine agglomerates of small particle sizes within a narrow granularity range.
The CoriMix can easily be connected to a continuous KM Ploughshare mixer to produce a dry mix with many components and the highest mixing quality. Likewise, products can be post-processed in a KM to further optimise the product properties after liquid is added.
In the CoriMix, liquid components are fed directly into the product ring layer separately from the dry components. This ensures an even distribution within the mixture.
Liquids can be added in two different ways. The first when materials are added externally, they are introduced by means of feed pipes, which are installed in the drum wall and project into the product layer. The second when materials are added internally, the liquid is guided through a rotary device via a hollow shaft to reach specially perforated tools and then are fed directly into the mixing material ring. Both additive techniques avoid wetting the shaft and the mixer wall, preventing product adhesion.
The system also allows the mixing chamber to be divided into zones of different shearing intensity. This makes it possible to adapt the process to varying product characteristics at any time.
The mixing container is divided centrally along its entire length and can be opened out. This makes the mixing system easy to clean, maintain and if necessary, adapt to new requirements.
Optional linings for the mixing container make it possible to process products with a tendency towards adhesion or abrasion. Special composites, wear-resistant alloys and reinforcement ensure appropriate protection against wear and tear.
The largest possible heat exchange surface is assured by a double jacket on the mixing container. This can be used to control the machine temperature. Intensive product contact and exchange at the container wall also allow for highly efficient thermal transfer.