Marion: How to determine if a fluidizing paddle agitator is the right choice

Fluidizing paddle agitators by Marion

Marion Process Solutions equipment is available from Firing Industries Ltd., including fluidizing paddle agitators. One of four main types of agitators, these solutions offer fast, gentle mixing benefits for delicate materials, especially bakery blends, nutraceuticals, detergent powder, and similar substances in food processing, chemicals, plastics, and feed.

A blog post by Marion examines four factors customers should consider when determining if a fluidizing paddle agitator is appropriate for an application.

Mixing speed, batch characteristics

The mixing benefits of these agitators suit many materials, but become even more advantageous for larger batches with minimal ingredients that users can load and discharge quickly. To decide if a fluidizing paddle agitator from Firing Industries is a good option, Marion recommends taking the following factors into consideration: mixing speed and batch characteristics; discharging capability; level of power consumption; and sanitation.

Fluidizing paddle agitators can cut mixing times in half compared to other agitators when paired with the right equipment upstream. Mixing without directly affecting ingredients makes them more appropriate for delicate materials, which may otherwise clump up from high heat and friction. Even if a batch does not need gentle mixing, customers can still achieve the speed of fluidizing mixing with an automated feeding process.

Users can discharge quickly with these agitators, which is an even bigger advantage when they can get batches in and out of the mixers equally as efficiently. A mixer with a fluidizing paddle agitator allows fast discharge of large batches when combined with a conical trough design. Fast discharging capability is particularly beneficial for tasks with streamlined processes.

The faster mixing times of fluidizing paddle agitators help to lower power expenses on a per-tonnage basis. Reduced power consumption is possible with smaller batches, but it is a particular benefit with larger batches, with high energy efficiency, and minimal cleaning requirements beget additional energy savings.

Finally, Marion manufactures fluidizing paddle agitators with sanitation in mind. The food-grade grit finishes help minimize users’ cleaning efforts, and optional components like replaceable O-ring gaskets can be added to boost cleanability.

To learn more, contact Firing Industries’ application-sales engineers at ddubuc@firing.com or (877) 688-0974.

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