Continuous mixing device and process

Abstract

A continuous mixing device is disclosed, as well as a process for mixing. At least two different materials can be mixed together with substantially uniform product mixing and heat distribution by introducing the materials into the top of a substantially cylindrical, vertical mixing device. A shaft which enters the vessel through the base extends coaxially therein, and carries a number of mixing blades thereon. The upper end of the shaft is surrounded by the lower end of the product feed line. Product introduced into the device is passed downward in the vessel, with product mixing near the center of the vessel, and then moves in an upward direction near the vessel periphery. Upon reaching the top of the vessel, the mixed product encounters a deflector, which splits the mixed product into two portions, one of which is discharged as finished mixed product, and the other portion of which is fed back to a funnel which surrounds the lower end of the product feed line. The mixing of a portion of material which has already passed through the mixing device with fresh incoming feed produces an even more intensive mixing, and also results in the incoming material to reach the desired mixing temperature in less time. The device and process can be used for the continuous mixing of various substances, and finds particular use in the mixing of plastic materials.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.