Mixer and method of mixing
AssigneeWatson Brown HSM Ltd
InventorChristopher Brown
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A mixing apparatus comprises first and second opposing mixing members rotatable relative to one another about an axis and which have facing surfaces which extend away from the axis and which define a mixing chamber therebetween. Means are provided for rotating at least one of the mixing members to provide relative rotation between the first and second mixing members in a first rotational direction. An array of mixing formations on at least one of said surfaces interact to mix material within the mixing chamber and are configured to propel material within the mixing chamber towards the axis. The number of mixing formations on at least one of the surfaces increases with radial distance from the axis.
Claims38
A batch mixing apparatus comprising:
- first and second opposing mixing members rotatable relative to one another about an axis;
- said first and second mixing members having facing surfaces which extend away from the axis and which define a mixing chamber therebetween closed to prevent discharge during mixing;
- means for rotating at least one of the mixing members to provide relative rotation between the first and second mixing members in a first rotational direction;
- an array of mixing formations on at least one of said surfaces which interact to mix material within the mixing chamber and which are configured to propel material within the mixing chamber towards the axis as the first and second members are relatively rotated in said first rotational direction;
- and
- wherein the number of mixing formations on at least one of the surfaces increases with radial distance from the axis.
A mixing apparatus comprising:
- first and second opposing mixing members rotatable relative to one another about an axis;
- said first and second mixing members having facing surfaces which extend away from the axis and which define a mixing chamber therebetween;
- means for rotating at least one of the mixing members to provide relative rotation between the first and second mixing members in a first rotational direction;
- and
- an array of mixing formations on at least one of said surfaces which interact to mix material within the mixing chamber and which are configured to provide a net propulsion of material within the mixing chamber towards the axis as the first and second members are relatively rotated in said first rotational direction;
- said mixer including a discharge port
- wherein an axial portion of at least one of the first and second mixing members in a first position prevents flow through the discharge port and is removable to permit discharge through said discharge port of material from the mixing chamber as the mixing members are rotated in said first rotational direction.
A method of mixing a batch of material in a mixing apparatus comprising a mixing chamber defined between facing surfaces of first and second opposing mixing members which are relatively rotatable to one another about an axis, the facing surface of at least the first mixing member having an array of mixing formations which interact with the facing surface of the second mixing member to provide a propulsion of material within the mixing chamber as the first and second mixing members are relatively rotated, the number of mixing formations on at least one of the surfaces increasing with radial distance from the axis, at least some of the mixing formations being configured to propel material within the mixing chamber towards or away from the axis dependent upon the direction of relative rotation of the first and second mixing members, the method comprising opening the mixing chamber adding materials to be mixed to the mixing chamber, closing the mixing chamber relatively rotating the first and second mixing members in a direction such that said mixing formations interact to provide continuous radial circulation propelling material towards said axis, said relative rotation continuing until desired mixing is obtained and then discharging the mixed material from the mixing apparatus.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.