Mixing and Segregation Processes

Abstract

As already prior mentioned solids have to be moved for achieving a blending. But as it will be shown that this forced movement may have the adverse effect — segregation. The “moveability” is determined by parameters like particle size, density, surface roughness etc, there is a chance that with increased mixing time the indivual ingredients accumulate due to the individual movement of each component. This effect is called segregation or demixing. Many mixing processes are overlaid with a segregation process which obstructs the production of an ideal random mixture and conditions of equilibrium between mixing and segregation occur in the blenders. The segregation effect in mixers can be minimised by choosing an appropriate mixer type, but special care has to be taken for limiting segregation during the downstream handling of the mixture. The ingredients’s selective motion may cause the mixture to separate out again during further processing or whilst being transported.