The effect of particle motion on mixing intensity in a vibrating mixer

Abstract

The intensity of mixing bulk materials, including feed, depends on technological parameters, kinematic and design parameters of the mixing plant, physical and mechanical properties of mixed components, etc. To study the process, a laboratory-experimental vibrating mixer was designed. The main working elements are vibration contact surfaces of various designs. It is possible to intensify the mixing process by influencing the nature of movement of particles along the mixing elements, including by giving them special shapes. In most cases, such a pattern can be traced: the more complex the particle trajectories, the higher the homogeneity of the finished feed mixture. The vibration contact surfaces can be divided into two groups, depending on their working surfaces. Mixing elements of the first group have holes or recesses. The holes can be as isosceles triangles, plates and concave are located at a certain angle under the holes. These surfaces are easy to manufacture, have low cost and material consumption and high productivity. It was revealed that at intensive operating modes, there is a decrease in the homogeneity of the mixture obtained. In this regard, when it is necessary to obtain highly homogeneous bulk feed mixtures, it is recommended to use mixing elements of the second group, which have protrusions on the working surfaces of various geometric shapes. The constructed theoretical trajectories of particle motion confirm the intensification of the mixing process. In addition, there are two ways of attaching the stirring elements, which give an additional effect. The laboratory-experimental mixer has been successfully tested in an agricultural organization preparing concentrates for feeding cattle.