US mixing equipment manufacturer Charles Ross & Son Company has launched a new ribbon blender equipped with an integrated high-speed chopper designed to improve powder blending, ingredient dispersion and batch consistency.
The Ross Model 42N-18 ribbon blender is engineered for the atmospheric blending of powders, granules and dry bulk solids. The system offers a working capacity of 18ft³ (0.51m³) and a total holding capacity of 22ft³ (0.62m³).
Double-ribbon agitator
Mixing is provided by a double-ribbon agitator driven by a 7.5hp TEFC motor, capable of operating at speeds of up to approximately 47rpm with variable-speed control down to 5rpm. The agitator is supported by heavy-duty anti-friction bearings and incorporates stainless-steel stuffing boxes designed to simplify maintenance and provide reliable sealing.
To improve the dispersion of minor ingredients and reduce agglomerates, the blender incorporates a four-bladed stainless-steel chopper mounted on the vessel sidewall at a 45° angle. The chopper operates at speeds of up to 1,800rpm and is powered by a 5hp TEFC motor. According to Ross, the system is designed to improve dispersion efficiency and enhance batch uniformity.
The mixing trough is fabricated from Type 304 stainless steel with an 80-grit interior finish and includes a two-piece hinged cover with FDA-compliant silicone gaskets and NEMA 12 safety interlock switches. A removable stainless-steel safety grate allows operation with the cover open while maintaining operator protection.
The blender also features a pneumatically operated 4in dust-tight knife-gate discharge valve and a load-cell weighing system rated for 4,000lb (1,814kg) to support batch weighing and process monitoring. Operator controls include variable-speed adjustment, forward and reverse operation, and digital monitoring of agitator speed and motor load.
Ross supplies mixing and blending equipment to a range of industries, including battery manufacturing, where powder processing and material homogeneity are critical to product performance and quality.
