Manufacturers use batch-mixers for processing beverages, foods, industrial chemicals, pharmaceuticals, petroleum products, and other materials. Though batch mixers are widely used, the particulars of each machine depend on the exact application. Choosing a batch mixer for a production line depends on an array of factors, like the product’s density, composition of the batch, and sanitation requirements.  

Three Batch Mixers: Comparing Sanimix, Mixall & Powermix

S. Howes makes three batch mixer designs, each of which can be tailored to meet customers’ needs. Sanimax batch mixers from S. Howes are used by leading food processing, pet food, and pharmaceutical manufacturers, while the Mixall model is used for mixing products into uniform blends. Powermax mixers provide industrial mixing of more difficult products. Now, let’s look at how they compare.

Sanimix Batch Mixers

With a sanitary yet robust design, this batch mixer creates a uniform mixed product with either a ribbon or a paddle agitator. The original energy-efficient design features a double-ribbon agitator that performs uniform higher shear blending at high capacities. The paddle-shaped batch mixer assemblies use a tumbling action instead to mix product, resulting in less shearing while mixing.

Applications for the Sanimix batch mixer include: 

• Cereals
• Chemicals
• Coffee creamer
• Cosmetics
• Drink mixes
• Fermentation
• Flour
• Infant formula
• Milk
• Nutrient blends
• Pet foods
• Pharmaceuticals
• Powdered foods
• Spices
• Sugar

Designed for the dairy, food processing, and pharmaceutical sectors, the Sanimix batch mixer offers an easy-to-clean and high-quality construction. Unlike the Mixall and Powermix batch mixers, the Sanimix style mixer has radiused end-plates to allow for easy cleanout and ensure no crevice contamination, inverted bearing shelves for water shedding, and flanged journals to allow for top removal of the agitator for cleaning and maintenance. These features ensure the sanitary integrity of the batch.

Mixall Batch Mixers

The Mixall is a general-purpose batch mixer suitable for nearly every industry. Appropriate for mixing a wide range of products, it supports uniform blending with an adjustable paddle or double-ribbon agitator. Offering low maintenance and heavy-duty construction, the Mixall can be tailored to meet a manufacturer’s needs while providing low initial costs per ton processed.

Applications for the Mixall batch mixer include: 

• Animal feed
• Bulk powders and solids
• Food ingredients
• Pet food
• Slurries

The Mixall batch mixer, with reinforced endplates for support, is designed to prevent leaks and dust generation. For more intensive applications, the mixer can be customized with pillow block style bearings made to easily withstand the calculated load and connected to a main shaft constructed from a thick Schedule 160 pipe to distribute the force around the circumference of the pipe. Endplate supports located under the bearing shelves provide improved load distribution and tank support for heavier batches.

Powermix Batch Mixers

For demanding industrial uses, the Powermix batch mixer is also built for functions that require a robust design. With the endplates and tank made from extra-heavy gauge steel, this batch mixer also features a powerful drive that can perform dynamic mixing with an adjustable paddle or double-ribbon agitator. As with other batch mixers from S. Howes, the Powermix’s assemblies can be customized.

Applications for the Powermix batch mixer include: 

• Cement
• Chemicals
• Clay
• Denser materials
• Fertilizers
• Mortar
• Pastes
• Processing minerals
• Sand
• Slurries

Heavier than conventional industrial batch mixers, the Powermix can handle abrasive and denser materials well, while it’s also designed to handle higher torque when started. When compared to the Mixall batch mixer, Powermix models provide increased safety factors on the drive components.

To learn more about batch mixers and other equipment from S. Howes, contact us today.