Alphie is a 3D Tumbler Mixer – An ideal mixing technology having tumbling movement at its core. The motion of ALPHIE is based on the kinematic inversion principle.
The unusual, 3-dimensional Motion quickly and efficiently produces a homogeneous substance regardless of specific weight or particle size or particle shape of the substances being mixed. The Alphie Mixer is driven by two simultaneously rotating shafts, but in opposite direction. The Mixing Container inverts twice in every shaft revolution making it an ideal motion for uniform mixing.
This makes it a perfect powder blender or liquid mixer. We manufacture the mixer in Laboratory Capacity to Large Capacity production models with customisation as per customer requirements.
Its a bin blender
In its most popular form, Alphie Mixer has a mixing drum / bin / container which goes into it. In traditional mixers, the powder ingredients are filled in the mixing bowl and then mixer is rotated and discharged after mixing. While, separate Bin / Drum is fitted in the Alphie Mixer which moves in 3D motion and does uniform mixing. It is a Bin Mixer in some terminology.
Alphie Mixers are bin blenders, are flexible for smaller size bins and are flexible for any bin material.
Flexible for smaller size bins
Alphie Mixer offers one more distinguished advantage – ability to fix different size or shape of containers. Smaller containers of any size or even more than one containers can be fitted in Alphie Mixer. This is considered as a big flexibility as Laboratory Mixer or even for Production Capacity. So, fitting a smaller volume container for making smaller batch is equally possible and simple as fitting biggest capacity container in same mixer you use.
Flexible for any bin material
In continuation of this flexibility – it is so possible to use different material of bin or containers. Hence, same mixer can accept AISI 316L Container for Pharmaceutical / Food industry; containers made from Aluminium or HDPE or Glass also can be fitted easily.
The extraordinary efficiency of the Alphie Mixer is based on the introduction of a well established type of kinematic principle. In addition to the traditional principal motions of rotation and translation, a third fundamental motion of Inversion is present. This third fundamental motion of inversion subjects the contents of the mixing container to two alternating, rhythmic pulsating motions (Look at the video of Alphie Mixer) which have the effect of continuously compressing and thinning out the container.
Mixer with high efficiency
In simple words, during every shaft revolution of the mixer – the container goes out once and comes in once. This makes the powder to blend twice in every shaft revolution. And to add further twist to this, the going out and coming in motion occurs in different planes. So, in every revolution of mixer – the drum moves twice in 3D motion giving a superb Tumbling Effect.
Option of possibility of Liquid Dosing while Mixing, Fitting NIR (Near Infra Red sensor), Having mixing container in Glove Box / Isolator etc are available with us. Contact us to get more details on these.
The alternative acceleration and retardation of particles along changing paths can be seen from the path of motion traveled by the axis of the mixing chamber. The surges in the material constantly change energy gradients resulting in superior blends; Alphie Mixer is an ordered motion for distribution rather than the random motion of conventional mixers.
How it works?
In its core, Alphie Mixer works on concept of removable container/drum. There is a Rotating Cage, which is suspended on the ends of driving, and driven shafts through two joints, which are crossing and vertical to each other in the space. Mixing Drum / Bin filled with powder is placed inside the cage. When driving shaft is driven to rotate, joint makes the container perform composite motions, including horizontal moving, rotation and turning in the space. By which, materials also performs 3-dimensional motion inside the Container. Drum can be fitted manually in Laboratory Mixer sizes.
While, for Large Capacity Mixers, where it is not possible to handle the drum manually – Drum Handlers are offered. Drum can be loaded inside the Mixer and Unloaded after Mixing using this Drum Handlers. Drum Handling Units can be by means of Electric Hoist fitted on the Mixer or Separate Hydraulic Lifting Unit or may be a Manual Trolley also. We also offer fully automatic system, where the Mixer Picks up the Drum using its Robotic Arm and places it back after Mixing.
Mixer with single motor –
Though there are two shafts which makes the 3D Tumbling Movement, Mixer runs using single Induction AC Motor. There is only one motor in the mixer. Depending upon the mixer model and moving mass, they can operate with Single Phase or Three Phase Power supply. There is a control panel with HMI/PLC and VFD for speed change. Panel has provision of setting Mixing Speed, Batch Time and even password protected Recipe also. There is a provision for changing direction also. In some applications, it makes sense to have combination of direction change in a single batch. As an optional feature, we offer customized panel with features like – Printing, Audit Trail, Data transfer etc.
Capability to accommodate any shape / size container
Removable Drum can be fitted in various ways. In case of Laboratory Mixer – it can be fitted using the Crown – String Technology. While, for Large Capacity mixers, it can be inserted using adapters. For heavy weight containers, options like Electric hoist or Pneumatic / Hydraulic Drum Handlers are also available. Container clamping system can hold in place any container that will fit inside the barrel. Mixing Drum / Container can be of any shape: round, square, rectangle, hexagon or octagon shaped. For Laboratory Mixer, the String-Crown technology makes it possible without any change part.
Mixing volume can be as high as 80%
Since the Container / Drum filled powder or liquid goes inside the mixer, keeping good amount of empty volume is essential to performance. Alphie Mixer have applications where containers are filled as high as 80% of total volume. As a general thumb rule, min 20% of the space should be kept empty in the container so the ingredients get sufficient space to move around. Of course, in some applications involving liquid, the filling can be as high as 90% and still best results can be obtained.
However, best results are achieved when the empty volume is more than 35 – 40%. More the empty volume, more space is available for powdery material to travel and get mixed in main substance. For hygroscopic characteristic nature powder mixing applications, pre sieving of such powder before blending helps a lot in breaking lumps and quick mixing.
Milling action using media
Milling media can be added in the mixing Container / Bottle along with the powder. Applications having tendency to form lump or agglomeration forming can be benefited by adding media in the container. The Tumbling Action imparted to the media ensures lump breakage. Media in ball form of various material or irregular shape media are used in such application. Write to us for more details.