What Is a Double Cone Conical Blender?
A double cone blender is a mixing vessel in the form of two cones connected at their bases, suspended on a revolving axis. Material contained within tumbles from side to side as the vessel revolves, and particles exchange positions and mix over multiple cycles. Due to the shape, the blending trajectory is symmetrical in both directions, resulting in minimal dead zones and improved uniform mixing.
A double cone conical blender, commonly referred to as a Nauta blender, is more vertically shaped: one cone (or inverted cone) and a vertical screw or agitator that gently picks up and scatters material. Conical blenders are ideal for more accurate or low-volume mixing in which a gentle picking up and spreading action is required.
While both are applied to solids blending, double cones are designed with the capability to handle free‑flowing powders and bulk mixing, whereas conical blenders tend to be used for sensitive, low shear, or more precise blending processes.
Align Industry's PDC series double cone / conical blenders marry these designs and features to meet varied mixing demands across industries
Design & Construction Features of Align’s Double Cone Blenders
Align Industry highlights several aspects in their conical / double cone blender series. Here are major aspects and their significance.
1. GMP‑compliant Stainless Steel Construction: Align blenders are constructed in stainless steel (SS304 or SS316) to cGMP / FDA / ISO standards. The construction provides corrosion resistance, cleanability, and suitability for pharmaceutical or food use.
2. Gentle, Uniform Mixing with Minimal Shear: Because the mixing is accomplished through tumbling, not high speed agitation, particle collision and shear forces are minimal. This is a consideration when working with friable or heat‑sensitive material, or when you wish to maintain particle integrity (e.g. coated APIs, sensitive crystals). A Double Cone Conical Blender minimizes dead spots where material can become stagnant.
3. Easy Discharge & Cleaning: Align's equipment features butterfly valves or ball valves for discharge, and large openings to allow cleaning and access. This is essential for those applications that need regular batch changes or cleaning validation (e.g. pharma).
4. Low Power Consumption: Since the motion is mild and no high-speed impellers are utilized, the energy requirement is modest, and thus the system is cost-effective for prolonged use.