Question

Which equipment is most suitable for mixing dry powders with similar particle sizes and densities?

• A. Ribbon blender
• B. Ball mill
• C. Jaw crusher
• D. Cyclone separator

Hint:

Logic Tip: When you hear "dry, free-flowing powders," immediately think of a Ribbon Blender. Its gentle folding action is perfect for mixing baking flours, spice blends, or chemical powders without damaging them.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Concept:
Selecting the right industrial mixing equipment requires matching the physical properties of the materials (wet vs. dry, sticky vs. free-flowing, dense vs. light) to the mechanical action of the mixer.

Step 1: The problem specifies "dry powders" that have "similar particle sizes and densities". This means the powders are free-flowing and won't easily segregate (separate out) once mixed.

Step 2: * A Jaw crusher is for breaking large rocks, not mixing. * A Cyclone separator is for removing dust particles from gas streams, not mixing solids. * A Ball mill is primarily for intense grinding and size reduction, which is overkill and inefficient for just mixing already-sized powders.

Step 3: A ribbon blender consists of a U-shaped trough containing double helical ribbon agitators. These ribbons gently but effectively fold, roll, and shear dry bulk solids.

Step 4: Because the ribbons provide a continuous convective mixing action without crushing the particles, it is the industry standard and most suitable choice for blending uniform dry powders.