Below are some tips to achieve fast and smooth product changeovers in a ribbon blender operation:
First, make sure that the ribbon blender is properly sized to handle the full range of bulk densities of the product line. Industry-wide, standard models are typically designed to handle densities of around 35 lb./cu. ft. (think powdered sugar, cocoa and cinnamon); more robust units are rated at 65 lb./cu. ft. or higher (raw sugar, biscuit premixes and rock salt usually fall into this density range). An undersized blender can lead to serious issues, including frequent motor overloads, excessive stress to the ribbons and spokes and eventual mechanical failure.