Modelling the effect of continuous mixer operating parameters on mixture quality

Abstract

The aim of the research was to obtain a regression model of the influence of some structural and kinematic parameters of a continuous mixer working element on the quality of the prepared mixture. The research methodology included the analysis of the design of the mixing unit and the identification of factors that could significantly affect the quality of the mixture. Later, on the basis of the experimental studies, the quality of the mixture at given values of factors was determined and a regression model was established. The developed functional diagram of a continuous mixing unit made it possible to establish factors that most intensively affected the quality of the prepared mixture. The obtained adequate regression model of the coefficient of variation of the content of the control component in the samples of the mixture indicated an improvement in the quality of the mixture with an increase in the frequency of rotation of the mixers and the number of the arms levels. In terms of quality indicators, a rotation frequency of about 1500 rpm was most preferable with a number of mixer levels of at least 5.