A ribbon screw mixer is a conical batch mixer with one or two helical ribbon screws that lift material along the vessel wall while gravity returns it through the center. This 3D convective motion delivers homogeneous blends of powders, pastes and slurries, with efficient liquid addition.
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BATCH MIXERS
for Powders & Bulk Solids
Vitomix
Ribbon Screw Mixer
The Vitomix ribbon screw mixer is a mid-shear batch mixer, capable of ultra-short cycle times with up to 8 times more transport volume than conventional ribbon screw mixers. In addition, the Vitomix has a wider range of operation with top speeds of 0.4 m/s to 6.0 m/s.
The multifunctional Vitomix ribbon screw mixer combines gentle mixing and mid to low shear in one compact machine. It is ideal for adding liquids and creates a homogeneous mixture without the use of lump breakers. The ribbon screw mixer is an energy-efficient mixer that reduces energy costs and saves on mixing time.
Key Benefits
- Reliable Nauta® mixer technology, enhanced for up to 8 times faster mixing
- Gentle and mid to low shear mixing in one machine
- Fast and full discharge with bottom discharge valve
- Energy efficient
- Available in sizes from 500–10,000 L
Principle of Operation
The Vitomix ribbon screw mixer is equipped with two symmetrical ribbon screws mounted on an orbital arm that transports the product from the bottom of the vessel to the surface. The material flows downwards through the centre of the vessel by gravity whilst the high rotational speed of the agitator ensures mid-shear mixing in very short batch times.
A distinctive factor about the Vitomix is the double ribbon screw which enables a transport capacity of up to eight times that of standard conical screw mixers. The result is a substantial improvement in mixing efficiency and a much more efficient and faster mixing process even at lower speeds.
The design of the two conical screws creates a fluidised bed in the upper part of the mixer cone that is perfect for adding liquids. A liquid spraying system can be fitted through the hollow axle, providing flexibility in the location and the number of nozzles and lances you choose; without influencing mixing properties or spraying on metal parts.
Process Flexibility
The Vitomix ribbon screw mixer is suitable for a wide range of process applications, including:
- Fast mixing of powders, pastes and slurries
- Addition of liquids and fats without the need for lump breakers
- Coating powders with powders
- Granulating
- Flavouring
- Colouring
- Heating / cooling
Models & Capacities
Indicative values; performance depends on product properties and process parameters. Detailed information is available on request.
| Volume | [m³] | 0.5 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vessel diameter | [mm] | 1,230 | 1,530 | 1,900 | 2,160 | 2,550 | 2,850 | 3,200 |
| Vessel height | [mm] | 1,260 | 1,690 | 1,890 | 2,430 | 2,870 | 2,990 | 3,350 |
| Height incl. motor | [mm] | 1,590 | 2,270 | 2,480 | 3,380 | 3,860 | 3,990 | 4,570 |
| Typical motor power | [kW] | 1.1 – 5.5 | 3 – 18.5 | 5.5 – 30 | 7.5 – 45 | 15 – 75 | 22 – 90 | 30 – 110 |
Options & Ancillaries
Enhance your Vitomix ribbon screw mixer with a range of ancillary options tailored to fit your process needs. Hosokawa Micron provides customised solutions designed to maximise productivity and efficiency in your production plant. Our team of skilled engineers is ready to guide you in selecting the perfect ancillary equipment for your application, ensuring optimal performance and seamless integration with your mixer.
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Batch Mixing Systems
Hosokawa Micron has been developing innovative solids processing systems for more than a century. As a result, we can draw on an unparalleled amount of know-how when designing new powder mixing systems. In a powder mixing system, the equipment, process steps and interacting parameters must all work together as an integral solution in order to ensure the optimal functionality, quality and efficiency of your total system. That's why we carefully select, configure and integrate all the components and processes when designing a powder mixing system.
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Test Before You Invest
Before investing in new equipment, test your materials under real process conditions at our Test & Process Development Centre in the Netherlands. Our experienced specialists help you determine the most efficient mixing, agglomeration or drying process, from laboratory trials to full-scale production testing.
Whether you want to evaluate a single machine or a complete processing line, we provide tailored testing and process optimisation to ensure reliable scale-up and proven performance.
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Talk to Our Experts
Let our experts help you configure the right batch mixer for your powders and bulk solids — optimised for efficiency and performance.
Applications
The Vitomix ribbon screw mixer is ideal for a wide range of products. Here are a few examples:
FAQ — Vitomix Ribbon Screw Mixer
What is a Ribbon Screw Mixer?
How does the Vitomix work?
The Vitomix is equipped with two ribbon screws mounted on a rotating arm. These lift material from the vessel base and guide it upward along the wall, while gravity returns it through the centre. This dual-motion system achieves rapid, uniform blending and efficient liquid incorporation.
What materials can be processed in the Vitomix?
It handles powders, slurries and pastes, including food ingredients, chemicals, feed additives, instant soups, and sugar blends. The Vitomix is ideal for recipes requiring liquid addition, coating or granulation without using lump breakers.
What are the main advantages of the Vitomix?
The mixer offers up to eight times higher transport capacity than conventional ribbon mixers, enabling shorter cycle times, energy efficiency, and gentle yet thorough mixing. It ensures full discharge and consistent product homogeneity.
What sizes and scale-up options are available?
The Vitomix is available in volumes from 0.5 to 10 m³, with larger custom models on request. Hosokawa Micron provides lab and pilot testing to ensure reliable scale-up and optimised process parameters before full-scale production.
Can the Vitomix be customised for specific processes?
Yes. Options include liquid injection systems, heating or cooling jackets, special seal configurations, and custom discharge valves. The mixer can also integrate into complete batch mixing, granulation or coating systems for turnkey processing solutions.
Sustainable Process Technologies
Hosokawa Micron develops powder processing systems with a focus on energy efficiency, process optimisation and long-term operational performance. As an ISO 14001 certified company with an EcoVadis Silver Medal, we support more sustainable powder and bulk solids processing.
