What’s the first step in achieving the perfect blend? Figuring out what your material and overall process need. From there, you can determine which type of blending is the best fit for your application.
Continuous gravimetric loss-in-weight (LIW) and batch blending are two forms of blending that are often compared because they operate in very different ways. So, what exactly sets them apart?
The Basics of Continuous Gravimetric LIW vs. Batch Blending
To understand the differences between continuous gravimetric LIW and batch blending, it helps to start with the basics.
Continuous gravimetric LIW blenders monitor the material being dosed and continuously adjust the feed rate to maintain the desired recipe. If the throughput changes, the blender can react and adjust the component rates as needed.
Batch blenders make a set batch of product at a time. Each component is individually dosed and weighed before being combined in a mechanical mixer to create the finished batch.
Overall, continuous gravimetric LIW blending provides greater control and accuracy because the blender continuously responds to changes in throughput changes during the blending process.
What Blender Should Be Used for Which Applications?
The right blender depends on your process and production needs.
Continuous gravimetric LIW blenders are well suited for complex recipes where precision, consistency, and process control are important.
Batch blenders can be a good fit for high-speed, high-volume applications where materials can be mixed in predetermined batches and accuracy and precision aren’t at a premium.
What Type of Blender Does ABS Make?
At ABS, we make continuous gravimetric LIW blenders.
The accuracy and traceability of continuous gravimetric LIW blending, combined with our advanced controls, make our blenders a key part of what we do at ABS.
What Are the Overall Cost Savings of a Continuous Gravimetric LIW Blender?
While the upfront investment in a continuous gravimetric LIW blender can be higher, the long-term benefits will make that investment worthwhile.
Continuous gravimetric LIW blenders can help reduce waste of materials, minimize scrap, and keep high-volume production lines running smoothly without unnecessary stops.
For complex systems, those savings can add up quickly and help deliver a strong return on investment.
What Blender Is Best for Your Application?
The best blender for your application depends on your material, blend complexity, production requirements, and budget.
At ABS, we’re naturally biased toward continuous gravimetric LIW blending, but there’s a reason for that. We’ve seen firsthand how accuracy, flexibility, and process control can make a difference in a blending system.
Learn more about our line of blenders: https://adv-blend.com/services_category/blending/
Watch our continuous gravimetric LIW blenders in action: