5 Reasons Why Your Business Needs milk powder mixing machine？

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Learning Objectives

• Identify tangible and quantifiable benefits that automation of bulk powder handling can bring to every company.
• Automation can range from very basic to very sophisticated technology depending on the size and nature of the company&#;s operations.
• Automation makes laborers and other process equipment work better.

Bulk powder handling insights

• Automation in bulk powder handling enhances worker safety by reducing musculoskeletal disorders, inhalation hazards and the risk of combustible dust explosions, minimizing direct and indirect costs.
• Automated powder handling not only improves operational safety and consumer confidence but also boosts productivity, quality control and inventory management.

Bulk powders are used at some stage in almost every industry: food, pharmaceutical, confectionary, chemical, plastics, aerospace, nutraceutical, packaging, additive manufacturing (3-D printing), and energetics. Even liquid end-products will have powdered ingredients that give those liquids an identity or function: sports and energy drinks, alcohol, soups and sauces, lubricants, and paint.

However, powder handling means different things to every company, generally based on the volume and type of powders they introduce to their manufacturing process or the ultimate end-product which is in the form of a powder.

Small family-owned businesses and the largest companies in the world, as well as government-owned facilities, have different concepts of &#;bulk powder handling&#;. Some focus on the &#;bulk&#; part: They have powders supplied in non-consumer-sized containers such as 50-lb. bags, 55-gal. drums, 2,000-lb. bulk bags or supplied from silos.

Others focus on the &#;handling&#; part, which is an engineered process with equipment to transport the product from point A to point B.

Five reasons to consider automation for bulk powder handling

The benefits of automating the bulk powder handling process will provide varying benefits depending on the user&#;s perspective, but there are several that will often come to the forefront.

1. Improved worker health

Manual container dumping or filling of bulk powders can be a repetitive, physically demanding, and mind-numbing activity that leads to musculoskeletal disorders, which the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the Department of Labor defines as &#;musculoskeletal system and connective tissue diseases and disorders when the event or exposure leading to the case is bodily reaction (e.g., bending, climbing, crawling, reaching, twisting), overexertion, or repetitive motion, from bending, twisting, pushing, pulling&#;

National Safety Council data shows the average (direct) worker&#;s compensation costs of a lower back injury was almost $40,000 in , arms/shoulders at $50,000 and hip/thigh/pelvis injuries at almost $60,000. That&#;s not counting the indirect costs, which can be several times greater than the direct costs. Indirect costs can include lost time, increased worker&#;s compensation insurance premiums, recruiting costs or repositioning a substitute worker, new worker training, slower productivity of replacement worker and more. Vacuum-assisted lifting devices also can reduce repetitive motion tasks when they&#;re part of a vacuum conveying system. Vacuuming materials from drums or bulk bags also helps reduce heavy-lifting and lower-back strains.

Personnel also need to be safe from inhalation hazards from fugitive dusts. Manual dumping and filling can expose workers to allergens such as sesame seed dust and milk powders. Other powders such as super-absorbent polymer (SAP) will dry out mucous membranes in the eyes and nose of workers if over-exposed. Workers in certain industries can be exposed to carcinogenic materials such as silica sand through inhalation.

Automation via vacuum conveying of these powders in lieu of manual handling reduce fugitive dusts and unhealthy or life-threatening exposures.

However, if bag dumping cannot be avoided, devices such as bag dump stations with integral dust collectors at the entry point of a vacuum conveying system will draw dusts away from the worker when dumping bags of powder.

Workers also are at risk in combustible dust environments. Despite the known dangers of combustible dust explosions, workers continue to be injured or killed in plant environments with poor dust control and lax housekeeping which often result from manual powder handling operations and lack of automation of the powder handling tasks.

2. Better operations safety

Most organic materials and many non-organic materials such as plastics will be found to be combustible when in powder form. Manual filling of process equipment will result in accumulations of fugitive dust on floors, machine surfaces, walls and overhead building structures. These conditions make a facility ripe for a combustible dust explosion if an ignition source such as static electricity discharge or an overheated bearing is initiated. NFPA standards regarding combustible dust, and OSHA&#;s enforcement of the standards are focused on life safety and continuing operations by preventing dust accumulations and conditions that lead to catastrophic combustible dust events. Powder handling automation with an enclosed vacuum conveying system will reduce, if not eliminate, fugitive dusts escaping into the plant environment. It has been said in hazard and operability (HAZOP) evaluations that &#;training is not an acceptable safety device.&#; The possibility of human error remains and automation via vacuum powder conveying is suitable as an engineering control and a device that reduces the chances of operator error.

3. Greater consumer safety

The enclosed nature of a vacuum conveying system will prevent opportunities for accidental or intentional contamination of the ingredient stream. Food and pharma products, nutritional and cosmetic products and the like have increased risk of recall or injury from contamination if their powder handling process has gaps due to manual handling. Again, vacuum conveying of powders will protect product and brand integrity and maximize consumer safety and confidence.

4. Improved quality control

Contamination and inconsistent delivery of powders into a manufacturing process will ruin quality control plans. Automation of powder handling via vacuum conveying, or specifically batch weighing vacuum systems, will deliver consistent and unadulterated finished product. Recipes can be accurately followed and ingredients are not wasted. Segregation of allergen-containing products is best accomplished with an enclosed vacuum conveying system. Enclosed vacuum conveying systems reduce the chance of pest infiltration as well. Packaging equipment such as auger fillers require consistent feed of powders in the packaging machine supply hopper. An automated vacuum conveyor maintains the consistent &#;head pressure&#; to make the auger filler perform at its best.

Other powder processing equipment such as loss-in-weight (LIW or gravimetric) feeders are most accurate when the refill time is minimized. Gravimetric feeders convert into volumetric (non-weighing) mode during its fill cycle. Minimizing the refill time maximizes the accuracy of a gravimetric feeder.

A vacuum conveyor accomplishes this by holding the next batch of powder waiting for the refill signal from the feeder and immediately discharging the powder. This is known as discharge-on-demand and is a form of immediate gratification in the bulk powder handling industry.

5. Increased worker productivity

Manual handling of bulk powders can work until the need for increased throughput outpaces the human body&#;s ability to keep up. Automated powder handling can take a production rate to the next level and not be limited by the human&#;s physiology. Today&#;s powder packaging lines can demand up to 10,000 lb. (4,500 kg) of powder per hour. Workers cannot climb ladders and dump boxes fast enough to meet that rate. Automation via vacuum conveying is the best answer to refilling today&#;s bottling lines, stick-pack fillers and vertical form-fill-seal (VFFS) machines.

Productivity is also improved when time-consuming steps are removed and replaced with higher-output solutions like automated powder handling. Many powder handling operations require forklifts and operators in production suites to raise pallets of bags up to mezzanine level. Automation via vacuum conveying can eliminate the forklift tasks and laborer from the process time allocation.

Ingredients can stay on the ground floor and forklifts can stay outside of the production suite thus saving time and space. Automated powder handling such as direct-charge blender loading not only reduces material handling via forklift, but it also stops workers from climbing on mezzanines to dump those bags into tumble blenders.

Automation of bulk powder handling can make other process equipment perform better. A vacuum conveying system can increase the throughput of batch equipment such as rotary blenders and ribbon blenders by staging ingredients above the blenders/mixers for immediate filling when the previous batch is completed. Automation cannot shorten the mixing process, but it can shorten the loading and unloading times to complete more batches in a day.

The current and foreseeable labor shortage can also be solved with automation of powder handling tasks. Seasonal increases, or long-term production increases are accommodated using vacuum conveying or powders. Vacuum conveyors won&#;t complain about repetitive tasks, and they don&#;t take vacations, and they help achieve higher output goals when new hires are in short supply.

Automated bulk powder handling increases productivity, reduces potential costs and liabilities from employee workplace injuries, ensures ongoing operations in a safe plant environment, reduces the risk of product recalls, and builds consistent brand strength, provides better inventory management and reduces product loss.

It also can reduce ingredient costs by transitioning from smaller manually dumped containers to larger bulk material containers such as bulk bags and silos. Vacuum conveying is the only bulk powder handling technology that is &#;container agnostic&#; and works with any original ingredient container.

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In the world of food processing, efficiency and consistency are critical. One of the most important pieces of equipment for ensuring this is the Mixer Machine. From meat products to baked goods, the right industrial mixer machine can streamline production processes, reduce labor costs, and deliver consistent results.

In this blog, we&#;ll take an in-depth look at the benefits of mixer machines, how they work, and why they are essential in industries such as meat processing. Whether you&#;re a small food business or a large-scale operation, investing in a meat mixer machine or a general industrial mixer machine can transform your production line.

1. What is a Mixer Machine?

A mixer machine is a piece of industrial equipment designed to mix, blend, or homogenize ingredients to create a consistent mixture. Mixer machines are widely used in food processing, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, chemicals, and even construction industries. In food processing, mixer machines are essential for blending various ingredients to create uniform products.

Mixer machines come in various types and sizes, designed to handle different capacities and ingredients. For example, a meat mixer machine is specifically built to mix meat and other ingredients, making it a staple in meat processing facilities. On the other hand, larger industrial mixer machines are capable of handling heavy-duty applications and larger batch sizes.

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2. Types of Mixer Machines

Mixer machines can be classified based on their design and functionality. Let&#;s explore some of the most common types of mixer machines used in the food processing industry:

a. Meat Mixer Machine

A meat mixer machine is designed to mix ground meat with various seasonings, spices, and other ingredients to create consistent and homogenous mixtures. These machines are particularly important in the production of sausages, burgers, meatballs, and other processed meat products.

• How it works: Meat mixer machines typically have rotating paddles or blades that efficiently combine the ingredients while maintaining the texture and quality of the meat.

b. Ribbon Blender

A ribbon blender is a versatile type of industrial mixer used in food processing to mix dry powders, pastes, or slurries. It features a set of inner and outer ribbons that rotate in opposite directions to achieve a thorough mix of ingredients.

• Uses: This mixer is widely used in the preparation of dry mixes, such as seasoning blends, cake mixes, and powdered foods.

c. Planetary Mixer

A planetary mixer is typically used for mixing dough or batters in bakery operations. It has a central rotating attachment (such as a dough hook or whisk) that moves in a circular motion while the bowl remains stationary.

• Uses: Ideal for bread dough, cake batter, or other viscous substances, a planetary mixer provides consistent results in baking.

d. Vertical Cutter Mixer (VCM)

A vertical cutter mixer is a high-powered machine that combines chopping, mixing, and emulsifying functions into one. This makes it ideal for mixing a variety of food items quickly and efficiently, from sauces to chopped vegetables.

• Uses: Widely used in the production of soups, sauces, spreads, and even in meat processing.

e. Double Cone Mixer

A double cone mixer is designed to mix powders and granules. The unique design of two cones rotating ensures a uniform and gentle mix, making it ideal for delicate ingredients.

3. Key Benefits of Using a Mixer Machine

Regardless of the type, a mixer machine offers numerous advantages to businesses in the food processing industry. Here are some of the key benefits:

a. Consistency in Product Quality

One of the primary reasons for using a mixer machine is to ensure that the final product is consistent. In food processing, consistency is critical for both flavor and texture. Whether you are mixing spices into meat or combining ingredients for dough, a mixer machine ensures that each batch is identical, which is vital for maintaining product quality.

For instance, a meat mixer machine ensures that every batch of ground meat is mixed evenly with seasonings, resulting in uniformly flavored sausages or burgers. This consistency improves customer satisfaction and reduces the risk of errors that could occur with manual mixing.

b. Increased Efficiency and Speed

Manual mixing can be time-consuming and labor-intensive. Mixer machines significantly speed up the process, allowing businesses to handle larger batches in a fraction of the time. By automating the mixing process, you can reduce labor costs and increase productivity, ultimately improving your bottom line.

An industrial mixer machine is designed to handle heavy loads and can operate continuously without the need for frequent breaks, making it ideal for high-volume production facilities.

c. Hygienic and Safe Operation

In the food industry, hygiene and safety are of paramount importance. Mixer machines are typically made from stainless steel or other food-grade materials, ensuring that they are easy to clean and maintain. Additionally, many mixer machines come equipped with safety features such as automatic shutoff and easy-to-clean designs, reducing the risk of contamination and ensuring a safe working environment.

For example, meat mixer machines are designed to handle raw meat, and their construction ensures that bacteria or contaminants are less likely to be trapped in cracks or crevices. This makes it easier to comply with health and safety regulations.

d. Versatility in Applications

Mixer machines are incredibly versatile and can be used for a wide variety of applications. Whether you're mixing dry powders, liquids, pastes, or solids, there is a mixer machine available to meet your needs.

For example:

• A ribbon blender can be used to mix powdered ingredients in the baking industry.

• A meat mixer machine can handle both small and large batches of ground meat and seasonings.

• A planetary mixer is ideal for dough mixing in bakeries.

This versatility makes mixer machines indispensable in various food production industries, ranging from meat processing to baking.

e. Reduced Labor Costs

By automating the mixing process, a mixer machine helps reduce the need for manual labor. This is particularly important in large-scale food production facilities where manually mixing large quantities of ingredients would require significant manpower and time. With a mixer machine, you can reduce labor costs while increasing production capacity.

Additionally, businesses can redirect their staff to focus on more critical tasks, such as quality control, packaging, and product innovation.

f. Customization for Specific Needs

Many mixer machines can be customized to meet the specific needs of your business. Whether you need a machine designed for high-capacity production or one that can handle specific ingredients, manufacturers offer a wide range of customizable features.

For example, industrial mixer machines can be equipped with additional attachments such as grinders, slicers, or emulsifiers, allowing for greater versatility and efficiency in the production process.

4. Choosing the Right Mixer Machine for Your Business

Selecting the right mixer machine for your business depends on several factors, including the type of ingredients you work with, the volume of production, and your specific industry requirements. Here are a few considerations to keep in mind:

a. Batch Size and Capacity

Consider the size of the batches you typically handle. If you're running a large-scale operation, you'll need an industrial mixer machine that can handle high-capacity production without compromising on efficiency. Smaller businesses may benefit from more compact machines designed for smaller batches.

b. Type of Ingredients

The type of ingredients you're working with will also dictate the type of mixer you need. For example, if you&#;re in the meat processing industry, a meat mixer machine is essential for achieving a consistent blend of meat and seasonings. Meanwhile, bakeries may prefer a planetary mixer for handling dough or batters.

c. Automation and Control Features

Modern mixer machines often come equipped with advanced automation and control features that allow you to fine-tune the mixing process. These features can be particularly beneficial for businesses that need to maintain precise control over the mixing process to ensure consistency.

d. Cleaning and Maintenance

Regular cleaning and maintenance are crucial for ensuring food safety and prolonging the lifespan of your mixer machine. Look for machines that are easy to disassemble and clean, particularly if you work with ingredients that are prone to contamination (e.g., raw meat).

5. Conclusion: Why Invest in a Mixer Machine?

In today&#;s fast-paced food processing industry, investing in a high-quality mixer machine can be a game-changer for your business. Whether you're producing meat products, baked goods, or packaged foods, a meat mixer machine or industrial mixer machine can significantly improve efficiency, consistency, and product quality.

Mixer machines not only streamline production but also enhance hygiene and safety standards, reduce labor costs, and provide the versatility needed to meet the ever-evolving demands of the food industry. If you're looking to upgrade your food production process, investing in the right mixer machine is a decision that will pay off in both the short and long term.

For more information on high-quality mixer machines, explore CM Machine Services, your go-to resource for industrial food processing equipment. They offer a wide range of mixer machines tailored to meet the needs of businesses in the food industry, helping you achieve the best results every time.

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