Trough Mixer for Wet Paste Materials

What is a Trough Mixer for Wet Paste Materials？

A Trough Mixer for Wet Paste Materials is a horizontal trough-type blending machine designed for mixing powdery materials with liquids to form wet paste-like substances. These materials have poor flowability and high viscosity, making them difficult to blend with ordinary mixers. In pharmaceutical production, for example, traditional vertical mixers often struggle when Chinese herbal extracts are combined with excipients to form sticky wet masses.

It uses a U-shaped trough and a through-shaft design to keep materials from sticking to the walls, and the trough tilts 105 degrees after mixing to empty completely. The equipment meets CE and ISO standards and is exported to Europe, the Americas, Southeast Asia, and other regions.

How Does a Trough Mixer for Wet Paste Materials Work?

When the operator presses the start button, this is what happens inside the equipment: the S-shaped blade at the bottom of the trough rotates at 24 RPM, scooping material up from the bottom and throwing it upward. The material falls back down and is scooped up again. This cycle continues until the preset mixing time is reached and the machine stops automatically. After mixing, the trough tilts to 105 degrees and the material is discharged in one go, with minimal residue left on the trough walls.

One practical tip: add the material first, then start the Trough Mixer for Wet Paste Materials before slowly adding liquid—this prevents liquid from splashing onto the motor side.

Under What Conditions Does a Trough Mixer for Wet Paste Materials Perform Best?

The Trough Mixer for Wet Paste Materials performs particularly well with high-viscosity, high-moisture wet paste materials. The 24 RPM low-speed operation prevents heat buildup that could degrade heat-sensitive ingredients. The U-shaped trough combined with the small clearance between the blade and trough wall keeps viscous materials from accumulating or sticking. The 105-degree tilt angle allows sticky materials to be discharged completely in one motion.

When material moisture content exceeds 30%, ordinary vertical mixers often experience material clumping and blade jamming. The equipment, with its low-speed high-torque design, keeps running smoothly. In processing Chinese herbal extract materials, the 24 RPM low-speed operation keeps temperature rise within 5 degrees Celsius—a finding verified through multiple production batches.

The Technical Specifications of a Trough Mixer for Wet Paste Materials

The Trough Mixer for Wet Paste Materials is available in the CH series, with different working volumes corresponding to different power ratings and dimensions. The data in the table below is compiled from publicly available specifications from multiple manufacturers.

The mixer uses an S-shaped single blade, with all material-contact parts made of stainless steel. For the CH-200 model processing paste materials with a viscosity of 8000 cps, at room temperature 25°C with 60% loading capacity and continuous operation for 15 minutes, sampled testing shows a mixing uniformity of 99.2%. When selecting a model, the material must reach a certain height to be effectively turned by the blade—mixing performance decreases when loading falls below 30% of working volume. Slight variations in weight and dimensions exist across manufacturers for the same model; the above data are typical reference values.

What Materials Can a Trough Mixer for Wet Paste Materials Handle?

The materials suitable for a Trough Mixer for Wet Paste Materials are classified by physical form and viscosity into three main categories: high-viscosity pastes, high-moisture wet soft materials, and granular paste mixtures. Each category places different demands on the equipment's torque, speed, and mixing action.

High-viscosity pastes: These include sealants, coating bases, paint pastes, rubber additive pastes, pigment pastes, and cosmetic cream bases. These materials have poor flowability. It uses low-speed high-torque output to continuously flip the paste from the bottom of the trough upward. Pre-softening the paste before loading can help reduce the load during startup.

High-moisture wet soft materials: These include Chinese herbal extract soft masses, granulation wet masses, wet feed additives, and ceramic blanks. The 24 RPM low-speed operation provides moderate mechanical force, bringing wet soft materials to the ideal state of holding together in a lump but crumbling under light pressure—a key indicator for the granulation process.

Granular paste mixtures: These include compound seasoning pastes, food filling pastes, and filler-containing sealants. The reciprocating tumbling action keeps particles suspended in the paste matrix, reducing settling and uneven distribution.

What Should Be Noted When Installing a Trough Mixer for Wet Paste Materials?

Installation of a Trough Mixer for Wet Paste Materials involves three key areas: floor leveling, power supply matching, and no-load testing before use.

Floor leveling: The equipment should be installed on a level floor, checked with a spirit level. An uneven floor can cause vibration during operation, accelerating wear on bearings and seals.

Power supply: The power connection for it should match the voltage and power requirements stated on the nameplate. The standard voltage is 380V 50HZ. A dedicated circuit breaker and overload protection are recommended due to the high starting current of the motor.

No-load testing: After installation, run a no-load test first to check whether the mixing shaft rotates in the correct direction and whether the tilting mechanism operates smoothly. Ensure sufficient clearance behind and on both sides of the equipment for the tilting mechanism to operate without hitting walls.

Maintain and Service a Trough Mixer for Wet Paste Materials

Routine maintenance of a Trough Mixer for Wet Paste Materials covers three timeframes: cleaning after each use, weekly seal inspections, and monthly and semi-annual scheduled checks.

Cleaning after use: Clean the trough and mixing blades promptly after each use. Wet paste materials tend to dry and harden on the trough walls, which can affect subsequent batch uniformity if not removed. The horizontal trough and through-shaft design make cleaning straightforward—rinse with water and wipe with a soft cloth; for more sticky materials, a mild detergent can be used. If left uncleaned the same day, dried material will need to be scraped off with a scraper the next day.

Weekly seal inspection: Check the sealing devices at both ends of the mixing shaft for leakage each week. Seals degrade and wear over time; replace them promptly if leakage is found.

Scheduled checks: Check the lubricant level in the worm gear reducer monthly and top up if low. Inspect the electrical control system every six months, including terminal connections, button responsiveness, and overload protection functionality.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Trough Mixer for Wet Paste Materials

Why is the mixing speed of a Trough Mixer for Wet Paste Materials 24 RPM?
This speed is the CH series standard. Low-speed operation prevents heat buildup that could affect heat-sensitive materials, while still providing sufficient shear force for high-viscosity paste materials.

What is the core difference between a Trough Mixer for Wet Paste Materials and a vertical mixer for wet paste materials?
Vertical mixers rely on gravity for top-to-bottom material flow and work efficiently with low-viscosity dry powders. But wet paste materials are highly adhesive and tend to stick to the walls and bottom of vertical mixers. The Trough Mixer for Wet Paste Materials uses a horizontal U-shaped trough where material is forcibly lifted and turned by the S-shaped blade at the bottom—it does not rely on gravity flow, making it more suitable for high-viscosity materials.

What is the tilting angle of a Trough Mixer for Wet Paste Materials?
The tilting angle is 105 degrees, which helps discharge sticky materials in one go and reduces residue.

What certifications does a Trough Mixer for Wet Paste Materials have?
The CH series has passed CE and ISO standard testing and meets GMP requirements for pharmaceutical production.