Tech Brief: Electronic Variable Speed Promotes Processing Flexibility In Ribbon Blenders - From Soft Start To Discharge

Over the years, many ribbon blenders were built without any provision for starting at slow speed. Unfortunately, a dead load start presents many disadvantages, all of which increase costs. The buyer must choose between using an over-sized drive train that is capable of delivering the peak horsepower needed to get the batch moving or a lower torque drive train that is appropriate for powering the blender once it is running but overloaded when starting. The first choice is wasteful, since the larger motor is a glutton for power and its initial purchase price is high. The second choice is risky, since the high torque at start-up over-stresses the system and eventually causes maintenance problems..