ABSTRACT
A Properly Engineered blending system, utilizing a centrifugal pump, provides speed, uniformity, and versatility for mixing or combining a wide range of dry and liquid ingredients in a compact structure. This chapter explains how this can be accomplished through the modifications of a standard centrifugal pump. It discusses the following: basic principles of blender/pump design, blending system design, and a blending solution. The liquid enters the system at the leading edge of the impeller blades where the pressure gradient of the blender head is zero. During operation, the liquid being pumped into the system is accelerated outward until it strikes the blender screen. Blending systems are normally designed to incorporate dry powders into liquids at various addition rates. Mixing applications include the processing and making of puddings, reconstituting powdered milk, making liquid sugar, adding vitamins to liquid products, blending of sugar with liquids, starch slurry for salad dressing, adding stabilizer, and many others.
