Why the Nol-Tec Pneumatic Blender Is Unique Compared to Other Pneumatic Blender Designs

Unique Features Include:

The pressure of compressed gas required to achieve proper blending varies greatly, depending upon the characteristics of the material being handled, the batch size, and the amount of time allowed in the client’s blend process. However, generally, the blend pressure will be between 20 PSI and 70 PSI. This differentiates the Nol-Tec design from those pneumatic blenders, which require much higher pressures to work properly.

The design of the Nol-Tec blending cone is such that there are no ledges inside of the blending vessel upon which material can be retained. Thus, no material is left inside of the blender after batch discharge reducing material cross-contamination between batches.

The Nol-Tec blend cone uses a combination of material fluidization, along with dynamic material movement to ensure proper blending. This method is unique compared to those pneumatic blenders, which rely solely upon fluidization of the product. The design is especially useful when handling materials that vary in bulk density and particle size.

After blending is completed, the material outlet valve on the Nol-Tec blender can be completely opened and closed at any time during discharge. This is especially important if the blended product may tend to segregate during discharge. By simply closing the discharge valve, and pulsing the blend cone a few times, segregation during discharge is minimized or eliminated. Many pneumatic blend cones do not have this ability. Once their discharge valve is opened, the entire contents of the blending hopper must be discharged.

Since the outlet valve on the Nol-Tec pneumatic blender can be opened or closed without affecting batch blending integrity, the unit can be used as a single ingredient “homogenizer” in continuous manufacturing processes. This is typically done to reduce product variations that occur in the manufacturing process. Most other pneumatic blenders do not have this ability.

Maintenance with the Nol-Tec blender cone is very quick and easy. If one of the blending pistons should ever fail, it can be removed and replaced without having to take the entire blend cone assembly apart or removing it from the blending bin. Removal is a simple matter of disconnecting the air line and removing four small bolts. We know of no other pneumatic blenders that have this design feature.

The positive manifold pressure design of the Nol-Tec blend cone nearly eliminates the possibility of material back-feed from the blend bin into the air supply manifold. Many other pneumatic blenders (that do not use this design) experience material back-feeding problems regularly.

The amount of time required to blend a given batch in the Nol-Tec pneumatic blender is usually far less than that of a conventional mechanical blender and is also less than that of most other pneumatic blenders.

The blending action seen in the Nol-Tec pneumatic blender is especially suited to the handling of abrasive products, or those, which require gentle blending. Many other mechanical and pneumatic blenders are not as well suited for use with these conditions.