Your Mixer is Properly Sized to Prevent Overmixing
Mixers are specialized equipment that combine, beat, whip, and knead different ingredients to create uniform mixtures. Used by chefs, food manufacturers, and even home bakers, these machines are essential to creating high-quality culinary creations. Mixers can be used to produce many kinds of foods, from cakes and pies to soups and sauces. However, there are some important factors to consider when selecting the right Heavy Duty Mixing Drive for a specific job.
Tote Mixing
Intermediate bulk containers (or IBC totes) are commonly used for shipping, storage, and mixing liquids. These re-usable containers are typically cubic in shape and feature an integral shipping pallet base for easy movement with a forklift. The tote's screw cap provides access to the product inside, but because they are designed for transportation and not for direct use on site, these totes can experience degradation in storage and require thorough mixing before being re-used. Luckily, there are tote mixers designed specifically for these containers that eliminate the need to transfer fluids in and out of a secondary vessel.
IBC tote mixers feature a motor, shaft, and mixing impeller built directly into the cap of an existing tote. These portable mixers are easy to install and can be powered by electric, air, or explosion proof motors depending on the needs of each application. For example, for light liquids and materials with low viscosities such as liquid asphalt cements or concrete admixtures, tote mixers can be equipped with a 1/2 hp air drive, while heavier industrial products like contractor grade paints and mulch dyes will benefit from a higher horsepower option.
To avoid overmixing, it's important to use proper measuring techniques and pay attention to the chemistry of your ingredients. The best way to determine if your mixture has been properly mixed is a visual inspection. For more accurate results, you can also utilize a number of testing methods including x-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy.
Commercial Dough Mixers
While there are many types of commercial mixers available, the HDX continuous dough mixer from Exact Mixing is ideal for bakery applications with a need for highly developed dough. This model is able to achieve superior dough development without excessive heat input thanks to its unique mixing process.
Another important factor to consider when choosing a dough mixer is its absorption rate or AR. As Bakerpedia explains, this metric is determined by the water weight of your recipe divided by the flour weight. By knowing your AR, you can ensure that your mixer is properly sized to prevent overmixing.
When shopping for tote mixers, be sure to read the manufacturer's warranty carefully. Some companies offer warranties that include parts and labor while others do not. It is also a good idea to discuss your business insurance coverage with your provider to determine whether or not your equipment will be covered in the event of damage or loss. Most business insurers offer property and liability coverage that includes the cost of replacing damaged equipment.
Additional Resources:
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https://thehomeimprovementnow.com/superior-mixing-efficiency-with-evenmix-for-ibc-containers/ |
https://authenticinc.net/evenmix-revolutionizing-mixing-with-advanced-ibc-tote-mixers/