Choosing Between Conical and Flat Bottom Vertical Vacuum Paddle Mixers/Dryers by PerMix UK

When it comes to mixing and drying powders, granules, pastes, or slurries, PerMix Vertical Vacuum Paddle Mixers/Dryers offer a top-tier solution trusted across the pharmaceutical, chemical, food, and nutraceutical sectors. Available in both conical bottom and flat bottom configurations, each design serves specific purposes and industries. This article explores the key differences, benefits, and considerations to help you choose the ideal system for your production line.

What Is a Vertical Vacuum Paddle Mixer/Dryer?

PerMix’s Vertical Vacuum Paddle Mixers/Dryers are engineered for high-efficiency, gentle yet thorough mixing, combined with vacuum-assisted drying. This results in reduced drying times, improved product consistency, and energy savings. The vertical design saves floor space while offering excellent heat transfer through heating and cooling jackets, enabling precise temperature control throughout the batch.

Conical Bottom Vertical Vacuum Paddle Mixers/Dryers

Key Features:

• Cone-shaped bottom design
• Paddle agitator designed to lift and fold material consistently
• Central bottom discharge for fast and complete product release

Advantages:

• Excellent discharge performance, especially for powders or sticky substances
• Minimal product retention, making cleaning quicker and easier
• Perfect for applications requiring batch integrity and low cross-contamination
• Gravity-assisted discharge enhances overall process flow

Considerations:

• Requires more vertical clearance, which may be a limitation in some facilities
• Slightly more involved fabrication, which can reflect in overall cost

Best for:

• Pharmaceuticals and fine chemicals
• Nutraceutical powders requiring clean discharge
• Food-grade applications with multiple product batches

Flat Bottom Vertical Vacuum Paddle Mixers/Dryers

Key Features:

• Flat vessel base with full sweep paddles
• Options for integrated bottom choppers for breaking up agglomerates
• Available with side or bottom discharge

Advantages:

• Enhanced mixing action, ideal for cohesive or agglomerated materials
• Ideal for use with liquid addition ports, choppers, and inline sampling
• More compact in height – ideal for sites with restricted headroom
• Easier to mount on weighing platforms or load cells for batching systems

Considerations:

• Higher product hold-up compared to conical bottom designs
• May require mechanical aids to discharge sticky or dense materials completely

Best for:

• Plant-based powders, protein blends, and slurries
• Applications requiring high-shear mixing
• Environments where equipment height is limited

Side-by-Side Comparison

Why Choose PerMix UK?

At PerMix UK, we provide a comprehensive range of Vertical Vacuum Paddle Mixers/Dryers tailored to your product and process. Whether you need a conical bottom for efficient discharge or a flat bottom for intensive mixing, we deliver mixers that prioritise performance, hygiene, and flexibility. All units can be constructed from 304 or 316 stainless steel, Hastelloy, or abrasion-resistant Hardox, and can be supplied with:

• Vacuum and pressure capability
• Temperature-controlled jackets
• Sanitary designs for food and pharmaceutical production
• ATEX compliance for hazardous environments
• Fully automated PLC/HMI control systems
• Chopper blades and spray nozzles for liquid addition

Conclusion

Your choice between a conical or flat bottom vertical vacuum paddle mixer/dryer depends on the nature of your materials, processing needs, and facility layout. With custom-built solutions, expert guidance, and outstanding UK-based support, PerMix UK is your trusted partner in mixing and drying innovation.

Get in touch today to discuss your requirements and discover how we can optimise your production with the ideal vacuum paddle mixer/dryer for your application.

John

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