VI1 Mixer (velocity interrupt)
The VI1 Mixing design was created to provide a low shear feedscrew design that promotes an isothermal melt and uniform color dispersion. The VI1 has been used successfully in both injection and extrusion applications for over 20 years that require low shear mixing with superior color dispersion.
How the VI1 Mixer Works
The VI1 design concept is simple - inlet channels with different helix angles provide different velocities, these channels repeatedly intersect to create turbulence in the polymer flow. The varying velocities and converging flow patterns promote superior color dispersion and a high quality isothermal melt.
In obsolete "Pineapple," "Pin," and "Saxton" type mixing designs, there are areas for material to hang up and degrade. The unique flow geometry and varying velocities in the VI1 Mixer is low shear and self-cleaning. This allows the VI1 to adequately mix without degrading the material and reducing part quality. For over 20 years the VI1 mixer has been successfully used in both injection and extrusion applications.
Low Shear Color Dispersion
The VI1 Mixer is ideal for low shear applications that require improved color dispersion (HDPE, LDPE, LLDPE, Styrene, etc.). The inlet channels with different helix angles cause turbulence in the polymer flow promoting a high quality uniform melt.
Improve Melt Quality
The VI1 Mixer allows for a great amount of mixing within a small footprint. For high viscosity resins that require low shear distributive mixing, the VI1 provides a high quality melt and superior color dispersion. The VI1 Mixer is used routinely in real world applications in both extrusion and injection molding operations.