Conical Screw Mixer (Nauta Type)
High-Performance Low-Shear Batch Mixing for Powders, Pastes & Slurries
Gentle mixing that preserves particle integrity while achieving exceptional homogeneity.
Our Nauta Type Conical Screw Mixer is engineered for gentle, low-shear batch mixing of free-flowing, fragile, segregative powders, as well as pastes and slurries. It preserves particle integrity to the maximum while delivering exceptional mixing homogeneity, and features predictable scale-up from lab-scale trials to full production runs. Designed with a conical vessel and an orbiting cantilevered screw, this mixer ensures precise, energy-efficient blending and stands as a reliable solution for a wide spectrum of industrial powder and bulk solid processing applications.
Core Advantages
| Feature | Benefit / Solves Pain Point | Application |
|---|
| Ultra-Gentle Mixing | Ideal for fragile, segregative or free-flowing powders; zero excessive particle damage. | Pharma, Food, Battery Materials |
| Wide Fill Level Compatibility | Consistent mixing quality at 15–100% fill volumes; high vessel utilization. | All batch processes |
| Multi-Functional Processing | Integrated heating, cooling, drying and humidification in one unit. | Chemicals, Pharma, Food |
| Complete Discharge | Bottom discharge valve minimizes material waste and cross-contamination. | High-value materials |
| Flexible Operation Modes | Vacuum/pressure operation; configurable as live hopper for cohesive materials. | Hazardous or sensitive materials |
| Superior Energy Efficiency | Low power consumption reduces operational costs. | All industries |
| Enhanced Cleanability | Optional CIP/SIP systems for easy sanitization. | Pharma, Food |
| Explosion-Proof Compliance | Fully ATEX-compliant for all explosion zones. | Chemicals, Battery |
| Extensive Capacity Range | From 5L to 5,000L—lab, pilot, and mass production. | R&D to full-scale manufacturing |
Principle of Operation
This mixer is a convective low-shear batch mixer that integrates axial, radial and tangential flow to achieve thorough and precise homogenization:
- A rotating cantilevered screw conveys materials upward along the conical vessel wall;
- An orbiting arm drives the screw circumferentially around the cone;
- Gravity causes downward recirculation, forming a continuous, uniform mixing cycle with minimal shear;
- Materials are top-loaded via manual, big bag, pneumatic or mechanical systems;
- Screw runs at ~70 rpm, orbiting arm at 1–2 rpm, tip speed adjustable (0.5–2 m/s);
- Bottom discharge valve enables complete emptying for direct transfer to downstream processes.
Broad Process Flexibility
- Gentle mixing: Free-flowing/segregative powders, pastes, slurries, liquid-powder blends
- Powder humidification & coating: With intensifier for uniform liquid distribution
- Granulation: Of bulk solids under controlled conditions
- Temperature control: Heating or cooling during mixing
- Drying: Atmospheric or vacuum drying (optional solvent recovery)
- Live hopper function: Continuous feeding to fluid beds or extruders with optional back-mixing
Optional Accessories & Custom Solutions
- ISEM Ball Segment Valve – for optimized powder discharge
- Lab-scale Nauta Minimix Mixer – for formula development
- CIP/SIP cleaning systems – for hygienic compliance
- Vacuum/pressure operation kits
- Intensifier for liquid coating of solids
- Solvent recovery system for vacuum drying
- Custom ATEX-compliant explosion-proof components
Ideal Application Fields
1. Pharmaceuticals
Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API), pharmaceutical powders and granules.
2. Battery & New Energy
Battery materials, metal powders, conductive additives.
3. Chemicals
Catalysts, carbon black, polymer powders, detergent formulations.
4. Food & Beverage
Cocoa powder, sugar, tea leaves, dairy powders, food additives.
5. Animal Feed
Fish feed, compound feed, feed additives.
6. Other Industries
Cosmetic powders, industrial pigments, ceramic powders.
Why Choose Our Conical Screw Mixer?
- Proven Design: Based on classic Nauta mixer—mature, reliable, scalable from lab to production
- Product Integrity: Low-shear technology prevents breakage of fragile/high-value particles
- Cost Efficiency: Energy-saving operation + complete discharge = minimal waste
- Hygiene & Safety: ATEX compliant; optional CIP/SIP; meets GMP standards
- Customisation: Full capacity range and accessories for tailored solutions
- Easy Operation & Maintenance: Simple loading/discharge, low maintenance cost
Need a custom mixing solution? Contact us for a detailed consultation and system design.
FAQ
Q: What information is needed for a quote?
A: Material type, bulk density, feed form (powder/paste), required capacity (L/batch or kg/h), and desired functions (e.g., heating, vacuum).
Q: Is lab-scale testing available?
A: Yes—we offer lab trials using our Nauta Minimix to validate mixing performance before scale-up.