Análisis de la condición estructural del agitador de un homogeneizador horizontal de doble hélice para panela granulada.

This study presents a new methodology for assessing the structure of a ribbon agitator in a double-helix horizontal ribbon blender used for mixing granular jaggery. In this methodology, strain gauges measure local deformations in real time (while jaggery is processed) at different points of the ribbon agitator. Indirectly measuring the stresses on the ribbon agitator allows monitoring the structural condition. The results show that the agitator’s reinforcement reached the desired processing capacity of 3 t/h with a Von Mises equivalent stress of 57.13 MPa, which represents a safety factor of 3.76. It is concluded that the ribbon agitator’s structure is safe, without signs of permanent deformities or failures, ensuring a homogenized and continuous processing of granular jiggery at a rate of 3 t/h without unexpected stops in production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]