Inline Blender (ILB). The continuous mixing technology for large batches. With an economic batch size of more than 50-60 metric tons the use of INLINE BLENDERS (ILB) could be considered as the most beneficial. With the INLINE BLENDER 7-10 components (according to the recipe) are simultaneously filled in a heater and lead via a mixer to the product tank. With achievement of the required quantity, all inflow-valves are closed and the batch is completed.

Smaller quantities of additives are added into the blender as drum-components or via cocktail-tanks with dosing pumps. In the past, volume counters and mechanical regulators were used. Today mass flow meters, software-regulators mass based on fast PLC-systems and progressive loop controller-strategies are used in order to achieve high quality products.

This Process can also be applied with difficult liquids, like high-viscosity additives. In practice, remarkable results can be achieved, for example, the accuracy of the component quantities of <0,1% according to the batch size.

The advantages of the INLINE BLENDER are the following:

- Highly suitable for the production of large quantities.
- Direct continuous mixing during the production period; a subsequent in tank homogenization is not necessary.
- It is possible to take samples during the production; the mixture can be filled directly into tank.