Ordered mixing: A new concept in powder mixing practice

Abstract A randomization concept of powder mixing has largely been explored in the past. Non-cohesive, non-interacting particulate systems are primarily mixed by this process. Cohesive, interacting particulate systems may also be mixed to a high degree of homogeneity. Many of the requirements of this type of mixing are different from those required for randomization. The process of mixing cohesive, interacting particulate systems follows a “disorder to order” concept and has been termed ordered mixing. Ordered mixing probably occurs widely in actual systems. Although the requirements for ordered mixing are different from those for random mixing, the rate of mixing follows the same laws. Ordered mixtures are frequently more homogenous than random mixtures and, in certain cases, may offer a better approach to practical mixing problems.