PORTAMIX GLOBAL HELP CENTRE
Q1. What kind of products will the Portamix Mega Hippo mix?
A. The Portamix Mega Hippo is designed to mix products which, by broad definition, are described as pourable products. This can include liquid products such as: paints, sealers, resins, through to more viscous products such as renders, mortars and even some plaster compounds. This is a generalized description; for more specific detail, please provide us further information on your proposed application.
Q2. Will the Portamix Mega Hippo mix concrete?
A. Although it is possible for the Mega Hippo to mix concrete, it is not generally recommended. Concrete, which requires low slump and large aggregate, is not suitable for the Mega Hippo.
Q3. Some compound manufacturers say that their products must be mixed with a basket or egg beater type mixer. Is the Portamix helix mixer suitable for these compounds?
A. Definitely. Basket or egg beater mixers are generally used in hand held mixers where the volume of compound being mixed is usually in much smaller batches and the mixer is moved up and down and around the inside of the bucket. The combined helix/rod mixer of the Mega Hippo performs multiple functions to ensure complete and thorough mixing.
Q4. The recommended speed of a mixing paddle is stated by some compound manufacturers to be at least 600 RPM. The Mega Hippo maximum speed is under 500 RPM. This makes the Mega Hippo unsuitable for these compounds doesn’t it?
A. No, it is ideal for these products. As explained above, traditionally the mixing of these products is done in smaller quantities by hand with smaller mixers of around 4” – 5 1/2” diameter. The Portamix helix is 9” diameter. The periphery speed therefore is higher which compensate for the slower speed. As always, the proof is in the result; a thoroughly mixed batch.
Q5. Does the size of the helix cause splashing and create mess?
A. Splashing will only occur if there is not enough compound in the canister to suit the helix that is fitted. For small batches use the half size helix, for full batches, use the full size helix. If the helix is totally covered and there is no vortex down into the helix when it is mixing, splashing will not occur.
Q6. Is the canister and liner suitable for solvents and cleaners?
A. Yes the canister and liner is made of HDPE which is resistant to a very wide range of products. These include most solvents and chemicals that are commonly used in the construction and coatings industry. A technical sheet showing detailed information is also available.
Q7. The canister and liner seem quite soft and bendable. Is it very durable?
A. Being made of HDPE it is very durable. It is highly abrasion resistant therefore will stand up to 100’s of hours of mixing even with very abrasive products. Because it is made of HDPE, it is also quite flexible making the cleaning and removing of any set material inside it quite simple. Simply remove the canister or liner and roll it around on the ground de-forming it as you go and the dry material will break off.
Q8. Can the canister be repaired if necessary?
A. Absolutely. HDPE material can be welded. This means that you can also add extra fittings if required such as a tap at the bottom of the canister if you wish to dispense mixed liquids from a tap rather than by pouring out.
Q9. The Hippo would mostly be used for small projects wouldn’t it?
A. How small do you call small? It is possible to achieve an output of 1000sqm per hour with two Mega Hippos. So it is great for those small jobs and the not so small jobs!!
Q10. Are there any products that the Mega Hippo can’t mix?
A. Yes. You should never attempt to mix inflammable or explosive substances with an electric powered machine or products with a low flash point. Also, the Mega Hippo is designed to mix self-levelling materials. Highly viscous materials should be mixed with a forced-action mixer.
Q11. Are there any other motor options?
A. Yes, we have 1800watt and 2500 watt motors available in 230 volt and 110volt.
Q12. When should I use a full size helix and when should I use a half size helix?
A. The volume of compound will determine what the correct size of helix to be used is. If you require only a small amount of compound to be mixed (2-3 bags), use the small helix.
If you require a full batch to be mixed (full canister load), use the full size helix. If you use the small helix to try to mix a full batch, you will not get a thorough mix. If you attempt to mix a small batch with the full size helix, you will create a lot of splashing and introduce air into the compound.
General rule is to ensure that the helix is totally covered when mixing.
Q13. Why do I need both sizes of helix? Won’t one helix do all the mixing?
A. No. First consider that the prime aim is to mix thoroughly and efficiently. This means quickly and with minimal mess. A thorough mix will be one in which the aggregate, binders, colour, additives and all ingredients are blended together consistently throughout the whole batch without the inclusion of air or lumps of unmixed material. If you try to mix a full batch with a small helix, you will not get the upper levels of the compound thoroughly mixed at all or will take a much longer time to achieve. If you use a full size helix in a small amount of compound, only the compound around the helix will be blended leaving much of the material around the outside untouched. You will create a lot of splashing and draw air into the compound which could cause premature setting. The correct helix will ensure that the compound flows and moves evenly around the canister while being mixed. you will need to use the appropriate helix according to your mix volumes. This ensure a satisfactory result in minimal time.
Q14. Can I use my own mixing helix?
A. You will not get the same result with different helix. There are many factors in the design of the machine that ensure that the Mega Hippo will do what it is designed to do. If you change 1 of these factors by using a different size and style of helix, you will compromise the intended result. Remember that results includes time efficiency as well as a thorough mix.
If you require further help or have a specific question, please call your nearest distributor or talk to us. +64 6 399 1100