Abstract: A mixer suitable for mixing a particulate material with a liquid. The mixer has a particulate material conduit, and a volute chamber disposed about the conduit. The volute chamber has a liquid inlet and an open lower end through which the particulate material conduit extends, to define an annular liquid outlet of the volute chamber. A transition cone communicates with the liquid outlet of the volute chamber and extends downward from it. At least a portion of the transition cone tapers inward while extending downward from a position not substantially lower than an outlet at the lower end of the conduit, to a position which is not substantially thereabove. Preferably the transition cone tapers as described, from a position above the conduit outlet to a position therebelow. A substantially straight downpipe is connected to, and extends downward from, a lower end of the transition cone.