Feeder Technologies

The type of batching feeder used will affect your final batch accuracy significantly, as well as your long-term bottom line. The cost of operation must be taken into account in choosing correct feeder.

Product characteristics and batch size are just two factors in determining the correct batching feeder. Macros, due to their large batch size, can generally be batched with a variety of feeders: Weigh belt feeders, flexible screw conveyors, industrial screw conveyors, rotary valves and/or slide gate valves. Minors are typically batched with screw feeders or vibratory feeders. Micros are generally batched with vibratory feeders. Floodable products are best handled with rotary valves. Cohesive products are best handled with activated screw feeders, while fibrous products are best handled with vibratory feeders. Vibratory feeders are generally specified for critical batch accuracy requirements. Why vibratory?

It is widely accepted that a vibratory feeder provides the best batch accuracy by providing a pulseless feed while stopping instantly and identically.

3Sigma manufactures a proprietary, vibratory based Mass Flow Batching Feeder, the GeoMate™, but in no way is your system tied to this feeder. Your system requirements will dictate the feeder required.

Feeder Offerings Include

Vibratory Feeders
• Most batching applications
• Abrasive or fragile products
• Mass Flow design
• High accuracy - to +.015
grams

Screw Feeders
• Floodable products
• Very adhesive products
• Agitated hoppers
• High accuracy

Belt Feeders
• Large batch sizes
• Low headroom applications
• LIW batching

Rotary Feeders
• Floodable products
• High flow rates
• Pocket capacity < required accuracy

Screw Feeder/ Conveyor
• Large batch Sizes
• Flexible screws
• Industrial screws
• Elevating screws

Valves
• Free flowing products
• High flow rate applications
• Manual or Automatic

There are a number of variables that will contribute to your batch accuracy and repeatability, but none more than your batching feeder. The dynamic factors affecting your products – adhesion, cohesion, fluidization, segregation, moisture absorption – while your products are at rest, and while being fed, make the feeder most critical component of any dry bulk compounding system. To provide a repeatable and accurate batch your batching feeders must be able to:

1. Provide a Uniform Bulk Density Feed

Mass flow feeding or conditioning material to a uniform bulk density is required to provide an accurate batch. The smaller the change in bulk density, in the feeder, the more accurate the final batch.

2. Provide a Pulseless Dribble Feed

Pulseless feeding is the single most important factor in providing a repeatable and consistent batch. A pulseless feed ensures a repeatable and consistent amount in free fall, regardless of your feeder size, which ensures optimal batch accuracy.

3. Instant & Identical Shut Off

The batching feeder must be able to stop instantly and identically with each batch to ensure repeatable and accurate batches.

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Feeder Technologies