Which Vibratory Feeder Is Right for Your Application?
This technical article provides an analysis and comparison of high-deflection and standard-deflection vibratory feeders.
July 22, 2024
This technical article provides an analysis and comparison of high-deflection and standard-deflection vibratory feeders. By conducting a thorough examination of crucial factors such as performance characteristics, energy efficiency, and maintenance and capacity requirements, operators are equipped with the knowledge to better select the most suitable vibratory feeder for their specific application.
Vibratory feeders are highly versatile machines designed to efficiently handle nearly all dry bulk solid materials, ranging from fine powders to granular, sticky, or large particle sizes such as metal stampings.
Vibratory feeders screen dust while metering crackers into a buckle elevator prior to packaging (Eriez)
Electromagnetic feeders offer exceptional conveyance capabilities for the broadest range of materials. For example, plastic pellets, catalysts, or cereal will typically feed well on all feeder models. However, materials that tend to cake, pack, break apart, or fluidize are generally handled on high-deflection models. In addition to their conveying function, feeders are widely employed in various industries to meter ingredients to mixers and blenders or feed materials for downstream process equipment, remove oversized or fine debris from final products through screening, and uniformly distribute salt, sugar, and a multitude of other ingredients.
Versatile electromagnetic drives can be fitted to accommodate most any application (Eriez).
With their multifaceted capabilities, vibratory feeders play a pivotal role in enhancing operational efficiency across numerous manufacturing and processing operations.
The design of each model vibratory feeder is unique, with varying tray displacement, frequency, and angle of deflection to move different materials at specific rates. Several factors influence the feeder design selection, including the characteristics of the material being processed, process flow rate, environmental conditions, the need to stop and start the feeder, equipment operating costs, and the likelihood of repairs.
The choice of the appropriate vibratory feeder type holds substantial importance as it can greatly influence operational performance and productivity. One of the primary differences in feeder models is the tray deflection or amplitude. The disparities between high deflection and standard deflection vibratory feeders lie mainly in their respective amplitudes of motion and operating frequency. This will have a significant impact on the capacity a feeder can achieve.
High-Deflection Vibratory Feeders
High-deflection vibratory feeders are universally recognized for their outstanding performance and versatility. These units harness advanced electromagnetic drives to generate high amplitudes and rapid motion, thereby significantly improving the ability to feed materials that were previously difficult to handle on vibratory feeders.
Materials from -50 to -400 mesh tend to fluidize and flush on traditional electromagnetic feeders. High-deflection vibratory feeders are compact feeders that are often used for applications such as metering products from hoppers, transferring products from one conveyor to another, metering into bucket elevators, or feeding a scale.
High-deflection vibratory feeders combine the higher deflection and lower frequency advantages of a mechanical feeder with the trouble–free service of an electromagnetic feeder. They effectively handle difficult-to-feed materials such as fine powders (talc or flour). The low-frequency operation does not fluidize the powder and the high deflection is not readily absorbed by the material. Airy or leafy products, such as lettuce or sawdust, also respond well. The high deflection goes beyond the vibration-absorbing nature of some materials and offers an effective feeding device where other feeder designs are unsuccessful.
Standard-Deflection Vibratory Feeders
Standard deflection feeders are generally used to convey dry, free-flowing, pelletized, or granular and larger particle materials. Typical uses include regulating granular flow from a hopper to a second process before final packaging. These compact vibratory feeders accurately feed and control material flows at rates ranging from a few grams to nearly 45 tons per hour. These units are often applied where increased material loads are anticipated, such as below hoppers, or when heavy materials (nuts, bolts, sand) are being handled. Most dry bulk solid material can be effectively handled.
High-Speed Vibratory Feeders
High-speed vibratory feeders are ideal for rapid on/off cycling and feature a faster speed rate. These units are designed for use with weigh scales and packaging machines.
Low-amplitude, high-frequency feeders are an ideal choice for handling free-flowing materials with a bulk density, while high-speed feeders are best matched with applications that require fast travel speeds, and frequent starts and stops.
Tray Designs
Whether high-deflection or standard-deflection feeders, the shape, length, and width of modern feeder trays are practically limitless. Customers can order standard design or custom feeder trays to satisfy their unique process requirements. Every configuration of flat, curved, v-channel, and tubular designs is available.
Trays are typically fabricated from mild steel for general-purpose processing or stainless steel for food, chemical, and pharmaceutical applications. Some trays are constructed of corrosion- or heat-resistant alloys such as titanium or Hastelloy. Tray lining options include abrasion-resistant steel, stainless steel, urethane, rubber, and other coatings.
Optional tray covers or screen decks incorporate quick-release fasteners that enable these components to be removed without tools for easier cleaning.
Rob Yandrick is global product manager-vibratory, Eriez. For mpore information, email [email protected], call 814-835-6000, or visit www.eriez.com.
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