Feeders Spotlight - December 07

Continuous Weigh Feeders
Better-Weigh continuous feeders are used for gravimetric feeding of dry bulk materials where it is necessary to determine actual feed rates on a loss-of-weight basis. Available in seven models with feed rates from 1 to 550 cu ft/hr, they are designed to provide feeding in either batch or continuous mode depending on the arrangement of the feeder’s control electronics. In batch mode, the batch controller is used to control the fast (bulk) and slow (dribble) speeds of the feeder. Accuracies of ±0.5% can be easily achieved in 2-lb or less batches, and ±0.25% can be achieved with 3-lb or greater batches with time spans of 30 to 90 seconds. In continuous mode, the feeder’s electronic controller is used to constantly monitor material weight loss over time in order to maintain a continuous loss of weight with an accuracy of ±0.25% to 0.50%.
Metalfab Inc., Vernon, NJ 800-764-2999 www.metalfabinc.com

Loss-In-Weight Screw Feeder
The sanitary PF-LC-S is a large-capacity loss-in-weight screw feeder that is designed for accurate and uniform feeding of a wide range of materials, from free-flowing to very fine cohesive powders. Made from high-quality stainless steel, the unit is resistant to corrosion and appropriate for the processing of food products such as pet food, cereals, chips, and snacks. It was developed for applications in which materials must be cleaned out quickly, easily, and thoroughly to prevent spoiling and cross-contamination. The feeder can be completely disassembled without the use of tools in less than a minute. Its rugged stainless-steel construction ensures reliable, trouble-free operation.
Thayer Scale—Hyer Industries Inc., Pembroke, MA 781-826-8101 www.thayerscale.com

Volumetric Screw Feeders
Accufeed composite volumetric screw feeders are easy to maintain and are available in interchangeable ½- to 6-in. screw sizes for feed rates up to 600 cu ft/hr. These feeders have been added to the company’s product line, which also includes bulk bag unloaders and fillers, volumetric and gravimetric feeders, bin activators, live bottom bins, vibrating feeders, and blenders.
Vibra Screw Inc., Totowa, NJ 973-256-7410 www.vibrascrew.com

Vibratory Feeder with Magnetic Drive Circuit
The Model 26C vibratory feeder is a rugged AC-operated unit that enables linear, exact feeding of large quantities of bulk materials. It is designed for feeding material up to 4 tn/hr and features a totally enclosed dust- and moisture-resistant patented magnetic drive that extends coil life and makes cleaning easier. The simple AC controls operate the feeder with high precision. This feeder features a Hi-Vi magnetic drive circuit that is powered by alternately opposing and attracting magnetic forces, which ensures low maintenance. There are no sliding or rotating parts, power consumption is low, and installation is easy.
Eriez, Erie, PA 888-300-3743 www.eriez.com

Micro Cone Feeder
The Micro Cone low-rate feeder features a screwless feeding mechanism to accurately dose free-flowing color, masterbatch, or additives into a blending system or directly into the process screw of an extruder. Utilizing a simple induced-flow rotating tube or cone, the feeder is designed to dose down to a few granules at a time, with a feed-rate range of 0.007 to 0.07 cu ft/hr. With the use of an extension tip, the feeder can feed at an even lower rate. The minimum dispersive rate is >2 pellets per second. With no pockets or screws, the design is simple, providing ease of use and almost zero maintenance.
K-Tron Process Group, Pitman, NJ 856-589-0500 www.ktron.com

Weigh Belt Feeders
For use in applications in which precision weighing and metering of dry materials is required, DEA stainless-steel weigh belt feeders provide weight controlled feeding, weight indication, and totalization for fragile (friable) materials such as cereals, snack foods, kibble, fruits, and fibers. The feeders are offered in 12- and 24-in. belt widths with easy belt detensioning and removal capability, belt weight influence compensation (BIC), accuracies of ±0.25 to 1% of set-rate sigma, and feed rate capabilities up to 1680 cu ft/hr. For sanitary environments, open-frame models of the weigh belt with washdown capabilities are also available.
Schenck AccuRate, Whitewater, WI 800-606-9248 www.accuratefeeders.com