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January 6, 2011
9 Min Read
.svg?width=850&auto=webp&quality=95&format=jpg&disable=upscale "Feeders Spotlight - January 2011")
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Plastics FeederThe ProFlex C Model 6000 plastics industry feeder was designed specifically for extruder manufacturers and compounders providing maximum versatility in a cost-efficient package that is easy to operate, reconfigure, clean, and service with feed rates up to 212 cu ft/hr. The AC drive motor assembly and material discharge positions can be exchanged, optimizing the feeder’s ability to accommodate different mounting and clustering requirements for up to eight feeders. Additionally, the unit comes equipped with an angular cut discharge nozzle improving accuracies by reducing pulsation at low speeds. Schenck AccuRate, Whitewater, WI 800-558-0184 www.accuratefeeders.com
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Vibratory, Mechanical FeedersHeavy-duty vibratory feeders are available in nine models with capacities to 850 tons (765 MT) per hour. Overhead drives, multiple drive arrangements and dust covers are offered for Eriez feeders, dependant upon your requirements and can be arranged for either base or suspension mounting. These feeders require minimal maintenance with no moving parts such as shafts, cams, or bearings, eliminating the need for lubrication. HDC Series feeders are designed to handle heavier powders and dry bulk solids. Additionally, these feeders are rated for Class 2, Div. 1, Groups F & G hazardous applications. HVF mechanical feeders are low-profile, rugged feeders that move high volumes of bulk material. The straightforward design incorporates a three-phase motor connected by belt to the variable-pitch sheave which drives the eccentric shaft. Eriez, Erie, PA 888-300-3743 www.eriez.com
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Quick Take-Apart FeederThe Quick Clean feeder, which can be disassembled and reassembled in less than two minutes, is used for pneumatic conveying (handles 15 PSI) and bulk material handling applications, available in light-, medium-, and heavy-duty models with square or round flanges, with sizes from 4-16 in. It is available in five different models and offered in cast iron or stainless steel construction, with precision-machined internal surfaces that form an effective seal. ACS Valves, Caledonia, ON Canada 905-765-2004 www.acsvalves.com
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Powder FeederThe Powder Feeder allows for precise feeding of cohesive, easily aerated, and difficult-to-control powders. It is designed to handle a wide range of material bulk densities at low to medium feed rates. The patented U-Trough hopper and feed section provides a practical and economical means for metering difficult powders. The geometry of the trough and agitator effectively de-aerate and contain the powder on initial fill to help prevent flooding. The independently driven agitator maintains optimum material conditioning while screw speed can vary to control flow rate. Material does not build up within the trough or within the continuous screw tube, preventing blinding or erratic feed. This combination, along with a vast selection of screw sizes and types, allows material to be fed with an accuracy of ±1.0 to 2% of set rate. Thayer Scale, Pembroke, MA 781-826-8101 www.thayerscale.com
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Volumetric FeederThe redesigned MetaTech feeder features only two moving parts (drive and screw) to ensure reliable, long-lasting performance with minimal process downtime and maintenance expense. The feeder also features a compact, space-saving design, low maintenance o-ring sealed inline direct drive, new Delrin bushing, and unique agitator/conditioner screw to maintain consistent product density and completely fill the feed screw for highly accurate (+1 to 1 1/2%) feeding. Interchangeable screw/tube combinations are available in ½ to 6-in. sizes and permit feed rates from 0.05 to 550 cu ft/hr. MetaTech feeders are also available in a wide range of models including space-saving mini, sanitary, and combination feeder/conveyor units. Metalfab Inc., Vernon, NJ 800-764-2999 www.metalfabinc.com
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Volumetric FeederThe Model BDF-1.5-2 high-performance volumetric feeder incorporates two independently driven metering augers with a dual agitator flow-inducing mechanism to provide versatile metering and hoppering capabilities over a wide feed range. Suitable for both continuous and batching applications, the feeder eliminates the undesirable task of changing the size of the metering auger whenever a wide feed range is required. Additionally, the unit provides both high (rapid feed) and low (dribble) feed outputs for batching applications. In a batching mode, a larger metering auger feeds the majority of the material for the selected batch weight and a smaller metering auger provides the final “dribble” amount so that the highest degree of batch cut-off accuracy can be achieved. Acrison Inc., Moonachie, NJ 201-440-8300 www.acrison.com
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Bin Activating FeederThe Gyro bin activating feeder produces 360 degrees of pure gyratory motion to positively and more reliably discharge granular materials from bins, storage silos, and hoppers at any desired feed rate. At the heart of the feeder is the drive that produces 360 degrees of radial force, creating a uniform circular motion on all parts of the feeder. It is this annular radial vibratory motion that imparts the ultimate force, assuring a constant and reliable material flow. This also minimizes any material stratification in the storage silo or bin and develops a predictable and positive flow of material upon demand. The unit can operate either continuously or as a start and stop operation as might be required for more sophisticated process applications. Dynamic Air Inc., St. Paul, MN 651-484-2900 www.dynamicair.com
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Volumetric and Gravimetric FeedersPrecise and efficient feeding is achieved through a PLC that is designed specifically to meet unique processes, which can include varying batches, multiple feeders, and other requirements. Complex processes are streamlined with pre-programmed routines, reducing operator time and risk of error in calculating batch needs. The PosiPortion feeder can be configured for volumetric or gravimetric delivery of dry bulk materials. The feeder utilizes mechanically actuated paddles to assure optimum product inflow crucial to consistent, repeatable feed screw performance. This method not only prevents the formation of stable arches over the feed screw, but also prevents degradation of friable product and segregation of blended product. Hapman, Kalamazoo, MI 800-427-6260 www.hapman.com
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Centrifugal FeederThe CentriFeeder with Integrated Control Valve (ICV) is both a controlled feed device and a mass flow measurement device in a single multi-functioning unit that will accurately measure and control the flow of any dry, free-flowing solid. Using a highly customizable touch-screen HMI equipped with an integrated Servo (low rpm, AC, Brushless), a PID control loop is established to control the ICV feeding the patented CentriFlow meter. For precise measurement and control, an Integral Linear Position Sensor is used to regulate the blade’s position to within 1 part in 1000 (based on stroke). For delicate products, the CentriFeeder is equipped with a Virtual Flow Stop function that stops flow with virtually no damage to the product. The outcome is an easily maintained, consistent flow that can, under some conditions, be controlled over a 100:1 range for batching, blending and ratio-control applications. Eastern Instruments, Wilmington, NC 910-392-2490 www.easterninstruments.com
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Precision FeedersThe AccuMeter series is designed to blend a wide range of materials in continuous extrusion applications, and offers a homogenous blend. The feeders are mounted on precision load cells, continuously weighing the output of each component. The material flow is constantly monitored; any changes in properties such as bulk density, pellet size, etc., are compensated for, and have no affect on the accuracy of the blended material. This system will improve overall product quality and reduce material usage caused by over-feeding, resulting in reduced product costs. When combined with new vibratory and belt feeders or the C-flex series, the AccuMeter can be used for hard-to-flow, fragile, and bulk materials. Colortronic North America Inc., Flint, MI 810-720-7300 www.colortronicna.com
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Screw FeedersThe MZMO micro-feeder is designed for high-precision volumetric proportioning of micro-ingredients such as vitamins, ascorbic acid, gluten, and egg powder, as well as flavoring agents and colorants. The rpm of the feed screw drive and the agitator, as well as the throughput rate, can be selected across a wide range of capacities using a frequency converter. The MSDF micro-differential proportioning scale gravimetrically controls the addition of micro-ingredients according to the capacity selected. A high degree of accuracy is achieved during the continuous flow of product. Buhler Inc., Plymouth, MN 763-847-9900 www.buhlergroup.com
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Vibrating FeedersThis line of vibrating pan feeders and conveyors offers a simple and efficient way to meter, screen, and convey virtually any dry bulk material. Feeders are available with variable-speed drives and can be paired with vibrated bins to provide a compact hopper/feeder package. With the addition of one or two screen decks, these machines offer an economical, heavy-duty alternative to conventional gyratory screens. As conveyors they can handle up to 15,000 cu ft/hr and are available in lengths up to 25 ft. All feeder, screener, and conveyors are available in carbon and stainless steel and with a variety of surface finishes and liners. Vibra Screw Inc., Totowa, NJ 973-256-7410 www.vibrascrew.com
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Vibratory FeedersAvailable in electric- or air-operated models, BEST heavy-duty vibratory feeders are designed with above-, below-, or side-mounted drives and can be arranged for base mounting or overhead suspension. The feeders come in custom vibrating trough lengths, with special trough designs available. Several basic models are available including air-operated light-duty, air-operated heavy-duty, twin-motor vibrating pan and grizzly feeders, electromagnetic, twin motor, and special application feeders. Metso, Brunswick, OH 800-827-9237 www.metso.com
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Powder FeederThis powder feeder is made for sophisticated powders like Irganox or similar products that cannot run continuously over long periods of time without cleaning. The new design prevents “drilling a hole” in the stored material and guarantees a constant flow of powder. The hopper body has a single shot bridge breaker that creates the ability to feed these difficult powders continuously over a longer period of time without cleaning the hopper and auger. The smaller refills also have a positive effect because the pressure to the material stored in the hopper is reduced to a minimum. The design features different flow zones inside of the hopper. This creates a permanent flow to the auger and helps to smooth the material on its way to the feed auger. Process Control Corp., Atlanta, GA 770-449-8810 www.process-control.com
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