Feeders are of various types, shapes, and sizes. However, there are some considerations before you choose one for you. At, AAG Engineering Technologies we have years of industry expertise and can guide you in deciding which would be the perfect selection for your bulk material handling system. Read on.
Tips for selecting the feeder
The major considerations in deciding the type of feeder to be used while designing bulk material handling system are:
- The properties of the bulk material being handled that is:
- Cohesiveness
- Maximum particle size
- Particle friability
- Propensity for dust generation
- The application like the geometry of hopper outlet, need for volumetric or gravimetric control, necessary throughput and so on.
- Apart from above-mentioned constraints, even shapes of feeder have a vital role to be played in designing appropriate bulk material handling system.Like, square and round shape outlets provide more flexibility in the choice of the feeder and have fewer design constraints when compared to elongated outlets.
- It is also possible, for example, to place a belt or screw conveyor under a square or round outlet and turn it into a feeder without much in the way of negative consequences to either the bin’s flow pattern or conveyor’s horsepower.
On the other hand, when it comes to elongated shape outlet, you may have to change your approach drastically. For example, if a belt is placed under a hopper with an elongated outlet and in terms of feeder choice, there are significant benefits of an elongated outlet with regards to flow. An elongated outlet reduces the minimum opening size required by a factor of approximately two when compared to a round outlet.
For instance, if a certain bulk material requires a minimum 60 cm outlet diameter to prevent arching in a conical hopper, the same material will only require a 30 cm wide (by at least 90 cm long) elongated outlet to prevent arching. In addition, an elongated outlet allows for mass flow to occur in a hopper with less steep hopper walls.
Selecting and designing an appropriate feeder for a particular application with a specific bulk material is not a trivial matter. A professional guide in designing of bulk material handling system is crucial for its success and long run for an industrial purpose. You can rely on AAG for any bulk material handling related doubts.
All bulk material equipment are not same when it comes to designing rule. For conveyors, design rules are well developed. The same is not true for feeders – especially those used under elongated outlets.
General design guidelines that can be applied to belt feeders used under elongated outlets can also be applied for screw and apron feeders. Even the design guidelines differ with the shape of the feeder used.
Utmost care needs to be taken while designing a bulk material handling system. When it comes to industrial use, any system facilitate long-term operation in adverse conditions and should suit the requirements of the operations.
AAG Engineering can take care of entire bulk material handling system and has expertise even in process automation. Contact our sales representative’s immediately at sales-west@aagengg.com or visit our websites at www.aagengg.com to know more about our services.
