PROCESS EQUIPMENT UPDATE
Jessica Stank details some common micro bin flow issues and explains how to solve them
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ngredient storage bin construction may not seem like a crucial detail in a processing facility, however, using a bin type that is not appropriate for
your ingredients can create flow problems. Tese flow problems can create other issues that can alter the quality of your batch.
WHAT ARE BIN FLOW PROBLEMS? A bin flow problem can be anything that obstructs the flow of material out of the bin. You can have too much flow or not enough. Tere can be issues with materials hanging up in the bin, preventing flow. Tere are several issues that can affect the flow of your bulk powders.
TACKLING BIN FLOW PROBLEMS
WHY SHOULD YOU SOLVE BIN FLOW PROBLEMS? Bin flow problems can have several negative effects on your operation. Tey can cause product inconsistencies, product contamination, loss to waste, and other problems with accuracy and efficiency. Te fact of the matter is bin flow problems can affect your bottom line in more ways than one.
HOW TO SOLVE BIN FLOW PROBLEMS Dead zones are a common problem. Tey occur when material moves through the centre of the bin, but the material at the edges of the bin doesn’t move through. When this happens, the same material will stay in the dead zones as other material gets added. As the material sits in the bin, mould and other contaminants can accumulate. Dead zones usually occur in the bottom corners of the bin. Bins with the proper angle of repose can avoid dead zones. Te storage bin can be constructed with an angled bottom, or you can add inserts to create the proper angle.
CLUMPING AND PACKING
Clumping and packing usually occurs when materials bond together. Tis might occur when fibrous materials interweave together, or when hygroscopic materials absorb moisture and stick together. If these clumps are strong enough to hold
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together, they can clog the end of the bin or get caught up in the feeder. As material settles and packs it will build up at
the end of the bin and stop material from flowing. You can solve clumping and packing
problems by adding movement to the bin or feeder, such as vibration or agitation. Controlling environmental conditions such as excessive humidity, can also help.
STATIC Static can cause light materials to stick to each other or stick to the edges of the bin. Tis often occurs in especially dry conditions with lighter materials and those with relatively high surface area. Bin flow problems caused by static can be solved by grounding, anti-static coatings or coverings, or environmental corrections. If a bin is securely grounded, the static charge will dissipate, and won’t cause sticking. Anti-static coatings or coverings on the inside of the bin can also prevent static from building up. Finally, maintaining a stable level of humidity can help to reduce static electricity, for example.
RATHOLING AND BRIDGING Akin to the dead zone issue, some bulk powders are prone to hanging up inside the bin, slowing or even stopping the flow of material. Bridging is when material forms a bridge or an arch over the bin discharge
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