PROCESS EQUIPMENT UPDATE
Working with bulk powders is
challenging, but a number of strategies can help address flow issues
Apec offers a range of solutions designed to minimise bin flow problems
point, and ratholing is where the material flow creates a channel or a hole above the outlet. Tese are similarly problematic, causing material to collect in a way that stops the necessary flow. Tese problems can be addressed in a similar manner to the dead zone problem mentioned earlier. Adding aeration or vibration to the bin can help solve these flow problems and keep your difficult bulk powders flowing.
FLUSHING Flushing is another common issue affecting dry mix processing and dry mix processing equipment. Ingredients with a shallow angle of repose are usually more prone to flushing. Tese materials might be light or heavy, but they generally have uniform and symmetrical
particles that don’t interlock. Tis makes them easily aerated and they will flow very quickly, almost like a liquid. Tese materials can quickly become unmanageable and flood containers, disrupt weighing devices, spill over the floor, and create dust clouds. You can help with flushing by designing a bin with an angled feeder or adding a shutoff gate. Both of these will stop the free flow of material, saving on waste, cleaning, and issues with accuracy caused by an inability to stop the flow of the material. It is important to assess the flowability of your various microingredients and take
action if you notice bin flow problems. Once identified, it’s a good idea to solve these issues as soon as you can. Te right bin construction from the start can help to prevent bin flow problems. Or, in some cases, you can make changes to correct the problem with an existing micro bin. Whichever way you do it, it is always worthwhile addressing any bulk powder flow issues in your micro bins.
Jessica Stank is with Apec.
www.apecusa.com
Several different issues can affect the flow of bulk powder products
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