PROCESS EQUIPMENT UPDATE
The ingredient feeder is an often-
overlooked part of the system, but its importance should not be under- estimated
THE FEEDER THAT T
he ingredient feeder is responsible for metering the right amount of ingredients from the source into the next process. T is part of the
ingredient system is often overlooked, which can cause problems later on. Diff erent materials, particularly fi brous, aeratable, abrasive and cohesive materials, can all create problems in the wrong feeder.
FIRST: ASSESS YOUR MATERIALS Having a good understanding of your materials’ properties will help in selecting the right feeder. It will also help in designing the optimal system overall. If your equipment designer understands the diffi cult characteristics of your material, they can make adjustments to the feeder
Wade Almy reveals how to select the right feeder for your materials
and prevent fl ow and measurement problems. Give your equipment supplier a sample of the materials beforehand, so they can make an assessment. Consider the following material characteristics, which can cause fl ow problems at the feeder. • Aeratable: Aeratable materials are usually fi ne powders that behave like liquids when aerated. T is can cause them to fl ood hoppers and create hazardous dust clouds.
• Abrasive: abrasive materials can wear out your feeder quickly, but the wrong feeder liner can cause the materials to break apart.
• Cohesive: cohesive materials tend to stick to each other and form balls or clumps.
FITS
MATERIALS Aeratable materials such as talc powder, fl our, glass microspheres and other powders can pose serious hazards without the right feeder design and safeguards. T ese materials fl ow like water when aerated, and also create dangerous dust clouds. Dust clouds create debris across the factory, they can be hazardous to workers’ health if inhaled, or a spark, even from static electricity, can cause them to ignite. One of the most important considerations in selecting a feeder for aeratable materials is dust suppression and collection systems. Fugitive dust can be an issue at various points in the process, including the hopper, feeder,
FEEDERS FOR AERATABLE
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