Metering screw feeders control the flow of dry bulk materials like grains, powders, and pellets. They have two key moving parts: an optional agitator to prevent blockages and an auger screw to move the material. These feeders are versatile, low-maintenance, and used in various industries, including food and pharmaceuticals. Available in volumetric, gravimetric, and micro types, they can be made from mild or stainless steel to withstand harsh environments. Trantec manufactures these feeders in various configurations to suit different applications across multiple industries.
Both gravimetric and volumetric screw feeders are engineered to provide high accuracy and reliable dosing. The primary distinction between the two lies in their operation and features. Gravimetric feeders are equipped with weighing cells and are the preferred choice for handling difficult-to-manage materials. These feeders offer advanced monitoring and reporting options, as well as self-calibrate, dosing the material until the required target weight is achieved. This ensures consistent and precise dosing without the need for manual intervention. In contrast, volumetric screw feeders require manual calibration to ensure the correct material mass is dosed over a set period. While they are effective and reliable, they do not offer the same level of automation and precision as gravimetric feeders.
For a comprehensive comparison of gravimetric and volumetric screw feeders, including their specific features, benefits, and applications, please visit our detailed comparison page.
A screw feeder is an indispensable piece of equipment in any industrial process that requires precise, positive control of dry bulk materials. Positive control is exceptionally beneficial when the material being fed is challenging to handle to ensure that the exact amount of material is dispensed accurately, especially in applications where precise timing is critical.
Flexible screw conveyors, also known by various names such as flexible spiral conveyors, auger conveyors, and helix conveyors, are renowned for their versatility and efficiency in transporting bulk materials across a wide array of industries and applications. These conveyors are designed to handle a broad spectrum of materials, ranging from fine powders to grain and large granules, making them indispensable in numerous industrial processes.
Flexible screw conveyors are a versatile solution for material handling, comprising of a stainless-steel helical screw or spiral enclosed within an ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene tube, a motor and a gearbox. The ingenious design allows for seamless movement of materials from the inlet to the discharge point as the screw rotates, exerting a directional force within the tube. This gentle yet effective mechanism ensures smooth and controlled transportation of various materials, making flexible screw conveyors ideal for a wide range of industries and applications.
With their adaptable design, flexible screw conveyors find application across diverse industries, facilitating the conveyance of materials ranging from free-flowing to poor-flowing and non-free-flowing. However, it's crucial to assess the material beforehand to ascertain the appropriate conveyor configuration, as certain materials may pose handling challenges. By evaluating material characteristics and considering factors such as flowability and particle size, the optimal conveyor setup can be determined, ensuring efficient and trouble-free material transport.
Flexible screw conveyors feature a hollow outer tube crafted from UHMWPE (ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene). This material is widely recognised as the gold standard among flexible screw conveyor manufacturers across the globe, thanks to its unparalleled quality and exceptional properties of UHMWPE, making it the ideal choice for demanding industrial applications.
Trantec flexible screw conveyors have a removable cap (also known as an end bung) positioned at the end of the inlet point. Once removed, this permits rapid and problem-free emptying of the conveyor tube. Reversing the rotation of the screw help to evacuate any remaining residue before flushing with water, chemicals or air. The flexible screw itself can be swiftly removed for a thorough cleaning by simply removing the outlet lid and undoing the motor adaptor pins to release the spiral/screw.
FIBC stands for flexible intermediate bulk containers. FIBC bulk bags, also known as super sacks, are made from strong, flexible fabric and are intended for industrial use of storing, shipping, and transporting dry bulk materials such as granules, plastics, pellets, and fine powders. They come in various shapes and sizes and hold a range of weight capacities. The most common FIBC bulk bags are conical, spouted, disposable, and single-trip.