Simple Silo and Hopper Discharge Devices
Discharging materials from storage silos and hoppers is a common challenge for users of medium and poor flow powders especially where the product flow characteristics change during the life cycle of the process plant.
Incorrect selection of discharge aids lead to “bridging” in the vessel where the material holds up and fails to flow consistently or “ratholing” where the material discharges down the centre of the product mass leaving material on the walls of the vessel.
Mechanical dischargers are generally installed onto hoppers during manufacture or retrofitted at greater expense and disruption to production.
The VibraPad fluidising device is a simple cost-effective solution that can be easily fitted to new and existing hoppers with minimal engineering effort and without the need to enter the vessel as the activator head is inserted from outside the hopper.
For retrofit applications a hole is trepanned from outside and the head passed through the hopper wall and secured with a locknut.
A regulated airflow between 0.5 and 2.5 bar from the factory compressed air supply is dissipated into the product mass in pulses to fluidise the material which changes the material state, provides a “slip” surface on the vessel wall therefore breaking the bridge to promote “mass flow.”
The activator heads are configured in rows which is dependant upon the material flow characteristics, size and shape of the vessel.
VibraPads have been successfully used on many powders including sugar, flour, starch, whey, chocolate crumb and many chemical and pharmaceutical powders.
The heads are certified to EU1935 / 2004 food safety standard and are FDA compliant.
Available in range of materials and colours including Silicones in white and blue, Red Silicon for high temperatures and EDPM materials for special applications.
VibraPads can also be supplied in a light Blue METAL DETECTABLE material formulated especially for the food industry.
For further information on application and cost please enquire to peter@pbaasc.com
