Volumetric screw feeders are great tools for handling and transporting materials at consistent, productive rates. Although these systems are beneficial, there are some frustratingly common issues with volumetric feeders. These tips will help you prepare for these common issues and quickly deal with them if they ever occur in your facility.
Screw Speed Control Sensor Inaccuracy
When you aim a remote at the T.V. and click a button, it can be frustrating if the sensor doesn’t pick up the remote’s signal. Unfortunately, a similar issue can happen within a volumetric feeder. As the name suggests, volumetric screw feeders contain a screw, which helps send materials through your system at a specific rate and in a quantity. If the screw speed control sensor isn’t producing accurate readings, then the feeder’s discharge rate isn’t going to be consistent.
If you ever find your feeder dispensing inaccurate, inconsistent batches, it’s time to look at your screw speed control sensor. Sensors display false readings for several reasons. Inspect the wires connecting to the screw speed control sensor. If any of them seem loose or have been damaged, making the right adjustments might solve your problem.
On the other hand, you might simply need to clean the sensor if any material accumulates on it and blocks the sensor. If both of the solutions above don’t work, it might be time for a new sensor entirely.
Excessive Material Accumulation
As briefly mentioned above, excessive material accumulation can be problematic for your screw speed control sensor. Furthermore, blockages can occur in the system thanks to excessive material accumulation in areas such as the hopper, the discharge tube, and even the screw. One method for resolving this issue is continually cleaning away the buildup.
Luckily, since it’s one of the most common issues with volumetric feeders, there’s a much more effective way to deal with material blockages: an agitation system. Taking the time to design and install an agitator between your hopper and screw promotes a smoother, more consistent material flow through the system.
Failure Adapting To New Conditions
Designing and installing volumetric feeders is a task you shouldn’t do carelessly. Instead of installing one that looks nice or has the highest price tag, you must plan for the specific environment, material, and other conditions the feeder will interact with regularly.
Once you design the perfect feeder for your current conditions, decisions such as changing the material moving through the feeder or adjusting the work environment temperature have a big impact. If you design a feeder for individual specifications and then change those specifications, it will hinder the feeder’s overall performance.
More often than not, you’ll be able to update your current feeder in a way that adapts to new conditions. However, with that in mind it’s best to design the system from the get-go. If you consider expansion in the early design stages, you can make updating your feeder easier. Situations like this are why we work closely with clients to meet specific requirements. For example, we can help you set up systems for handling bulk plastic pellets and various other materials requiring precise handling in bulk.