Thorough material testing is crucial because all materials behave differently, and these differences can significantly affect the performance of screw feeders. If material evaluation is not conducted, issues such as blockages, uneven flow, or inaccurate dosing may arise, resulting in production delays and increased maintenance costs. By analysing critical attributes such as particle behaviour, flow characteristics, density, and cohesiveness, Trantec ensures their feeders offer precise dosing, uninterrupted operation, and maximised production efficiency.
Material Characteristics Affecting Feeder Performance
Here are some material characteristics that can impact both material flow and dosing precision in a screw feeder system.
Particle shape, size, and distribution – Particles that are irregular or unevenly sized can result in inconsistent feeding and potential blockages, as they can be prone to material segregation, bridging, and uneven flow.
Flowability – When powders have poor flow properties, they can struggle to move freely, resulting in inconsistent feed rates and dosing inaccuracies. Assessing material flowability is crucial for selecting the right screw feeder and determining which agitator device is necessary.
Cohesive and sticky – Materials with cohesive and sticky characteristics may form lumps, adhere to the screw feeders’ surfaces, and cause material build-ups, thereby resisting movement and preventing smooth feeding.
Friability – Fragile powders can break down or degrade during handling, resulting in dust generation and reduced product uniformity. Proper auger design and gentle handling methods can mitigate degradation.
Bulk and tapped density – Materials with variable or unpredictable bulk density can cause fluctuating and inconsistent material flow, affecting throughput accuracy.
Moisture content – When moisture levels are too high, it can cause inconsistent material flow, leading to problems like clumping, sticking, or rat-holing that may interrupt flow and impair dosing precision.
Agitators Engineered for Optimised Powder Flow
Trantec manufactures a series of agitators, from their specially designed contra-rotating agitator, to a paddle and club design, that are specifically designed to tackle different material characteristics. They are engineered using insights from material testing to ensure their screw feeder systems deliver uniform, uninterrupted flow. This approach maximises operational efficiency, reduces downtime, and enhances overall powder-handling performance, even with challenging materials.
Versatile Auger screws for Every Material and Application
Through Trantec’s specialist division, Augers UK, they manufacture bespoke augers for all types of auger-based machinery, made to the customer’s specifications, available in multiple configurations and various sizes, to meet specific throughput requirements, from high-volume industrial processes to precise micro-dosing applications.
When it comes to screw feeder configurations, every auger screw is carefully selected and designed based on material testing results, ensuring smooth, consistent feeding and minimised wear. Examples, including:
- Made to measure lengths and diameters, tailored to fit unique feeder setups and specific process requirements
- Single and multi-start augers, including twin-start, and triple-start, that are configured to improve the precision and material flow of challenging materials
- Constant or variable pitch options designed to ensure smooth, consistent feeding
- Variety of flight designs from tapered, stepped, and special-profile flights to handle diverse materials effectively
These tailored augers optimise material flow, reduce product degradation, and maintain accurate dosing across a wide range of powders, granules, and pellets.
Advanced In-House Testing Facility
Trantec operates a state-of-the-art testing facility equipped with screw feeders ranging from industrial systems to precision micro-batch feeders. The facility is also stocked with a wide selection of augers, agitators, and interchangeable components, enabling rapid trial setups with real customer materials.
This hands-on testing validates the ideal configuration before purchase, ensuring reliable, uninterrupted operation and maximised material-handling efficiency from day one.
Discover more about Trantec’s innovative Screw Feeders by visiting their website at www.trantec.net, or if you have any questions, reach out to sales@trantec.net.
