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Low Flow Gravimetric Powder Feeder
4

Low Flow Gravimetric Powder Feeder

Low Flow Gravimetric Powder Feeder

(OP)
Dear Eng-Tipers,
               We are trying to find a device capable of metering fine powder (atomised aluminum-d50=15 microns) on a gravimetric basis at rates as low as 300g/h (10oz/h). Most off the shelf loss-in-weight units we have identified are unable to control at such low flows. The unit is for a process development pilot plant so innovative approaches are also welcome.
Thanks in advance.

TISM

RE: Low Flow Gravimetric Powder Feeder

Have you checked with these people?  We used a number of their feeders both the volumetric and loss in weight type.  We feed some very tough materials with these feeders.

http://www.vibrascrew.com/index.shtml

RE: Low Flow Gravimetric Powder Feeder

This is a very small feed rate and I am not sure the industrial solutions will do. Much depends on how precise you want to deliver your material and where. Pressumably the powder is dry and free flowing.
Because of the particle size I would chose a system where your (conical)container stands on a weight measuring device, has a small tube inserted to the bottom and the other led onto a small injector(eductor), driven by air or a liquid. You can control the suction rate by the flow rate through the injector (via a pump, pressure controller etc). It is possible to establish a control loop.
A vibratory device will probably densify your material so that the flow will be blocked after some time and you could not aerate it to make it free flowing.
If you can afford some admixtures, bind it to  pellets and use a vibrator or make a suspension and feed it as liquid.
m777182

RE: Low Flow Gravimetric Powder Feeder

(OP)
Thanks you very much I now have 3 options I did not have yesterday, including a non-commercial one if there is nothing off the shelf.
I am however still open to suggestions just in case these pathways prove unsuitable for this system.

TISM

RE: Low Flow Gravimetric Powder Feeder

Quick question.

Isn't aluminium powder at that size prone to spontaneous oxidation (i.e. combustion).

Could make life interesting.

RE: Low Flow Gravimetric Powder Feeder

(OP)
Thanks itdepends, yes in this finely divided form the Al powder is pyrophoric hence it needs to be kept under inert gas from its formation until we can meter it into our system.

TISM

RE: Low Flow Gravimetric Powder Feeder

Another company that makes very accurate dry-powder feeders is Acrison.  http://www.acrison.com

RE: Low Flow Gravimetric Powder Feeder

While their specialty is gravimetric coal metering for coal fired boiler burner applications, they do make metering equipment for other bulk materials.

www.stockequipment.com

rmw

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