Item #: Feeder Refill Systems
Don’t forget to feed the feeder! VAC-U-MAX’s feeder refill systems keep your single-screw, twin-screw, and weigh belt loss-in-weight feeders loaded and ready to go—in both batch and continuous applications.
Many times a feeder is purchased without consideration of how the feeder will get filled and refilled. VAC-U-MAX has automated that process, making it easy to keep your lines up and running—no downtime, no manual lifting and dumping, just clean, continuous operation.
Our feeder refill systems are the fastest reloading solution in the industry. They work with single-screw, twin-screw, and weigh belt loss-in-weight feeders in both batch (volumetric) and continuous (gravimetric) applications.
LOADING A CONTINUOUS LOSS-IN-WEIGHT FEEDER
Loading or refilling a loss-in-weight feeder that is operating in a continuous mode requires the right kind of equipment. The objective is to refill the feeder as quickly as possible. Our solution is the fastest in the industry, and it’s extremely easy to operate.
When the gravimetric feeder reaches a low-level signal, the discharge valve on the VAC-U-MAX vacuum receiver opens, refilling the feeder in a matter of seconds and allowing it to continue operation. A charge of material is ready in the vacuum receiver at all times, ensuring continuous reloading.
HOW IT WORKS
The system’s control panel is interfaced with the feeder control panel. When turned on, the vacuum receiver fills up from the pickup point and immediately begins discharging it into the feeder, allowing the feeder to begin dispensing product. From there, the vacuum receiver will regulate feed levels, automatically loading more product when levels get low. The process will repeat itself until all the material has been conveyed or when the operator turns off the control panel.
LOADING A BATCH LOSS-IN-WEIGHT FEEDER
Loading or refilling a volumetric loss-in-weight feeder that is operating in batch mode is a little different from that of a continuous gravimetric application. With batch operations, the feeder will typically hold enough material for the entire batch and, once the batch is emptied from the feeder, there is a time gap to allow for feeder reloading.
Our batch feeder reloading systems range in convey rates from 500 to 10,000 pounds per hour. All systems are controlled using a VAC-U-MAX designed control panel that interfaces with the control panel of the feeder. We will program the system to your exact specifications. The system can be set to begin conveying at a set time, when the feeder’s control panel sends it a signal, or the system can calculate a time gap and then begin conveying and loading the feeder at set intervals.
