What is a Gravimetric Feeder?

Many processing applications require more than just an open loop volumetric feeding device to dispense their bulk solids ingredients into the process. They require a monitored feedback and a high level of accuracy. A Gravimetric Feeder, also known as a Loss in Weight Feeder, typically consists of a hopper above a feeding device (such as a single or twin screw feeder, a vibratory feeder, liquid pump, or a bulk solids pump), a weigh sensing device with high speed loadcells, and a controller. The feeder can either be suspended on a weigh-sensing frame with loadcells or mounted on a platform scale with one loadcell.

The bulk solids material or sometimes a liquid, discharges from the hopper by weighing the material being fed and controlling the speed of the feeding device. Any difference between the actual and desired weight loss per unit of time and desired weight loss per unit of time results in a correction to the speed of the feeding device. The weighing system and controller compensates for the non-uniform material characteristics as well as the changes in bulk density providing a high degree of feeding accuracy.

Coperion K-Tron offers the widest range of material handling solutions in the industry. No matter what the application is requiring prefeeding, feeding, or batching, they carry the largest variety of configurations of feeders to create an optimal solution for any application. Offering solutions since 1964, Coperion K-Tron has defined the leading edge of technology and has a library of materials tested in their Test Lab.

Coperion K-Tron’s weighing technology is second to no one. Coperion K-Tron’s patented Smart Force Transducer (SFT) uses a unique vibrating wire technology to convert the signal into a digital weight by a built-in microprocessor. That signal is then transferred noise free via RS485 to Coperion K-Tron’s SmartConnex KCM controller. The SFT provides a 4,000,000:1 weight resolution in 80 ms. Coperion K-Tron is confident enough in their SFT to provide a 5-year warranty.

Material Dynamics Carolinas, Inc. (MDC) is the exclusive representative for Coperion K-Tron in both North Carolina and South Carolina. If you want to learn more about Gravimetric Feeders, please reach out to us. No matter what your application is, MDC can help you find the right solution for all your feeding and material handling needs.