by Monish Shete
23. October 2009 13:24
A storage hopper is used to hold extra parts for replenishing the supply in the bowl. Hoppers are set to operate automatically by a signal from a level control switch, thus eliminating either a deficiency or an over-supply of parts in the bowl.
The number of components which can be loaded in a vibratory bowl feeder is limited either due to the volume or weight of the components. Volume is especially important in case of rubber or plastic components and weight when the components are metallic. In case extra loading capacity is required, then the choice is to either use a bigger bowl feeder or else to use an auxiliary feeding unit like a flat vibratory hopper or elevator, silo etc. These auxiliary equipments can increase the loading quantity tremendously and the bowl feeder can become a totally man-less operation requiring refilling at longer intervals.
Vibratory Hoppers or Stock Hoppers can be of various sizes and dimensions and types like the top type and flat type. Amongst vibratory hoppers, the flat design is most popular. This has the added advantage of not increasing the loading height of the hopper too much and secondly increasing the loading capacity without compromising on the space required.
These types of hoppers can be provided either in Stainless Steel or Mild Steel. In case of mild steel, it is preferable to use a coating or lining like the Elscinthane PU coating from the inside. Coating is also required in case of metallic components when can otherwise make a lot of noise in the hopper.
For each hopper a vibratory controller / regulator is required for controlling / varying the speed of the hopper. Additionally a level controller for controlling the component level has to be provided. This is controlled by a level sensor mounted on the hopper itself. This provides a start / stop operation, thus resulting in increased efficiency of the downstream equipment like vibratory bowl feeders as well as centrifugal / rotary feeders.
Hoppers ensure that the quantity of components loaded in the bowl always remains the same (with the help of the start stop function of the level controller) and hence can help in achieving better functioning and working of the bowl feeders.
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Tags: vibratory bowl feeder, vibratory parts feeder, rotary hopper, hopper feeder, rotary vibrator, rotary feeder, automatic feeder, auto loading, feeder bowl, centrifugal feeder, vibration parts equipment, factory automation, industrial automation
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