Weigh-Belt Feeder
A weigh-belt feeder is a gravimetric feeder that continuously transports bulk materials via a conveyor belt while simultaneously measuring the feed rate.
What are the key characteristics of a weight-belt feeder?
Unlike loss-in-weight feeders, this device does not measure the feeding system's loss in weight. Instead, the system determines how much material is on a defined section of the moving conveyor belt.
Weigh-belt feeders are particularly well-suited for good-flowing bulk materials as well as applications in which large quantities of material need to be fed continuously and reliably.
How does a weigh-belt feeder work?
A storage hopper feeds the bulk material onto the conveyor belt. Integrated weighing technology measures the belt load, i.e., the mass of the material on a defined belt section. At the same time, the conveyor belt's speed is measured.
The current feed rate is calculated based on belt load and belt speed. The control system compares this value with the specified target value. In case of deviations, the belt speed is adjusted to maintain the desired feed rate.
The conveyor belt thus serves two functions: It transports bulk material to the next process and, at the same time, is an integral part of the gravimetric feeding system.
When are weigh-belt feeders used?
Weigh-belt feeders are primarily used for free-flowing bulk materials and medium to high feed rates. Because of their open design and comparatively gentle conveying method, they are suitable for materials that should not be unnecessarily compacted or subjected to mechanical stress.
Key factors for reliable feeding include, among others, a uniform flow of bulk material on the conveyor belt, the properties of the bulk material, and precise measurement of the conveyor load and speed. The selection and design of the weigh-belt feeder thus depends on the material, the required rate of material flow, and the specific process conditions.