Brabender FeederScout

Mode of operation

To select a feeder, the program determines possible feeders and screws as follows:

The "Bulk ingredient temperature" must always be chosen within the limits stored in the database for each type of metering feeder. These limits differ from feeder type to feeder type. However, in some cases modifications to a feeder may extend those limits. (When entered data are validated, the program checks the entire temperature range of all feeders.)

Regarding the input "Min. feed rate", the feeder selection is based on the maximum bulk density while considering the lowest possible screw speed of a feeder, and on a weighing range as low as possible (in case of loss-in-weight feeders). The expectable screw filling level is determined by means of the information stored in the database so that the user does not have to enter any information. To some extent, higher screw filling levels in case of low screw speeds are taken into consideration.

Regarding the input "Max. feed rate", the feeder selection is based on the minimum bulk density while considering the highest possible screw speed of a feeder. The expectable screw filling level is determined by means of the information stored in the database so that the user does not have to enter any information.

Internal calculations to select a feeder

Internal calculations to select a feeder consider the following parameters or are conducted as follows.

The refill volume: This is the volume of one refill for the extension hopper as it is recommendable in consideration of the respective process.

The refill rate: This is the mass flow rate that the refilling equipment must be able to achieve. In this customer version of the program the calculation is based on a refill time of 20 seconds.

The min. feed rate: This is the lower limit value of the feed rate range of the feeder. Its calculation is based on the highest bulk density and lowest screw speed or vibration amplitude.

The max. feed rate: This is the upper limit value of the feed rate range of the feeder. Its calculation is based on the lowest bulk density and highest screw speed or vibration amplitude.

The screw speed at the lowest feed rate required: It is necessary to appraise the dispense behaviour of screws in the lower feed rate range.

The screw speed at the highest feed rate required: It is necessary to appraise potential problems regarding the screw filling level at high speed of rotation.