Advantages and Applications of Volumetric Screw Feeders

In the realm of industrial processing, precision and consistency are paramount. One indispensable tool that ensures these qualities in various industries is the Kubota Brabender volumetric screw feeder. Very much the “workhorse” of the industry, volumetric screw feeders come in all shapes and sizes and the basic technology is very simple. A feeding device, generally a single or twin screw mechanism, sits under a hopper or trough and rotates, capturing the materail in the flights of the screw(s) and pushing it forward to the discharge point.

Renowned for their reliability, versatility, and consistency, this equipment offers a multitude of advantages and finds applications across diverse sectors.

Advantages of Volumetric Feeders

1. Precision Feeding: Kubota Brabender volumetric screw feeders are engineered to deliver precise material feeding. They ensure a consistent flow rate, minimising fluctuations in material delivery, which is crucial in processes requiring accuracy, such as batching, mixing, and extrusion.
2. Customisable Design: These volumetric feeders come with customisable options, allowing users to tailor them to specific application requirements. Parameters such as screw diameter, pitch, speed, agitation and hopper size can be adjusted to accommodate different materials and processing needs.
3. Ease of Maintenance: Designed with simplicity in mind, Kubota Brabender feeders are easy to maintain. They feature straightforward disassembly for cleaning and servicing, reducing downtime and enhancing operational efficiency.
4. Material Versatility: Whether handling powders, granules, flakes, or pellets, these screw feeders exhibit exceptional versatility. They can be utilised with a wide range of materials, including but not limited to plastics, chemicals, food products, and pharmaceuticals.
5. Accurate Metering: Consistent metering of materials is vital in achieving desired product quality and process efficiency. Kubota Brabender feeders excel in this aspect, ensuring precise volumetric metering to meet your production standards.
6. Durability and Longevity: Constructed from high-quality materials and subjected to rigorous quality control measures, these feeders boast exceptional durability and longevity. Their robust build withstands the rigors of industrial environments, contributing to prolonged operational lifespan.
7. Adaptable Integration: Kubota Brabender volumetric screw feeders seamlessly integrate into existing processing systems. They can be incorporated into automated production lines or used as standalone units, offering flexibility to suit diverse manufacturing setups.

Disadvantages of Volumetric Feeders

1. Volumetric Control: As volumetric feeders do not control by the mass of product delivered per second/minute or hour, they have no method of responding to changes in the product being fed. If for example, it becomes more dense, then a greater mass of product will be delivered for each screw rotation. If they run out of material, without a level sensor or other sensing device, the feeder itself will continue to run at the set motor speed. For higher accuracy a Gravimetric feeding system is required. These may still contain a volumetric feeder as the feed mechanism but it will be mounted on a weighing device and controlled by a more sophisticated control system.
2. Material changes: If your feeder needs to handle a wide range of materials, a volumetric feeder might not be the best way to manage these accurately.

Applications for Volumetric Feeders

1. Plastics Processing: In the plastics industry, Kubota Brabender screw feeders play a pivotal role in compounding, extrusion, and injection molding processes. They accurately meter additives, colorants, and virgin resins, ensuring consistent product quality and composition. They can be used as bin dischargers, to transfer material into a conveying line and as a refill device.
2. Food and Beverage Production: From conveying spices and flavourings to accurately dosing ingredients in baking and confectionery applications, these feeders find extensive use in the food and beverage sector. Their hygienic design and precise metering capabilities make them indispensable in ensuring product integrity and compliance with food safety standards.
3. Pharmaceutical Manufacturing: Kubota Brabender screw feeders are employed in pharmaceutical manufacturing for precise dispensing of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), excipients, and other powdered or granular materials. Their sanitary design and accurate dosing capabilities are crucial for ensuring product efficacy and regulatory compliance.
4. Chemical Processing: In chemical manufacturing, these feeders facilitate the accurate metering of raw materials, catalysts, and additives in various processes such as mixing, reaction, and formulation. Their robust construction and chemical-resistant properties make them suitable for handling corrosive substances.
5. Construction Materials: Industries involved in the production of construction materials rely on Kubota Brabender screw feeders for consistent and precise dosing of additives, fillers, and aggregates in the manufacture of concrete, mortar, and composites.

In conclusion, Kubota Brabender volumetric screw feeders offer a host of advantages, including consistant feeding, customisation options, ease of maintenance, material versatility and durability. Their applications span across diverse industries, contributing to enhanced efficiency, product quality, and process control. As industrial processes continue to evolve, these feeders remain indispensable tools for achieving optimal performance and reliability.

Contact our team if you would like help in feeder selection for your next application.