Lengthened vibratory feeding conveyors for rectangular hopper outlets.

• 
• 15th September 2008
• Quarrying
 

Skako Comessa are probably best known for their modular vibratory feeder assembly, which includes an inlet hopper section with a square opening, which is bolted directly to a corresponding square hopper outlet. However, where the feed hopper has a rectangular discharge opening, for example 1000 mm wide x 3000 mm long, Skako Comessa will custom design a lengthened vibratory feeding conveyor to suit the exact application.

By utilising a rectangular shaped dump hopper, a significantly higher volume of material can be held, than in a similar height square unit. This is particularly relevant for below ground level lorry and rail wagon receiving hoppers, and ‘low height' feed loading stations, where it is required to feed over the side with a front end loader. Over the years, Skako Comessa have provided numerous special long vibratory feeders, and in the process developed an expertise and refined the required design parameters.

The units range from 800 - 2000mm wide, and generally from 3000 - 6000mm long. Operational capacities are usually in the range 300 - 800 TPH, although units for significantly higher throughputs are easily achievable. To maintain a competitive positioning, the feeders are of heavy duty ribbed and welded construction, with replaceable base and side liner plates, and driven by twin unbalanced motors. By the inclusion of an electrical frequency inverter, infinitely variable feed rate control can be achieved between approx. 30 - 100% of the preset maximum. Additionally, as the drives do not need to be tuned to the feeder weight, and are not affected by varying head loads, they are ideal for handling differing materials, including those with fines and inherent moisture (like sub base materials).

Due to the design of the rectangular dump hopper discharge opening, the vibratory feeder can be subjected to varying loads. However, this can be easily countered by the inclusion of a ‘breaker plate' in the hopper, and special spring and support arrangements on the feeder, including captive helical springs, rubber ‘bump stops' and damper cylinders. These measures successfully mitigate damaging dynamic shock loads, and ensure that the feeder reliability is maintained for many years.

Recently, Skako Comessa have replaced a number of belt feeders located under rectangular shaped hoppers with custom designed vibratory units. The replacement vibratory feeders are considerably more robust, and virtually maintenance free in comparison. Additionally, the inherent spillage problems of belt feeders are eliminated.

The attached photo shows how Skako Comessa solved an operational problem at a quarry site earlier this year, by utilising an 1100mm wide x 4300mm long vibratory feeding conveyor. Handling minus 250mm primary crush granite, and fed by a belt conveyor, the original hopper had a restricted opening at the bottom to suit the existing feeder preceding an impactor, resulting in considerable dead zones, and a very limited live area. By utilising this longer feeder, the discharge opening of the hopper was extended back into the previous dead zone, creating a rectangular outlet, and in the process, significantly increasing the live area. At the same time, the feed rate to the impactor was uprated, therefore increasing operational productivity.

 

For more information, please contact:-

Skako Comessa Ltd

Tel: 01937 838010
Fax: 01937 838011
E-mail: skakocomessa@btconnect.com    

Associated Links

• Hub-4 Profile of Skako Comessa Ltd
• Skako Comessa Ltd Company Website