Simplifying screw feeder cleaning and product changeovers
PROCESS TECHNOLOGIES REDUCING FEEDER DOWNTIME
TRANTEC
Simplifying screw feeder cleaning and product changeovers
Designing a screw feeder involves balancing feeding performance with practical considerations such as cleaning, maintenance and accessibility. Internal geometry and access to productcontact surfaces can influence how easily equipment can be cleaned, particularly in food and pharmaceutical applications where hygiene is essential.
Trantec Solids Handling developed its QR Tec screw feeder with these requirements in mind, combining hygienic design features with a quick-release system to simplify cleaning and product changeovers.
Designed for Easier Cleaning
Effective cleaning depends on access to product-contact surfaces and minimising areas where material can collect. The QR Tec Feeder range features smooth, crevice-free internal surfaces to help reduce product buildup and support easier cleaning. Removable components are also suitable for autoclave cleaning where required.
These features support applications with frequent product changes, where cleaning procedures must be effective and practical.
Reducing Cleaning and Changeover Downtime
The QR Tec uses a quick-release hand wheel system that lets operators dismantle the feeder without tools in minutes, including removing the feeder body. This provides direct access to internal areas and simplifies dismantling for cleaning.
The QR Tec uses a quickrelease hand wheel system that lets operators dismantle the feeder without tools in minutes.
Where pre-cleaned spare components are available, operators can replace the removed parts rather than waiting for the original components to complete the cleaning process. Using this approach, the feeder can be dismantled, rebuilt and running again in under ten minutes, helping reduce downtime between batches.
Maintaining Consistent Powder Feeding
Alongside cleanability, the feeder must deliver a consistent material supply. The QR Tec incorporates a contra-rotating agitator, where applicable, to help maintain material movement above the auger and reduce the risk of bridging. Interchangeable augers allow the feeding arrangement to be selected according to the material and required feed rate. Auger selection is matched to material behaviour and the required dosing range.
Trantec’ s material testing and flow analysis can help assess powder behaviour and determine the most suitable equipment configuration, particularly where flow characteristics present challenges for consistent feeding.
Engineering Around Application Requirements
Trantec designs and manufactures powder handling equipment inhouse, with capabilities including CNC machining, laser cutting, fabrication and welding. This allows equipment configuration to be developed around the material, required feeding performance and cleaning requirements.
For further information about the QR Tec screw feeder, visit www. trantec. net or contact sales @ trantec. net.
For further information, please visit www. trantec. net
80 PECM Issue 83