A Conversation with Ryan Coburn, Technical Sales Specialist at Hapman
In our latest discussion, we delve into the critical role of feeders in managing challenging dry bulk materials. Ryan Coburn, Technical Sales Specialist at Hapman, shares his insights into the operational hurdles companies face when dealing with materials prone to clumping, bridging, or inconsistent flow—and how selecting the right feeder can make all the difference.
Key Challenges Identified:
- Material Inconsistencies: Sticky or high-density materials often cause irregular flow, leading to batch inconsistencies and increased scrap.
- Environmental Impact: Hygroscopic materials absorb moisture, further exacerbating flow problems and production reliability.
- System Design Mismatches: Using the wrong feeding method—volumetric vs. gravimetric—can result in inaccurate dosing and inefficient processing.
Volumetric vs. Gravimetric Feeding:
- Volumetric systems provide material over time based on volume—ideal where precision is less critical.
- Gravimetric systems measure exact material weight, offering tighter accuracy for batching and continuous processes.
Customizing for Performance:
- Tailored screw types and hopper configurations (e.g., conical vs. square) are essential for optimizing flow and minimizing material hang-ups.
- Customization supports the unique flow properties of each material, reducing downtime and increasing operational reliability.
Spotlight on the PosiPro® Dosing Feeder:
Designed specifically to address the nuances of tough materials, the Hapman PosiPro® offers:
- Integrated agitators to prevent bridging and clumping.
- Interchangeable screw designs tested in Hapman’s in-house lab to match each application.
- Tool-free disassembly for quick cleaning and reduced maintenance-related downtime.
- A conical hopper design to ensure consistent, obstruction-free feeding.
Ryan summarizes it best: “We built the PosiPro to eliminate the headaches our customers face with difficult materials—easy to clean, easy to service, and highly adaptable.”