Batching feeders are used in steel mills to add the precise amounts alloys and fluxes to achieve the desired final product. Steel production requires specific amounts of each to achieve the desired type of steel and these feeders are critical for ensuring a high-quality final product.
A customer reached out to JVI for help with providing batching feeders for adding two micro alloy additive systems to their steel mill. JVI worked closely with the customer to develop and engineer a electromagnetic vibratory feeder package that would meet the requirements of their systems. Based off of JVI’s field proven designs the package included:
Electromagnetic Drives
Electromagnetic drives were chosen for their ability to deliver 100% feed rate adjustability, instant stop/start capability, and rugged construction for precise, repeatable performance in tough environmental conditions. These characteristics made them the ideal solution for batching feeders where precise material control is needed in the harsh environment of the steel mill. The drives selected provide the required 10 TPH throughput while also being able to adjust the feed rate instantly to batch the material in the required quantities.
Integrated Static Chute Work Packages
An integrated static chute work package was included properly transition the material from the upstream hopper into the feeder allowing for maximum throughput.
Replaceable Wear Liners
To address the abrasive characteristics of the various alloys and flux, replaceable bolt on wear liners were added to the bottom and sidewalls of the pan. These liners provide a layer of protection for the feeder from the material further increasing its operating life. The bolt on design also enables easy replacement helping to further extend the feeders operating life.
Bed Depth Gates
Bed depth gates were added to set a consistent material height in the pan to help ensure a consistent amount of material across width of the pan.
Controllers
A controller for each feeder was included to enable the precise adjustment of the feed rate. The controllers allow complete automation of each feeder to ensure the correct amount of the alloys and flux are added to the trolly for any given recipe.
Spare Parts
A spare parts package of (1) feeder body, (1) Electromagnetic drive, (1) Controller, and (4) rubber buffers was included so that maintenance would have quick access to parts if needed.
The sixteen-feeder package provides precise, low maintenance vibratory batching feeders that meet the requirements of the application given by the customer. The package was approved and JVI began manufacturing the feeders. Today the feeders are integrated into the two new micro alloy batching systems feeding various alloys and flux from hoppers into traveling weigh lory cars.