Experience precision and Reliability with Trantec’s Micro Screw Feeder, the Ultimate Solution for Accurate Material Handling
Advanced Design
Developed through extensive research and developed by skilled engineers, Trantec has designed a Micro screw feeder for applications requiring ultra-low dosing, typically ranging from a few milligrams to several grams per hour, essential for applications dosing exact ingredient quantities in food production, chemical processes, or maintaining stringent quality control in pharmaceuticals.
Principle of Operation
Micro feeders operate on the same fundamental principle as larger screw feeders, utilising an auger screw. This helical mechanism regulates the flow of materials regardless of their flow characteristics. The auger is based in a trough at the bottom of a specially designed hopper with angled walls to promote gravity-driven material flow and is driven by a stepper or servo motor. These motors allow for exceptionally low feed rates with rotational speeds that can be reduced to under one revolution per minute. As the auger screw turns, the material is drawn into the pockets formed by the screw flights and the hopper trough. With each revolution, the auger pushes the material along the length of the trough, advancing the bulk solid by a distance proportional to the screw’s pitch. By adjusting the rotational speed, the dispensing rate of the material can be precisely controlled. Trantec Micro feeders feature an auger down to 4mm in diameter; the diameter of the screw influences the flow rate, with larger diameters enabling higher flow rates.
Handling cohesive materials
For handling materials that are cohesive or prone to clumping or bridging, the Micro feeder is equipped with an agitator device. A separate motor drives this agitator to ensure precise control over agitation levels. With adjustable speeds and timing, the independently driven agitator minimises excessive agitation, thus preserving the material’s properties and ensuring optimal handling. Agitation mechanisms range from simple steel bars on a rotating shaft to complex paddles or hammers for effective lump breaking. A highly effective design uses geometry from ribbon blenders, with two short Archimedes screws on the same shaft but with opposite hands. These left and right-handed scrolls gently move material from the feeder’s sides and end towards the centre. When positioned near the metering screw flights, they ensure continuous, even-density flow into the screw/trough pockets, which is crucial for an efficient metering screw feeder. This setup prevents issues such as material bridging or clumping, maintaining the accuracy and consistency of the dosing process.
Features at a glance
- High precision and accuracy - Trantec Micro batch feeders ensure precise and reliable dosing of ingredients.
- Durable and built to last – Engineered for endurance, the Trantec Micro screw feeder is machined from a solid billet of 316 stainless steel, ensuring it can withstand even the harshest environments.
- Versatile – These feeders can handle various materials, from powders, grains, and granules, and are suitable for industries from food production to chemical processing and pharmaceuticals.
- Easy Cleaning and Maintenance - Featuring a quick-release mechanism, Trantec Micro Feeders facilitate faster maintenance and cleaning processes, leading to shorter downtime and improved productivity.
- Compact design - Small in size Trantec Micro feeders can be easily integrated into existing systems, even in limited spaces, making them ideal for laboratory and small-scale production environments.
- Advanced control systems – Optional PLC integration allows precise feed rate adjustments, ensuring consistent material flow and minimising waste, which is crucial for maintaining high product quality.
Trantec understands that each application has unique requirements. They provide customised solutions to meet specific needs in ultra-low dosing applications. Whether in food production, chemical processing, or pharmaceuticals, Trantec can tailor their micro feeders to your specifications. For more information, contact Trantec or head over to their website, Trantec Solids Handling Limited.
