Optimum online ingredient metering

After the user has entered the relevant data of his application in the
programme, the “FeederScout” determines the optimum metering feeder best suited
to the particular requirement in due consideration of both technical
appropriateness and cost-efficiency. Upon request the “FeederScout” also submits
a quotation along with its feeder proposal.

The “FeederScout” has been made possible by work of an expert team of
process engineers, technicians and computer programmers from Brabender, all of
them having been in the bulk ingredient feeding business for years. Specialist
knowledge and an extensive database keeping a record of almost 15,000 feeding
trials with thousands of bulk ingredients formed the basis of this unique
programme, which can give even the most experienced process engineers and plant
designers more certainty about their choice of feeders.

Beside the bulk ingredient parameters entered (name, feed rate, bulk
density, bulk ingredient class, etc.), the “FeederScout” takes into account a
multitude of other parameters gained by a systematic evaluation of the feeding
trials and stored in the programme, such as ingredient-specific filling ratios
of feed screws and trays, flow characteristics, special properties and
particularities often not thought of when selecting a metering feeder.

Furthermore, if several different feeder types turn out appropriate, the
“FeederScout” compares these with respect to optimum suitability of their
feeding principles (screw, twin screw, vibrating tray, etc.) as well as to best
effectivity of their respective agitation systems promoting ingredient flow
(flexible hopper with paddle agitation, stirring agitator). Based on the
results, the programme suggests the most suitable solution.