9/8/2014 Bulk Handling Global - FAQs

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BULK HANDLING GLOBAL - STORAGE AND FLOW OF SOLIDS
SOLUTIONS
Q. Why do I need to have the product tested for its handling characteristics?
A. There are very important reasons:-
1. Determining the flow and handling characteristics of the product. The measured characteristics are important in evaluating
silo design and establishing the process / plant design requirements. Without measuring the bulk solids flow properties, one
can only design equipment and silos based on assumptions. This often leads to having undergo major equipment
modifications and long commissioning times; de-rate the plant, or worst case having the plant mothballed. The result of not
understanding the material flow characteristics, and not interfacing bulk solids test results with silo, hopper, process and
equipment design, will lead to major consequences in plant performance and reliability.
2. Shear values. Most process equipment, handling equipment, feeders and dischargers shear the product. Once shear
values are known, accurate design can be carried out. By knowing measured shear values, you can easily avoid having to
upgrade equipment drives and components, electrical cabling and motor contactors.
3. Measures cohesion of the product. This is important for equipment design, and how the product will behave. As a result of
not going through the simple process of having cohesion measured, not only have some process plants experienced major
equipment modifications, but plant reliability is jeopardized and some plants have been mothballed as a result.
4. Defines major principal stress, unconfined compressive stress and flow function of the product. These values are used in
silo design, predicting loads at the silo outlet and estimating flow properties. So you can ensure that material will easily and
reliably discharge properly from the storage silo or hopper.
5. For quality assurance purposes.
If your company operates to ISO 9001, you need an alternative source to measure and check measurements and
results of bulk solids flow testing. If you are a project leader, rather than having your team engineers and design
drafters make assumptions on plant process and equipment design, they will have the knowledge to apply proper
design effectively.
Purchasers of bulk solids for processing plant, check the quality of the product as plant reliability depends on the
quality of the product. Ensure that the product meets specification by specifying a flowability index. Why should your
production plant loose efficiency because of poor quality product from a supplier?
Q. Our reputable equipment vendor states in their literature, that the flow properties of the product are
important in the design of their equipment. Why is this so, and whos responsibility is it to supply the product
properties?
A. In just about all instances for feeder, discharger and conveyor design, with the exception of belt conveyors and
bucket type conveyors/elevators that carry material, feeding or conveying requires shear of the bulk solids or powder.
As all products vary in characteristics the shear values must be known to determine energy requirements. For all
equipment, the cohesive properties have a great impact on selection of suitable equipment type, sizing of equipment,
as well as the use of materials of construction.
It is recommended that the party issuing the enquiry for the equipment supply the bulk solids and powder flow
properties testing information.
Your reputable equipment vendor can apply the values obtained in the shear test results in their equipment design,
thereby, eliminating any need to use theoretical values or guess the values for material properties and characteristics
and equipment selection, and verify their design of equipment.
It is not possible to guess how a product will behave under various consolidation pressures.
Q. Can bulk solids and powder flow properties testing be done on site?
A. Yes The Peschl Rotational Shear tester is easily transported to site. On site shear testing provides results which
are true to use. Some materials loose their characteristics between the time they are collected and tested in the
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9/8/2014 Bulk Handling Global - FAQs
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laboratory. So, in most cases, it is important to test the material at the supply source.
On site bulk solids flow testing also can assist in expediting commissioning as well as trouble shooting investigations.
Q. What is the difference between axial testers and the Peschl Rotational Shear tester?
A. Axial shear testers are limited in movement, and measure only one pass of the product. As translation movement
of the axial - single pass shear testers is limited to a few millimeters, for some products, this short movement only
shears the product within its elastic range, and well below the point of plastic deformation i.e., it never reaches the
point of plastic deformation. The Peschl Rotational Shear tester continually shears the product sample, until the
maximum shear of the product is measured at its plastic range.
This is reflected in the development of the Mohrs circle major principal stress (which has a major impact on silo,
hopper and equipment design). Some products achieve maximum shear quickly, and others take longer it really
depends on the characteristics of the product.
Also, due to linear movement of the circular shear cells, the function of pressure applied to the sample varies due to
uneven displacement of sample particles during the linear movement. These issues place limitations on an axial
shear testers ability to measure the true shear stress as function of pressure.
So you can easily see, as shown in the product shear profile results, that the Peschl Rotational Shear tester easily
identifies maximum shear values by using the continual rotational shear process. This eliminates the risk of non-
accurate measurement.
Q. What is important about measuring peak and dynamic yield as shown on the shear profile graphs? There doesnt
appear to be too much difference.
A. There are major issues. Whilst the peaks as measured for initial/static shear appear relatively small and
insignificant, they have a major influence on the development of the Mohrs circle and the values for cohesion and
flow function of the product. This is also reflected in the outcomes in silo design. The Peschl shear test results include
the shear profile graphics. This ensures your equipment and plant is designed properly. Always ask for your shear
profile when having bulk solids flow characteristics carried out which will ensure maximum shear of the product is
achieved.
The outcome of not measuring the maximum peak shear results in incorrect calculation of silo arching dimensions,
ratholing of product, additional feeder loads and poor plant reliability.
Q. We handle large lumps on site. Is it possible to carry out shear testing?
Shear testing is carried out on fines. Fines dominate the handling characteristics of the product, and have a more
adverse effect on equipment than large lumps. By testing the fines, it also provides safe design. Common methods of
side discharge of feeders and improper silo design tend to segregate the product, and concentrate the fines towards
the centre.
Q. How long does it take to do a shear test?
A. Depending on the type of product, a single shear test can take approximately 1 hour to carry out, including pre-
consolidation. Ideally, at least 3 to 4 shear tests are required to form a family of yield loci, to properly evaluate
material characteristics. Some products, especially if they are elastic, can take 1.5 to 2 hours to reach plastic shear.
Q. Can you carry out wall friction tests?
A. Most easily and accurately. It is a separate test to the shear test, and a wall sample is carried out by shearing the
product on a wall sample.
Q. Can Bulk Handling Global provide audits of my equipment suppliers design?
A. Absolutely. In fact most of Bulk Handling Globals repeat clients specifically request that we do carry out design
audits. Typically, we review the design process requirements, including silos, hoppers, feeders, conveying equipment
and process design requirements. As we take a totally unbiased approach, we easily interact with specialist
equipment suppliers as well.
9/8/2014 Bulk Handling Global - FAQs
http://bulksolidsflow.com.au/faq 3/10
BULK HANDLING GLOBAL - STORAGE AND FLOW OF SOLIDS
SOLUTIONS
Q. Why do I need to have the product tested for its handling characteristics?
A. There are very important reasons:-
1. Determining the flow and handling characteristics of the product. The measured characteristics are important in evaluating
silo design and establishing the process / plant design requirements. Without measuring the bulk solids flow properties, one
can only design equipment and silos based on assumptions. This often leads to having undergo major equipment
modifications and long commissioning times; de-rate the plant, or worst case having the plant mothballed. The result of not
understanding the material flow characteristics, and not interfacing bulk solids test results with silo, hopper, process and
equipment design, will lead to major consequences in plant performance and reliability.
2. Shear values. Most process equipment, handling equipment, feeders and dischargers shear the product. Once shear
values are known, accurate design can be carried out. By knowing measured shear values, you can easily avoid having to
upgrade equipment drives and components, electrical cabling and motor contactors.
3. Measures cohesion of the product. This is important for equipment design, and how the product will behave. As a result of
not going through the simple process of having cohesion measured, not only have some process plants experienced major
equipment modifications, but plant reliability is jeopardized and some plants have been mothballed as a result.
4. Defines major principal stress, unconfined compressive stress and flow function of the product. These values are used in
silo design, predicting loads at the silo outlet and estimating flow properties. So you can ensure that material will easily and
reliably discharge properly from the storage silo or hopper.
5. For quality assurance purposes.
If your company operates to ISO 9001, you need an alternative source to measure and check measurements and
results of bulk solids flow testing. If you are a project leader, rather than having your team engineers and design
drafters make assumptions on plant process and equipment design, they will have the knowledge to apply proper
design effectively.
Purchasers of bulk solids for processing plant, check the quality of the product as plant reliability depends on the
quality of the product. Ensure that the product meets specification by specifying a flowability index. Why should your
production plant loose efficiency because of poor quality product from a supplier?
Q. Our reputable equipment vendor states in their literature, that the flow properties of the product are
important in the design of their equipment. Why is this so, and whos responsibility is it to supply the product
properties?
A. In just about all instances for feeder, discharger and conveyor design, with the exception of belt conveyors and
bucket type conveyors/elevators that carry material, feeding or conveying requires shear of the bulk solids or powder.
As all products vary in characteristics the shear values must be known to determine energy requirements. For all
equipment, the cohesive properties have a great impact on selection of suitable equipment type, sizing of equipment,
as well as the use of materials of construction.
It is recommended that the party issuing the enquiry for the equipment supply the bulk solids and powder flow
properties testing information.
Your reputable equipment vendor can apply the values obtained in the shear test results in their equipment design,
thereby, eliminating any need to use theoretical values or guess the values for material properties and characteristics
and equipment selection, and verify their design of equipment.
It is not possible to guess how a product will behave under various consolidation pressures.
Q. Can bulk solids and powder flow properties testing be done on site?
A. Yes The Peschl Rotational Shear tester is easily transported to site. On site shear testing provides results which
are true to use. Some materials loose their characteristics between the time they are collected and tested in the
laboratory. So, in most cases, it is important to test the material at the supply source.
9/8/2014 Bulk Handling Global - FAQs
http://bulksolidsflow.com.au/faq 4/10
On site bulk solids flow testing also can assist in expediting commissioning as well as trouble shooting investigations.
Q. What is the difference between axial testers and the Peschl Rotational Shear tester?
A. Axial shear testers are limited in movement, and measure only one pass of the product. As translation movement
of the axial - single pass shear testers is limited to a few millimeters, for some products, this short movement only
shears the product within its elastic range, and well below the point of plastic deformation i.e., it never reaches the
point of plastic deformation. The Peschl Rotational Shear tester continually shears the product sample, until the
maximum shear of the product is measured at its plastic range.
This is reflected in the development of the Mohrs circle major principal stress (which has a major impact on silo,
hopper and equipment design). Some products achieve maximum shear quickly, and others take longer it really
depends on the characteristics of the product.
Also, due to linear movement of the circular shear cells, the function of pressure applied to the sample varies due to
uneven displacement of sample particles during the linear movement. These issues place limitations on an axial
shear testers ability to measure the true shear stress as function of pressure.
So you can easily see, as shown in the product shear profile results, that the Peschl Rotational Shear tester easily
identifies maximum shear values by using the continual rotational shear process. This eliminates the risk of non-
accurate measurement.
Q. What is important about measuring peak and dynamic yield as shown on the shear profile graphs? There doesnt
appear to be too much difference.
A. There are major issues. Whilst the peaks as measured for initial/static shear appear relatively small and
insignificant, they have a major influence on the development of the Mohrs circle and the values for cohesion and
flow function of the product. This is also reflected in the outcomes in silo design. The Peschl shear test results include
the shear profile graphics. This ensures your equipment and plant is designed properly. Always ask for your shear
profile when having bulk solids flow characteristics carried out which will ensure maximum shear of the product is
achieved.
The outcome of not measuring the maximum peak shear results in incorrect calculation of silo arching dimensions,
ratholing of product, additional feeder loads and poor plant reliability.
Q. We handle large lumps on site. Is it possible to carry out shear testing?
Shear testing is carried out on fines. Fines dominate the handling characteristics of the product, and have a more
adverse effect on equipment than large lumps. By testing the fines, it also provides safe design. Common methods of
side discharge of feeders and improper silo design tend to segregate the product, and concentrate the fines towards
the centre.
Q. How long does it take to do a shear test?
A. Depending on the type of product, a single shear test can take approximately 1 hour to carry out, including pre-
consolidation. Ideally, at least 3 to 4 shear tests are required to form a family of yield loci, to properly evaluate
material characteristics. Some products, especially if they are elastic, can take 1.5 to 2 hours to reach plastic shear.
Q. Can you carry out wall friction tests?
A. Most easily and accurately. It is a separate test to the shear test, and a wall sample is carried out by shearing the
product on a wall sample.
Q. Can Bulk Handling Global provide audits of my equipment suppliers design?
A. Absolutely. In fact most of Bulk Handling Globals repeat clients specifically request that we do carry out design
audits. Typically, we review the design process requirements, including silos, hoppers, feeders, conveying equipment
and process design requirements. As we take a totally unbiased approach, we easily interact with specialist
equipment suppliers as well.
FAQ - SILO AND HOPPER
9/8/2014 Bulk Handling Global - FAQs
http://bulksolidsflow.com.au/faq 5/10
Q. We are about to change the product being stored in our silos. Will the design of the silo be suitable for the
new product?
A. The new product will need to be tested for its characteristics, and the silo will be subject to different load conditions
for structural requirement as well as geometry for flow requirements and needs to be reviewed. The wall friction will
also need to be tested to ascertain suitability of the existing hopper angles. The new product will most certainly have
different characteristics, and may not be able to be stored under the same head height of material.
Q. We are about to manufacture a hopper, and have not had the product tested for flow characteristics. Is it
possible to use hopper wall angles that are slightly steeper than the angle of repose?
A. The angle of repose is mostly useful only for the calculation of volume/capacity in silos and hoppers. The hopper
wall angles need to ensure mass flow of product. Wall friction needs to be checked for the various consolidation
pressures. The product has an angle of internal friction plays an important role.
Q. We are having flow problems in our silo, and want to line the hopper with a low friction material. Is this a
good idea?
A. Depending on the product, the installation of low friction liners is a quick fix to minimise the effects of adhesion of
the product to the hopper walls. In general, and depending on the feeder or discharger type in use, the installation of
liners will assist
The reduction of wall friction (and maintaining the same hopper wall angle), will increase the consolidation pressure,
which in turn will result in higher feeder or discharger loading.
Q. We have a silo that has reliable flow during our production periods, however, upon start up after the
weekend, we find it difficult to get the material to flow. What is causing the problem?
A. There are a number of reasons for this, and mostly product related. The probable main cause is that there is
consolidation of the product. Depending on the nature of the bulk solid or powder, air that is entrapped within the
product escapes, and the product increases its mechanical strength, and supports the load in the silo. If the product is
hygroscopic, it will absorb moisture from atmosphere, making it more cohesive. Some products also form a
mechanical bond due to chemical reaction, and will become solid, taking the shape of the silo or hopper.
It is also important that the system be cleared of product. Depending on the discharger type, if there is adhesion of
the product to the feeder or discharger, a funnel flow condition may occur, and cause problems.
Q.We have a silo design that has a 1200mm diameter opening to suit mass flow conditions. Our feeder
vendor has specified a 300 wide feeder as a suitable design for the required discharge rates. We used a
transition to match the silo to the feeder. We are finding that a flow channel is forming and experiencing poor
discharge.
A. No doubt that the silo is of suitable design, and your reputable vendor has designed the feeder of good design to
feed at the required discharge rate. However, the flow problems experienced are due to the throttling down of the silo
to the feeder, effectively reducing the opening area well below the critical arching dimensions. Basically the silo and
feeder selection has not been properly interfaced.
The use of flow promotion devices such as external vibration or high pressure air blasting to break the bridges (if
placed in the appropriate positions) may assist in promoting flow. However, it leads to operator safety issues and
potential structural damage to the silo.
The resolution to this problem is a rework of the feeder system.
Q. We have a ladder on the inside of the silo wall for access purposes. Does the ladder affect product flow?
A. The inside of the silo must be kept clear of obstructions, and must not contain any ledges (including level sensing
instrumentation). The ladder will cause build up of product over time, and eventually, will result in loss of silo capacity,
and ratholing of product. This leads to safety issues for operators, having to clear blockages and potential mechanical
failure of the silo due to uneven loading or unfavourable flow patterns.
Q. We have supplied standard silo and feeder arrangements in the past all to the same dimensions, capacity
and the same discharge rates. On the last job, we increased the silo height by a few metres to get a more
storage capacity out the system. We are now finding that we are having flow problems.
9/8/2014 Bulk Handling Global - FAQs
http://bulksolidsflow.com.au/faq 6/10
A. This is understandable. Once again, it is related to the product properties. When designing silos, the silo to product
pressure relations must be considered. Simply by exceeding these relationships, bridging and ratholing can occur.
Q. Is bin venting important?
A. Bin venting is very important. Pressure venting needs to be sized for sufficient capacity to suit the volumetric
inloading rates, and design pressures of any inloading system, as well as a safety margin.
It is also important to consider vacuum relief. If the silo is subject to poor product flow, ratholing or bridge collapse is
experienced, the product within the silo or bin will collapse at an extremely high rate which is subjected to by gravity.
A relative small drop down of product can generate a large amount of vacuum generated under these conditions can
be extremely high, and require large opening areas.
Where there are multiple silos linked via an enclosed conveyor system, or an upper gallery, the transfer of positive or
negative pressures is possible to other silos, unless there is an effective seal system in place.
If there is explosion risk due to dust or chemical reaction of the product, then explosion venting and suppression
systems are required. Explosion venting must be directed to a safe area away from operators and any areas that may
increase risk of additional explosion propagation.
Q. What sort of maintenance is required on a silo or hopper?
A. Silos require periodic inspections for wear, and any structural fatigue of the silo and support steelwork. If the silo
has surface treatment, either external or internally, the condition of the surface treatment needs to be inspected as
well to prevent premature failure due to corrosion.
The condition of any liners or friction reduction surface must be checked for uneven wear or missing components.
Uneven flow down of product can cause flow reliability issues and undue structural loading.
Should there be any build up of product on silo walls, the build up needs to be removed.
Check for any ingress of moisture in silos that are located outside. Any manhole covers must be closed at all times. If
the silo has insulation and cladding, deterioration of insulation, or dislodgement of poorly fitted insulation during
transport or installation may cause localised condensation and affect the product.
All dust filters, vents and relief valves need to be checked for correct operation. Any pneumatic truck loading transfer
lines must clear of product at all times.
Any systems in place such as fluidisation or conditioning air need to be checked for correct operation and even
pressures are maintained.
FAQ - SILO AND HOPPER
Q. We are about to change the product being stored in our silos. Will the design of the silo be suitable for the
new product?
A. The new product will need to be tested for its characteristics, and the silo will be subject to different load conditions
for structural requirement as well as geometry for flow requirements and needs to be reviewed. The wall friction will
also need to be tested to ascertain suitability of the existing hopper angles. The new product will most certainly have
different characteristics, and may not be able to be stored under the same head height of material.
Q. We are about to manufacture a hopper, and have not had the product tested for flow characteristics. Is it
possible to use hopper wall angles that are slightly steeper than the angle of repose?
A. The angle of repose is mostly useful only for the calculation of volume/capacity in silos and hoppers. The hopper
wall angles need to ensure mass flow of product. Wall friction needs to be checked for the various consolidation
pressures. The product has an angle of internal friction plays an important role.
Q. We are having flow problems in our silo, and want to line the hopper with a low friction material. Is this a
good idea?
9/8/2014 Bulk Handling Global - FAQs
http://bulksolidsflow.com.au/faq 7/10
A. Depending on the product, the installation of low friction liners is a quick fix to minimise the effects of adhesion of
the product to the hopper walls. In general, and depending on the feeder or discharger type in use, the installation of
liners will assist
The reduction of wall friction (and maintaining the same hopper wall angle), will increase the consolidation pressure,
which in turn will result in higher feeder or discharger loading.
Q. We have a silo that has reliable flow during our production periods, however, upon start up after the
weekend, we find it difficult to get the material to flow. What is causing the problem?
A. There are a number of reasons for this, and mostly product related. The probable main cause is that there is
consolidation of the product. Depending on the nature of the bulk solid or powder, air that is entrapped within the
product escapes, and the product increases its mechanical strength, and supports the load in the silo. If the product is
hygroscopic, it will absorb moisture from atmosphere, making it more cohesive. Some products also form a
mechanical bond due to chemical reaction, and will become solid, taking the shape of the silo or hopper.
It is also important that the system be cleared of product. Depending on the discharger type, if there is adhesion of
the product to the feeder or discharger, a funnel flow condition may occur, and cause problems.
Q.We have a silo design that has a 1200mm diameter opening to suit mass flow conditions. Our feeder
vendor has specified a 300 wide feeder as a suitable design for the required discharge rates. We used a
transition to match the silo to the feeder. We are finding that a flow channel is forming and experiencing poor
discharge.
A. No doubt that the silo is of suitable design, and your reputable vendor has designed the feeder of good design to
feed at the required discharge rate. However, the flow problems experienced are due to the throttling down of the silo
to the feeder, effectively reducing the opening area well below the critical arching dimensions. Basically the silo and
feeder selection has not been properly interfaced.
The use of flow promotion devices such as external vibration or high pressure air blasting to break the bridges (if
placed in the appropriate positions) may assist in promoting flow. However, it leads to operator safety issues and
potential structural damage to the silo.
The resolution to this problem is a rework of the feeder system.
Q. We have a ladder on the inside of the silo wall for access purposes. Does the ladder affect product flow?
A. The inside of the silo must be kept clear of obstructions, and must not contain any ledges (including level sensing
instrumentation). The ladder will cause build up of product over time, and eventually, will result in loss of silo capacity,
and ratholing of product. This leads to safety issues for operators, having to clear blockages and potential mechanical
failure of the silo due to uneven loading or unfavourable flow patterns.
Q. We have supplied standard silo and feeder arrangements in the past all to the same dimensions, capacity
and the same discharge rates. On the last job, we increased the silo height by a few metres to get a more
storage capacity out the system. We are now finding that we are having flow problems.
A. This is understandable. Once again, it is related to the product properties. When designing silos, the silo to product
pressure relations must be considered. Simply by exceeding these relationships, bridging and ratholing can occur.
Q. Is bin venting important?
A. Bin venting is very important. Pressure venting needs to be sized for sufficient capacity to suit the volumetric
inloading rates, and design pressures of any inloading system, as well as a safety margin.
It is also important to consider vacuum relief. If the silo is subject to poor product flow, ratholing or bridge collapse is
experienced, the product within the silo or bin will collapse at an extremely high rate which is subjected to by gravity.
A relative small drop down of product can generate a large amount of vacuum generated under these conditions can
be extremely high, and require large opening areas.
Where there are multiple silos linked via an enclosed conveyor system, or an upper gallery, the transfer of positive or
negative pressures is possible to other silos, unless there is an effective seal system in place.
If there is explosion risk due to dust or chemical reaction of the product, then explosion venting and suppression
9/8/2014 Bulk Handling Global - FAQs
http://bulksolidsflow.com.au/faq 8/10
systems are required. Explosion venting must be directed to a safe area away from operators and any areas that may
increase risk of additional explosion propagation.
Q. What sort of maintenance is required on a silo or hopper?
A. Silos require periodic inspections for wear, and any structural fatigue of the silo and support steelwork. If the silo
has surface treatment, either external or internally, the condition of the surface treatment needs to be inspected as
well to prevent premature failure due to corrosion.
The condition of any liners or friction reduction surface must be checked for uneven wear or missing components.
Uneven flow down of product can cause flow reliability issues and undue structural loading.
Should there be any build up of product on silo walls, the build up needs to be removed.
Check for any ingress of moisture in silos that are located outside. Any manhole covers must be closed at all times. If
the silo has insulation and cladding, deterioration of insulation, or dislodgement of poorly fitted insulation during
transport or installation may cause localised condensation and affect the product.
All dust filters, vents and relief valves need to be checked for correct operation. Any pneumatic truck loading transfer
lines must clear of product at all times.
Any systems in place such as fluidisation or conditioning air need to be checked for correct operation and even
pressures are maintained.
FAQ - SILETTA DISCHARGER FOR DIFFICULT TO MANAGE
PRODUCTS.
Q. We have a difficult to handle product to discharge. What makes Bulk Handling Global different to the
others?
A. We do not catalogue engineer, or select equipment based on a nominal percentage of the silo size. We do not
believe in applying brute force (large motor sizes) to overcome problems. Nor do we believe in offering a discharger
for the sake of it, and simply de-rating the equipment if there are problems.
Bulk Handling Global and our international associated companies are highly trained technical engineers.
What makes us different is that:-
We are the only privately run company that carries out bulk solids flow testing, on or off site, using modern and
sensitive Peschl Rotational Shear testing equipment. We have 40 years of experience in shear tester design, and
bulk solids and powder characterisation.
We apply these results to the design of the Siletta Dischargers, as well as unbiased design audits for clients. It is the
only way you can design effectively.
We carry out silo, hopper and storage facility design in house, using the results from the bulk solids flow testing.
We interface the bulk solids test results and characteristics, silo storage facility design and process requirements into
the design of the Siletta Discharger.
We are technology providers.
We are problem solvers.
The Siletta Discharger is used for the discharge of cohesive, fibrous and flushing type bulk solids and powders, and is
proven to do so for the last 30 years.
The Siletta Discharger solves problems in the discharge of difficult to handle products; and it solves flow problems
from silos and hoppers, which most plants are traditionally happy to pour MONEY into, to overcome their shortfalls.
Q. Is the Siletta Discharger a Bin Activator?
9/8/2014 Bulk Handling Global - FAQs
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A. No. Unlike traditional Bin Activators, the Siletta Discharger controls the product flow from 0 to 100% accurately,
and is designed to promote even product flow without causing compaction of the product. This means that it
eliminates the need for a feeder downstream (which saves costs), and avoids the flow problems normally associated
with the interface between silo, hopper and transfer equipment
As well, the Siletta Discharger can be used for blending and proportioning. We will address this point further.
Q. How does the Siletta Discharger work?
A. It works extremely well. Most people ask us to demonstrate the Siletta Discharger on their most difficult to handle
product, and are surprised to see the way it controls the product even down to a trickle feed, it shuts off and starts up
instantaneously.
Basically the Siletta Discharger operates in the lower region of the hopper or silo at the product arching dimension. It
then expands the material down stream, without causing any compaction of product. It does not impose any side
loading into the product which causes compaction. It effectively uses gravity, and does not rely on friction to control
the feed.
Q. Why is a gravity feed a preferred method?
A. Gravity is reliable, constant, and always works downwards. The Siletta Discharger harnesses the effects of gravity,
and dischargers vertically downwards. This way we completely avoid compaction of the product, and can easily
handle cohesive products. The video on the Bulk Handling Global website provides a demonstration of how well the
Siletta Discharger works.
Also, we carry out design on the silo, and checks on the arching and pressure properties of the product, to ensure the
Silo and Siletta Discharger are interfaced properly.
Q. How well does the Siletta Discharger handle abrasive products?
A. 200mm lumps of Iron ore, coal or diamond powder is no problem. Unlike traditional feeders or dischargers, the
Siletta does not use friction or pressure to control the discharge rate. As there is no reliance on friction and pressure,
wear is completely minimised. Also, there are no major mechanical components in the Siletta Discharger. Internal
components can be supplied with replaceable wear resistant faces, or ceramic coated. There are also other more
simple cost effective solutions we can provide.
Q. What is the maximum particle size Siletta Discharger can handle?
A. 200mm lump size. In fact, the very first Siletta Discharger manufactured over 30 years ago was designed for
200mm lumps of coal.
Q. We have a very fine product that is known to flush easily. Can you help?
A. No problem, the Siletta Dischargers is designed to handle products that easily flush, at very high temperatures. We
also carry out bulk solids shear testing to ensure that the silo and hopper interface are properly designed, and
eliminate the flushing problems.
Q. Can we retro-fit the Siletta Discharger to our existing plant?
A. The Siletta Discharger can easily be retrofitted to your existing plant. In fact, we will be able to eliminate the need
for any down stream feeders and reduce power requirements.
Q. What is the maximum size available?
A. The Siletta Discharger is suitable for silo or hopper openings of up to 5.0m, round, square and rectangular
configurations. The Siletta discharger is available in standard sizes, and in most instances, are supplied to suit
existing silos and hoppers.
Q. Is the Siletta Discharger dust free and easily accessible?
A. The Siletta Discharger is dust free as it is fully enclosed. Not only is the Siletta Discharger manufactured for heavy
industry, it is also manufactured in food and pharmaceutical grade with easy removal for cleaning purposes.
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Q.Can the Siletta Discharger be used for blending we have several products which we require to accurately
blend?
A. No Problem. The Siletta Discharger accurately controls product flow. The Siletta Discharger can be tuned to alter
the flow regimes from the hopper or silo, and accurately blend or proportion even several products to a very high
accuracy. Mixing can be done in continuous or batch modes.
You can easily reduce your plant power requirements, and there is no need for high shear and high powered mixers
or blenders, which can be expensive to maintain, particularly if you have an abrasive product.
Q. We have a large silo, and we need to accurately weigh various batch sizes with very high repeatability and
high weigh accuracy. Can the Siletta Discharger do this?
A. Easy. By using loss in weight process control, the Siletta Discharger has achieved accuracies well below 0.5%.
The Siletta Discharger automatically conditions the product bulk density to a constant as it does not compress or rely
on friction to discharge. Shut off is instantaneous, and start up is immediate. The Siletta can trickle feed to a point
where you just about get one particle discharging out at a time refer to the video in the website.
The Siletta Discharger can be supplied to suit batch or continuous weighing requirements