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Space constraints contributed to the design challenges of this machine.
A vibratory system might have been a first choice feeding solution for this low part rate application. However, the bottle size would have increased the footprint of the machine outside the space allotted.
The vertical design of the system created a space-saving layout and the use of the Slant Disc Feeder rather than the vibratory feeder, reduced noise in the production environment. Simple controls logic was used, and no PLC was required.
Bulk product was supplied from an elevating prefeeder into a slant disc feeder bowl on the demand of a bowl level sensor which monitored the level of the product in the system.
Stainless steel construction with FDA compliant materials
Product was carried in pockets on the outside diameter of the disc and misoriented product was rejected back into the feeder bowl.
Properly oriented product was carried out of the bowl and into a gravity track into a star wheel mechanism which transferred the product to the customer’ s assembly equipment.
Product oriented for the customer’s receiving equipment.
Specifications
- Feed Rate: 5 parts per minute (With capability to feed 60 ppm.)
- Input voltage: 208V, 60 Hz.
- Slant disc feeder bowl:
- 18″ basic diameter.
- Clockwise rotation.
- Teflon coated floors and walls
- Gravity tracking for oriented product
- Star wheel release mechanism:
- 4 pocket star wheel which transferred product from the gravity track to the down stream equipment
- All product contact surfaces are Stainless Steel or FDA compliant materials.
- Bulk supply hopper:
- 3 cu. ft. floor mounted vertical elevator.
- Stainless Steel and FDA compliant materials of construction.
- Controls: Delta Electronics VFD’s and Keyence photo sensors
- Mounting surface: Steel table with heavy duty frame and leveling screws.
- Sensors and valves provided:
- Photoelectric sensors on the bowl to monitor the level of product in the system
- High Level photoelectric sensor on gravity track to turn the slant disc on and off
- Low Level photoelectric sensor on gravity track to turn the star wheel on and off
- Solenoid valve package with regulator and flow controls for air jets.