Troubleshooting Your Volumetric Screw Feeder

Your feeder is part of a larger aggregate network responsible for transforming large materials into smaller materials. The feeder acts as a go-between for the hopper and the crusher. Many types of feeders are in use throughout the construction industry, but one of the most common is a volumetric screw feeder.

This type of feeder regulates material flow by feeding a certain volume of materials from the hopper to the crusher. When a volumetric screw feeder malfunctions, you run the risk of damaging both your hopper and crusher.

Most feeder problems can be traced back to a few basic components. The ability to troubleshoot your volumetric screw feeder will help you avoid costly repair bills and keep material flowing efficiently through your aggregate equipment network.

Faulty Screw Speed Control Sensor

The screw speed in a volumetric screw feeder can be adjusted to achieve optimal feeder parameters. If your feeder malfunctions, the sensor that controls the screw speed is a great place to look for problems.

A faulty sensor can't measure screw speed accurately. This leaves you unable to regulate the flow of materials through the feeder.

Problems with the screw speed control sensor will cause fluctuations in material output. As soon as you begin to notice these output fluctuations, you should contact an experienced technician to replace the sensor right away.

The faster you are able to restore the right screw speed, the less likely it is that a faulty screw speed sensor will lead to serious damage to your hopper or crusher.

Material Buildup

Material buildup can be an issue when operating a volumetric screw feeder. Aggregate materials can begin to build up on the surface of the feeder's screw, inside the discharge tube, and within the hopper when a feeder is in use.

Material buildup can cause a significant change in the volume of material being discharged by the hopper with each revolution of the volumetric screw. Unlike a faulty sensor that causes fluctuating outputs, material buildup will steadily reduce output volume over time.

Cleaning the hopper and feeder system can temporarily eliminate material buildup. If you find that you are constantly dealing with material buildup on your feeder components, you may need a more permanent solution.

An experienced technician can install an agitator that will help keep materials within the aggregate network moving freely. Coating internal surfaces inside the feeder to help prevent material buildup can also provide long-term benefits.

Improper Screw Assembly

The basic screw design for volumetric screw feeders can vary. If your feeder isn't working efficiently, the design of the screw assembly could be to blame. You must ensure that the screw assembly in use is designed to accommodate the materials that you are processing through your aggregate network.

Materials that are too large or too small for the screw assembly can wreak havoc on the performance of your feeder. The screw assembly on your feeder can be customized to meet your unique needs.

An experienced technician can help you identify the screw size, design, and geometry that is best suited for your specific application.

By customizing your screw assembly based on the materials you process, you can prevent feeder issues from plaguing the efficiency and productivity of your aggregate network in the future.

Any company that relies on a volumetric screw feeder to help move aggregate materials must be equipped to troubleshoot these machines.

Most malfunctions are caused by a faulty speed control sensor, material buildup within the feeder, or an improper screw assembly. Experienced technicians can easily get your feeder back up and running with minimal downtime.

Contact 3-B Welding LLC for help troubleshooting or repairing your volumetric screw feeder.