Discharge of agglomerative powders from silos - assisted by rotating paddle in silo outlet cone

摘要

A device for controlled discharge of a strongly cohesive or agglomerative and not easily fluidised powder from a rigid vessel having a conical outlet consists of a rotating paddle whose shape fits that of the outlet cone and whose arms move near the walls of the cone, at least in its lower region. The paddle is connected by a power-transmitting shaft to a motor located inside the vessel and occupying only a small proportion of the cross-sectional area through which the powder flows. The device gives controlled, reliable outflow without contamination of the product and with comparatively low energy consumption.