In many cases, the transfer and weighing of majors, minors, and micros to the blending step can be a manual and labor intensive process. In an effort to improve process efficiency and product quality, the complete batching process can be automated. This includes the automated transfer of the raw ingredients to the batching system, where the ingredients are prepared in the required proportions before being delivered to the mixing process.
Coperion K-Tron’s vacuum receivers and loaders are ideal for the pneumatic transfer of a wide range of bulk materials in the food and pet food industries, from free-flowing granulates to difficult powders. The P100 batch weigh receiver combines a vacuum receiver with a reliable weighing system, which accurately measures the amount of material being drawn into the weigh hopper. This technology allows multiple ingredients to be conveyed and weighed so that accurate batching of ingredients can take place – up to 8 components can be sequentially added to the batch weigher. With this type of scale weighing system, typically weigh accuracies of +/-0.5% of the full scale capacity can be achieved. Once the desired batch has been achieved, the mixer then calls for material, a butterfly valve opens and the material in the scale hopper is discharged. Batch weigh receivers are ideal for delivering higher volumes of major ingredients – such as flour, sugar, starch, etc. – to the process, when precise accuracy of the ingredient is not as critical.