Rotary feeders, also referred to as centrifugal feeders, utilize rotary force in order to orient and sort parts before feeding them to the next stage in automated processes. As a component of bulk and specialty material handling processes, rotary feeders are often utilized in industries such as agriculture, industrial, automotive, cosmetics, mining, food and chemical processing.
Ideal for air pollution control applications, rotary feeders provide quiet, subtle processes to separate materials in order to feed a wide variety of parts without the use of tracks or vibration. Typically constructed from cast iron, carbon steel or stainless steel, rotary feeders are often used for dry free-flowing powders. Offering high feed rates, rotary feeders are ideal for thick parts are not inclined to tangle when pulled to the outside of the bowl at high speed. Offering efficient separation of both large and small parts, rotary feeders tend to mar parts less than any other feeder type and offer an ergonomic solution to monotonous and physically strenuous sorting tasks.
Primarily used to discharge production materials from hoppers and bins, cyclones and receivers, rotary feeders are constructed from components including a rotor shaft, housing, head plates, and packing seals and bearings. The rotors typically have large vanes that are cast or welded on and are often driven by either small internal combustion engines or electric motors. The parts are simultaneously stabilized as they accumulate on the outer edge in order to start orientation. After orientation, the parts exit the bowl and are conveyed to the next stage in the process. However, parts that are damaged or misaligned in any way will not be conveyed forward, but will be returned back to the feeder bowl to either be recirculated or discharged. Specialized custom tooling is often available in order to better suit certain types of parts and well as to achieve a desired rate of speed. For example, one special type of rotary feeder, referred to as a rotary airlock feeder, is best suited for pneumatic conveying systems and dust control equipment.
