Volumetric feeders are small, medium or large stainless steel devices equipped for metering or weighing granular materials like powder and chemical additives for food before they are manufactured for distribution. These industrial volumetric feeders are helpful if you're responsible for processing pharmaceuticals or manufacturing cosmetics. If you handle granulated plastics or ingredients for snack food, then volumetric feeders are also applicable to your business or industry.

There are three common types of volumetric feeders from which to choose, including single-screw feeders, twin-screw feeders and bulk solids pumps. Single-screw volumetric feeders process anything from baby powder to pet foods to potato chip seasonings. Feeders with twin screws handle similar materials like additives for ice cream, plus resins or materials such as liquid detergent. Bulk solids pumps should be considered for handling free-flowing items such as cereal flakes, wood pellets or even prescription pills. Determine the need and the space of your business or factory before you buy volumetric feeders. Then, before you go out to find volumetric feeders and accommodating supplies, consider the following:

1. Determine how you want to use volumetric feeders.

2. Select volumetric feeders that perform multiple uses.

3. Find volumetric feeder suppliers that offer services and support.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Define an objective for using volumetric feeders

Decide how you will use a volumetric feeder, whether you're in the business of processing food, plastics or pharmaceuticals.

I recommend: K-Tron Process Group manufactures industrial volumetric feeders that handle bulk materials ranging from powders to pet food to nonwoven products such as diapers. Tecnetics Industries designs and builds volumetric feeders for the mining, construction, chemical, plastics and food industries.

Select your inventory of volumetric feeders

Pick standard and customized industrial volumetric feeders of all types and sizes. Before you purchase volumetric feeders, think about how often you'll use them and the quantity you'll need.

I recommend: AMS Filling Systems, Inc. distributes volumetric feeders with level controls and in-flow feeding systems for adhesives, oils, inks, detergents and health foods. JVI Vibratory Equipment sells volumetric feeders with light, medium and heavy-duty components. Schenck AccuRate is also one of the leading volumetric feeder distributors.

Consult with volumetric feeder manufacturers for support or services

Seek volumetric feeder suppliers or manufacturers that offer research and development, installation and technical support. Some maufacturers will deliver customized solutions for industrial volumetric feeder needs.

I recommend: Computer Age Engineering provides testing and installation services for volumetric feeders. Applied Chemical Technology, Inc. offers designing, engineering, installation and project management services to businesses that use industrial volumetric feeders.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Belt volumetric feeders provide an alternative to the common screw or bulk feeders. The belts of these specialized devices are suited to process abrasive materials, such as glass or crushed metals, without causing machine buildup.