Bidirectional Screw Feeder for Metering Aggregate

General Description

Fisher Wavy is a leading producer and supplier of aggregates, ready-mix concrete, asphalt, and construction materials in Northern Ontario. At the Garson, ON facility, Fisher Wavy needed a reliable system to receive aggregate material from a mixer and accurately transfer it in separate directions to two bulk bagging systems at the same time.

The aggregate discharges from the mixer into a 60 cubic foot hopper fabricated by KWS. An extremely robust bidirectional screw feeder then meters material in two directions to fill bulk bags positioned on an automated pallet loader, providing controlled and efficient handling of dense aggregate material.

Hopper with Bidirectional Screw Feeder Meters Heavy Aggregate in Two Directions

Design Parameters

Product Type: Aggregate
Material Density: 125 Lbs. per Cubic Foot
Conveyor System Capacity: 640 Cubic feet per Hour Each Direction
Duty: Intermittent

KWS Advantages

KWS designed the hopper and bidirectional screw feeder to meter heavy aggregate material from a central receiving point to bulk bag loading positions in two directions. Because the screw feeder utilizes two screws instead of reversing a single screw, the need for an isolation valve between the hopper discharge and screw feeder inlet was eliminated. The bidirectional design allowed Fisher Wavy to maximize production flexibility and efficiently fill bulk bags from one compact system.

KWS Special Features

The screw feeder was constructed for severe-duty service in an abrasive aggregate application. AR400 screw flights were provided to resist wear from the continuous movement of dense aggregate through the feeder. The trough was also equipped with an AR400 liner to protect the base metal from abrasion and extend equipment life. The combination of abrasion resistant screw flights and trough liner reduced maintenance requirements and improved long-term reliability.

KWS also supplied structural supports for the hopper and screw feeder to provide a stable foundation while maintaining alignment. Air purge CinchSeal mechanical seals were provided to help prevent abrasive aggregate dust from migrating through the shaft openings. The air purge creates a positive barrier at the seal area, protecting bearings while helping maintain a cleaner operating environment.