Heavy-Duty Quad Screw Feeder for Metering Copper Carbonate Koppers Performance Chemicals in Hubbell, MI
Sutton Engineering Technologies, Inc.
Alabaster, AL
East Bank Wastewater Treatment Plant (EBWWTP)
Jefferson Parish, LA
General Description
Koppers Performance Chemicals is a global leader in progressive wood preservative systems and technologies. Wood preservatives and fire retardants are key ingredients to ensure indoor and outdoor home furniture last a lifetime. Koppers uses a copper-based wood treatment technology which has solid, micronized copper particles suspended in a solution that is pressure impregnated into the wood.
The copper carbonate that Koppers receives is very difficult to convey and has proven to destroy most conveying and processing equipment. Koppers regularly replaced entire conveyor systems and needed a more permanent and heavy-duty solution that would last longer. Downtime and maintenance costs were a huge burden on production, so a solution was needed quickly.
Copper Carbonate is Stored in Negative-Sloping Wall Hopper of Quad-Screw Feeder to Eliminate Bridging
Design Parameters
- Product Type: Copper Carbonate
- Material Density: 85 Lbs. per Cubic Foot
- Capacity: 505 Cubic Feet per Hour
- Duty: 24 hours per Day, 7 Days per Week
KWS Advantages
Koppers needed a highly reputable company with experience with difficult bulk materials. Koppers contacted KWS due to our extensive knowledge and familiarity with copper carbonate. Engineers from Koppers and KWS collaborated to create a robust solution that improved production and eliminated downtime. Several site visits by KWS engineers provided insight to provide the most cost-effective and permanent solution for Koppers. The specific area of interest was the need to meter copper carbonate from a hopper to a dryer.
KWS Special Features
KWS designed and manufactured a quadruple screw feeder with hopper to span the full width of the dyer. Material bridging was eliminated with the use of negative-sloping hopper walls. Equipment construction was very heavy-duty carbon steel to withstand the abrasiveness and density of the copper carbonate. Each quad screw was designed with oversized center pipe with shrink-fit shafts to handle the high torque generated by the drive units. Split gland seals were used on each end to prevent material leakage. Each screw was drive individually to provide maximum torque and system redundancy. Heavy-duty torque arm trough ends allow the drive units to “float” to reduce stress on the drive shafts. Viewing ports and access doors were mounted in specific locations to assist in inspection and cleanout. Polyurethane coated polyester flexible chutes were provided at all inlets and discharges to account for any fit-up discrepancies.
Testimonial
"We like that the KWS equipment is robust enough to handle this nasty product. We are happy with the quad screw feeder and plan to buy all of our conveyance equipment from KWS."
Steve Jordan, Engineering and Maintenance Manager – Koppers Performance Chemicals
KWS Hopper and Quad-Screw Design Solve Storage and Metering Problems
Each Screw is Driven Independently for Maximum Torque
Screws are Designed on Over-Sized Pipe for Rigidity and Long Life
Outboard Pillow Block Bearings and Adjustable Split Gland Seals Eliminate Maintenance Issues and Downtime
