Inclined Screw Feeders for Metering Animal Protein Powder Phibro Animal Health in Omaha, NE

General Description

Phibro Animal Health Corp is a company focused on optimizing animal health and nutrition. With two US facilities, Phibro provides numerous products including; antibacterials, anticoccidials, anthelmintics, vaccines, and nutritional products for the treatment of animals. As demand for healthy, affordable animal food continues to grow, Phibro helps farmers meet the highest standards of care for poultry, swine, beef and dairy cattle. Phibro products enhance nutrition to improve overall animal health and prevent disease.

The Phibro facility in Omaha, NE produces and distributes specialized mineral pre-mix nutritional products for swine and cattle throughout the U.S. Midwest. Various minor ingredients, which are received in bulk bags, are used to create a product that is ready for use. The process begins by unloading ingredients from bulk bags. Phibro collaborated with Spiroflow for bulk bag dischargers and KWS for screw feeders. KWS inclined screw feeders meter various ingredients from bulk bags to a belt conveyor and transferred to a batch mixer.

Design Parameters

1. Product Type: Animal Protein Powder
2. Material Density: 55 to 75 Lbs. per Cubic Foot
3. Conveyor System Capacity: 168 Cubic feet per Hour
4. Duty: Intermittent

KWS Advantages

KWS and Spiroflow worked together to ensure the KWS screw feeders and Spiroflow bulk bag dischargers would fit within the plant layout. KWS provided Autodesk Inventor 3D models during the review process to check for design and interference issues. Stuart Systems, a local manufacturer’s representative, represents both KWS and Spiroflow Systems and provided local support to solve any issues at the plant. The knowledge and experience provided by Stuart Systems was paramount to the overall success of the project.

Special Features

The KWS screw feeders were designed with variable pitch screws and a feeder shroud to precisely meter ingredients into the process at a controlled rate. Feeder shrouds are important for proper screw feeder operation and prevent bulk materials from flooding past the inlet.

KWS designed and provided custom integral saddle supports on the non-drive end so the screw feeders could be supported via tie rods from the bulk bag discharger frames. The supports provide structural stability as the screw feeders cantilever above the belt conveyor.

At Phibro’s request, KWS supplied a bypass discharge directly below the screw feeder inlet. The bypass discharge serves as a cleanout port when an ingredient changeover is required. The discharge is fitted with a stainless steel KWS pneumatic roller slide gate. The slide gate’s compact design allows it to fit perfectly in the limited space.