Screw Feeder for Indorama Ventures in Spartanburg, SC
General Description
Indorama Ventures is a global petrochemical manufacturer operating across 35 nations with more than 147 production sites. The company stands as a premier sustainable chemicals enterprise with worldwide integrated leadership in PET and fiber production, catering to key clients across diverse market sectors.
Auriga Polymers, a division of Indorama Ventures, maintains production facilities in Spartanburg, SC. The facility produces and distributes polymers as both resins and fibers across multiple industrial sectors. Their packaging resins serve the food and beverage industry, while polymer resins support industrial manufacturing of diverse products such as fiber, geo-textiles, monofilament, medical devices, and films. The company’s specialty nonwovens division offers fiber products for applications spanning hygiene products, healthcare, automotive components, insulation materials, textiles, filtration systems, and construction uses.
KWS Manufacturing emerged as the ideal solution partner, bringing comprehensive engineering expertise and a proven track record in developing high-performance bulk material handling systems designed for corrosive material applications. This system consists of a batch process where a KWS supplied screw feeder meters the Acid Powder into a hopper.
KWS Screw Feeder Meter Adipic Acid Powder
Design Parameters
- Product Type: Adipic Acid Powder
- Design Temperature: 212-Degrees F
- Material Density: 57 Lbs. per Cubic Foot
- Capacity: 77 Cubic Feet per Hour
- Duty: Intermittent
KWS Advantages
KWS engineers collaborated directly with Indorama’s personnel to guarantee the screw feeder would integrate seamlessly into the available space while maintaining proper alignment with adjacent upstream and downstream equipment. Throughout the design review phase, KWS delivered comprehensive Autodesk Inventor 3D models and 2D technical drawings to detect and address potential design conflicts or interference problems. This thorough approach resulted in trouble-free equipment installation.
KWS Special Features
The KWS screw feeder employed a stepped pitch configuration beneath the inlet for precise metering. The feeder was engineered for maximum headload and upset conditions without overloading the drive unit. The screw feeder featured an inverter-rated motor with 10:1 turndown capability, providing extensive capacity range flexibility.
Adipic Acid Powder can be corrosive, especially when exposed to moisture. KWS chose 316 stainless steel to withstand corrosion and a non-split tubular housing with purgeable shaft seals to contain the adipic acid powder and prevent moisture from contacting the material.
The KWS screw feeder was equipped with a Whirligig zero-speed switch to detect lack of speed or zero speed. The zero-speed switch warns of equipment malfunction through detection of zero speed and provides a signal that is used in upstream control panels to shut down machinery in case of a sudden jam or failure. The process may be halted to prevent damage or plugging of other conveying or processing equipment. The system’s simplicity makes it a cost-effective way to protect valuable process equipment.
KWS provided shaft guards to eliminate exposed rotating shafts. Shaft guards were installed on both drive and tail end of the screw feeder. With over 50 years’ experience in the bulk material handling industry, KWS has developed shaft guards for any application that meet the requirements of both OSHA and MSHA (Mine Safety & Health Administration).
Customer Testimonial
“The KWS equipment is running with no issues. It has been great working with KWS.”
Miguel Osornio, Process Engineer – Indorama Ventures
Stepped Pitch Under Inlet Provides Precise Metering
Zero-Speed Switch Warns of Equipment Malfunction
Shaft Guards Eliminate Access to Rotating Shafts
