Recommended Hopper Design for Vibrating Feeders

Proper hopper design plays an important role in obtaining the rated capacity of a vibratory feeder. The correct transition design is also critical to controlling the material "headload" on the vibrating feeder and avoiding possible damage to the feeder.

Recommended Vibratory Feeder Hopper Configuration

The rear wall should be at a slope of approximately 60° to ensure flow of material from the rear of the hopper. The slope of the front wall should be 5° – 10° less than that of the rear wall (50° – 55°).

Vibratory Feeder Hopper Dimensions

In general, the gate height (H) should be a minimum of twice the largest particle size for material with normal size distribution. The hopper throat dimension (T) should be approximately 1/2 the gate height (H), otherwise the material flow patterns could be distorted and feed rate could be significantly reduced. In addition, it could also create an excessive “headload” of material to the hopper that could overpower the ability of the feeder to convey material and cause feeder damage.  The hopper width dimension should allow for approximately 1/2" clearance on each side.  The hopper width should also be a minimum of 2.5 times the largest particle size for random size material and five times the largest particle size for near-size particles.

Vibratory Feeder Skirting Installation

Skirts should be tapered slightly away from the bottom of the feeder deck and have 1/2" clearance from each sidewall of the feeder.

Vibratory Feeder Length

A safety factor of 6" - 12" (E) of extra length is recommended to prevent the possibility of free flow.