Fill System and Method Using Storage Container with Rotary Sifter Plate for Adhesive Solids

摘要

A fill system retains and transfers adhesive solids of different types and compositions to adhesive melter(s). The fill system includes a storage container for holding a bulk supply of adhesive solids and a separating element such as a sifter plate for moving relative to one of the surfaces of the bulk supply. A drive rotates or otherwise moves the sifter plate against the surface of the bulk supply to separate a flow of fluidized adhesive solids from the bulk supply and then controllably deliver this flow to one or more pumps feeding the melter(s). When the drive stops rotating the sifter plate, the flow of fluidized adhesive solids is stopped from moving out of the storage container. Thus, the fill system provides adhesive solids on demand to pumps and reduces the risk of pumps being starved for air or clogged with coalesced masses of adhesive.

主权项

1. A fill system configured to retain and transfer adhesive solids to an adhesive melter, the fill system comprising:
a storage container for containing a bulk supply of adhesive solids; a separating element positioned proximate to said storage container and configured to engage at least one surface of the bulk supply and move relative to the at least one surface to cause separation of adhesive solids from the bulk supply and produce a flow of fluidized adhesive solids from said storage container; a drive coupled to at least one of said storage container or said separating element, said drive operable to create the relative motion between said separating element and the at least one surface of the bulk supply, wherein the flow of fluidized adhesive solids stops exiting said storage container when said drive stops creating the relative motion between said separating element and the at least one surface of the bulk supply.