Tubular dry powder feeders with axially applied vibration for dry powder filling systems

摘要

Tubular dry powder feed systems in communication with a hopper of dry powder are configured with an in-line actuator that applies a flow vibration signal axially. The flow vibration signal can be a harmonic or non-harmonic signal, such as a sinusoidal, saw tooth, square wave or other signal and may be frequency or amplitude modulated.

主权项

1. A dry powder feed system, comprising:
a hopper configured to hold dry powder therein; an elongate tube in communication with the hopper, the elongate tube extending axially downward at a defined angle, the elongate tube having opposing upper and lower end portions and a flange having upper and lower primary surfaces extending outwardly from the elongate tube between the upper and lower end portions, the upper end portion being in fluid communication with the hopper so that, during operation, dry powder from the hopper can flow through the elongate tube; and an actuator having opposing upper and lower ends and an axially extending center through-channel, the elongate tube extending through the actuator channel with the actuator lower end residing proximate the upper primary surface of the tube flange; wherein the actuator is configured to apply a vibration signal to the elongate tube in an axial direction.