{"id":482,"date":"2026-06-12T07:47:18","date_gmt":"2026-06-12T07:47:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/seiwag-us.com\/blog\/?p=482"},"modified":"2026-06-17T04:24:45","modified_gmt":"2026-06-17T04:24:45","slug":"lumps","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/seiwag-us.com\/blog\/lumps\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Powder Lumps Can Cause Feeding Accuracy Problems"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In many powder handling applications, attention is often focused on feed rate accuracy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, feeding the correct quantity is not always enough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In some processes, large agglomerates or lumps can create problems for downstream equipment, even when the feeder is operating correctly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To address this issue, a mesh screen can be installed at the feeder discharge to help prevent oversized particles from entering the process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where Do Agglomerates Come From?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Even powders that are originally fine and free-flowing can develop agglomerates during handling and storage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Common causes include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Moisture absorption<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Material compaction during transportation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Long-term storage<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Natural powder cohesion<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As a result, occasional lumps may be present even when the bulk material appears acceptable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why Are Agglomerates a Problem?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Large agglomerates can create several issues downstream.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Examples include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Inconsistent material quality<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Blockage of small openings or nozzles<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Process instability<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reduced mixing performance<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Difficulties in dosing applications<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In these situations, controlling particle condition can be just as important as controlling feed rate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A Simple Solution: Mesh Screen at the Feeder Discharge<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One practical approach is to install a mesh screen directly at the feeder discharge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The screen allows normal powder to pass while preventing larger agglomerates from entering the next process step.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This simple modification can help:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Prevent oversized agglomerates from passing downstream<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Improve material consistency<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Protect downstream equipment<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reduce process interruptions<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Happens to the Agglomerates?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When large agglomerates reach the discharge area, they are retained by the mesh instead of being transferred to the next process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The video below demonstrates this concept.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-9-16 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"The effective component  of screw feeder.In case of feeding powder which clumps easily.\" width=\"422\" height=\"750\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/oJlx7Bt8HP8?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In this example, fine powder passes through the screen while larger agglomerates remain on the mesh surface.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This allows operators to identify material quality issues before they affect downstream equipment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Typical Applications<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Discharge screening can be useful in applications involving:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Fine chemicals<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Additives<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pigments<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Recycled materials<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Powders prone to agglomeration<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The appropriate mesh size depends on both the material characteristics and process requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Conclusion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Stable powder feeding is not only about feed rate accuracy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In some applications, preventing oversized agglomerates from entering the process is equally important.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A simple mesh screen installed at the feeder discharge can provide an effective way to improve material consistency and protect downstream equipment without requiring major changes to the feeding system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Related Articles<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/seiwag-us.com\/blog\/five-key-factors\/\">Five Key Factors That Affect Screw Feeder Feeding Accuracy<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/seiwag-us.com\/blog\/problems\/\">How Oxidation Affects Powder Feeding Performance<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/seiwag-us.com\/blog\/external-signals\/\">How to Control a Powder Feeder Using External Signals<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><br><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/seiwag-us.com\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"330\" src=\"https:\/\/seiwag-us.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Powder-and-liquid-equipments-8000-\u00d7-1600-px\u306e\u30b3\u30d4\u30fc-2-1024x330.png\" alt=\"Screw feeder\" class=\"wp-image-28\" srcset=\"https:\/\/seiwag-us.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Powder-and-liquid-equipments-8000-\u00d7-1600-px\u306e\u30b3\u30d4\u30fc-2-1024x330.png 1024w, https:\/\/seiwag-us.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Powder-and-liquid-equipments-8000-\u00d7-1600-px\u306e\u30b3\u30d4\u30fc-2-300x97.png 300w, https:\/\/seiwag-us.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Powder-and-liquid-equipments-8000-\u00d7-1600-px\u306e\u30b3\u30d4\u30fc-2-768x247.png 768w, https:\/\/seiwag-us.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Powder-and-liquid-equipments-8000-\u00d7-1600-px\u306e\u30b3\u30d4\u30fc-2-1536x494.png 1536w, https:\/\/seiwag-us.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Powder-and-liquid-equipments-8000-\u00d7-1600-px\u306e\u30b3\u30d4\u30fc-2.png 1600w, https:\/\/seiwag-us.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Powder-and-liquid-equipments-8000-\u00d7-1600-px\u306e\u30b3\u30d4\u30fc-2-1024x330.png 856w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In many powder handling applications, attention is often focused on feed rate accuracy. However, feeding the c<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":486,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jin_ogp_image_url":"","_jin_last_featured_id":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[9],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-482","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-trouble-shooting"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/seiwag-us.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/482","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/seiwag-us.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/seiwag-us.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/seiwag-us.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/seiwag-us.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=482"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/seiwag-us.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/482\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":485,"href":"https:\/\/seiwag-us.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/482\/revisions\/485"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/seiwag-us.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/486"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/seiwag-us.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=482"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/seiwag-us.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=482"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/seiwag-us.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=482"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}