Powder adhesion is a common problem in many industries. When powder adheres to contact surfaces, such as hoppers and screw feeders, it can lead to poor material flow, reduced yield, and increased maintenance frequency. To prevent this, the following specific improvement measures can be considered:
1.Static Electricity Measures
Since static electricity can also cause powder adhesion, using conductive materials or anti-static agents can help suppress static and prevent adhesion. Grounding and using ionizers are also effective measures
2.Utilizing Coating and Dimple Processing Technology for Contact Surfaces
Applying special coatings or dimple processing (embossing) to contact surfaces can prevent powder from adhering to walls and screws. Common techniques include Teflon coatings and micro-dimple treatments. These coatings and dimple processing reduce surface friction, making it easier for powder to slide, thus reducing adhesion.
3.Adding a Vibration Function (Vibrator)
By adding a vibration function to hoppers and screw feeders, powder adhesion can be minimized. Fine vibrations make it easier for powder to move and prevent it from sticking to walls. Combining this with a vibration motor can be an effective solution, especially for highly adhesive and viscous powders.
5.Introducing Air Blowing
An air blow system can be introduced to blow compressed air onto contact surfaces inside the hopper or feeder, dislodging adhered powder and smoothing the material flow. For powders with strong adhesiveness, air knives or localized air jet systems are particularly effective
6.Polishing of Contact Surfaces
Polishing stainless steel surfaces through buffing (mirror finishing) can reduce powder adhesion. By polishing the surface to a mirror-like finish, powder is less likely to stick. Especially with materials like SUS304 or SUS316L, surface treatment enhances powder flow and reduces adhesion. Our standard is buff polishing (#400) on SUS304 for contact surfaces.
7.Improving Screw Design
Modifying the shape of the screw can reduce powder adhesion. For highly adhesive powders, using a screw with a larger pitch or adopting a coil shape without a screw shaft can allow powder to flow more smoothly
8.Temperature Control
When temperature changes make powder more prone to adhesion, temperature management becomes crucial. By properly controlling the temperature of hoppers and screw feeders, you can minimize the effects of humidity and static electricity, thus preventing adhesion. Introducing cooling or heating systems can help prevent powder from becoming viscous or agglomerating.
