Many processors have some levels of automation for packing and measuring results. But, not all solutions are equal. A PROEX FOOD Cross-Head Feeder helps in speed, accuracy and profitability.
Background:
Multihead weighers utilize multiple weigh heads to accurately measure products by calculating the weight in each head. Each weigh head is equipped with a precise load cell. The weighing process begins when the product is introduced into the top of the multihead weigher. Ensuring optimal product flow to the dispersion table is crucial to maximize the accuracy of the weighing process.
The industry currently employs two feed systems for the dispersion table: vibratory and belt conveyors. Directly feeding a multihead weigher with a belt conveyor poses several issues, including uneven product dispersion across all weigh hoppers, negatively impacting overall efficiency. Belt conveyors lack responsiveness in evenly distributing surges of mass product when the dispersion table is full. This leads to overfeeding the multihead weigher, compromising its ability to provide accurate measurements and resulting in significant product giveaway.
Challenge:
One of our Vibratory Solutions Group’s Customers faced challenges when utilizing a straight-edged conveyor to feed their multihead weigher for salad leaves (aka leafy green and salad mix packing). Excessive spillage and clumping of the product were persistent issues, resulting in significant wastage and subpar performance of the weigher. Before a solution was implemented, their weight accuracies ranged from 85% to 90%, with a daily waste rate of at least 4%.
Our Solution:
To improve production efficiency, our vibratory team installed a cross-head feeder, equipped with a specially designed circular discharge.
This advanced solution allowed the customer to effectively control their feed rate, eliminating clumps and spillage, while ensuring a perfectly central feed to the multihead weigher.
Results:
The impact of the circular vibratory cross-head feeder was remarkable. Not only did it eliminate spillage and clumping issues, but it also enhanced the efficiency of the multi-head weigher. Weight accuracies improved significantly, reaching an impressive 97%.
By implementing this cross-head feeder solution, the client experienced a substantial reduction in wastage, leading to cost savings and improved productivity. The increased weight accuracy of 97% surpassed their previous range of 85% to 90%, providing them with greater confidence in the reliability of their weighing process.
This case study exemplifies how our circular vibratory cross-head feeder can effectively address spillage and clumping concerns, leading to enhanced accuracy and efficiency in multihead weighing operations for delicate products like salad leaves.