| Abstract: | Developments in dosage of bulk solids. Dosage of bulk solids is a fast developing field of process- and production automation. Developments are determined directly by the current demands of the production process, with the properties of the bulk solids and the process itself playing an important role. A survey of proven dosage techniques from the viewpoint of the operating principles, properties, applications, and limitations demonstrates the great variety of problem solutions. An important difference between the individual dosage techniques is the nature and accuracy of mass limitation. The most accurate techniques are the gravimetric dosage methods, with discontinuous weighing giving the greatest accuracy. Developments have been greatly influenced by the state of weighing cell techniques, weighing electronics and computer engineering. The development of measured data acquisition and processing of control, and of instrumentation are described, compared, and assessed. A trend towards system responsibility and development on the part of manufacturers is noted. A accurate dosage of bulk solids requires constant flow of the solids and finely adjustable control devices. The principal interferences in bulk solids flow and measures for their avoidance are shown by means of examples. Successful solution of dosage tasks ultimately requires agreement between manufacturers and processors with regard to definition, determination, and control of dosage accuracy during calibration and during long term operation. |
