Central Feeding SystemAutomated Material Handling System and Central Resin Handling System.
The ;Central Feeding System (also known as Centralized Feeding System or Automatic Material Feeding System,Central conveyor system,Central conveying system) is an industrial automation solution designed for continuous production processes like injection molding and extrusion. Key features include
- Automated Feeding: Uses vacuum conveying technology for 24/7 material supply, supporting multi-material blending (e.g., color masterbatch ratio error ≤0.5%) and regrind reuse12.
- Environmental Control: Features "one machine, one pipe" design to prevent material moisture absorption and cross-contamination, with dust filtration (emission ≤10mg/m³) meeting cleanroom standards12.
- Smart Monitoring: Centralized PLC control enables real-time humidity/temperature tracking, MES integration, and 95% fault-prediction accuracy13.
Widely used in automotive parts, electronics, and medical/food packaging, it reduces labor costs, improves efficiency, and maintains a clean production environment23.
3. Core components
- Central Control Station
- Roots Blower
- Drying Hopper
- PLC control system
This system achieves intelligent production by centrally managing raw material storage, drying, conveying, and dust removal, and is a key facility for modern factories to reduce costs and increase efficiency
Central Feeding System Introduction
A Central Feeding System is an automated solution designed to efficiently transport raw materials (such as plastic pellets, powders, or granules) from storage locations to multiple processing machines (like injection molding machines, extruders, etc.) in a manufacturing facility.
Its core purpose is to achieve **automation, continuity, and uniformity** in material supply, thereby enhancing production efficiency, ensuring product quality, reducing labor costs, and minimizing material contamination and waste.
Central Feeding System Working Principle
The system operates on the principle of centralized vacuum conveying (negative pressure conveying).
1. Central Control: The system is managed by a central control unit (PLC + HMI).
2. Recipe Setting: Operators set feeding "recipes" on the touchscreen, specifying which hopper feeds which machine, for how long, and with what material.
3. Vacuum Generation: When a machine requires material, the central rotary valve (or other vacuum source) activates, creating a vacuum (negative pressure) inside the pipeline network.
4. Material Suction:This vacuum sucks material from the designated storage hopper or material bin.
5. Pneumatic Transportation: The material is carried through sealed pipelines by the air stream.
6. Separation & Delivery: At the destination machine, the material-air mixture enters a **hopper loader (or separator). The cyclone principle or filter screen separates the material from the air. The clean air is exhausted through the vacuum pump, and the material falls into the machine's feed throat.
7. Cyclic Operation: The process repeats at set intervals or based on machine-level sensors, ensuring a continuous supply of material.
Central Feeding System (System Mechanical Components)
A complete Central Feeding System consists of the following key components:
Central Feeding System(Component) (Function Description)
Storage Hoppers / Silos
- Large containers for bulk material storage. Often equipped with level sensors and drying systems if needed.
Central Vacuum Pump / Blower
- The heart of the system. Generates the vacuum required for conveying material through the pipes.
Central Rotary Valve
- A crucial component located under the storage hopper. It evenly discharges material into the pipeline while maintaining airlock to ensure vacuum efficiency.
Pipeline Network
- A system of pipes (typically aluminum or stainless steel) that connects all components and forms the pathway for material transportation.
Filter Separators / Hopper Loaders
- Devices mounted on each processing machine. They separate the incoming material from the conveying air and feed it into the machine's throat.
Suction Tubes & Nozzles
- Used to draw material from bags or drums into the system.
Control System (PLC + HMI)
- The brain of the system. It automates and monitors the entire process, allowing for scheduling, alarm management, and data recording.
Drying System (Optional)
- Often integrated (e.g., dryers, dehumidifiers) to dry hygroscopic materials before they enter the processing machine.
Mixing Blenders (Optional)
- Can be added to automatically proportion and mix different materials, colors, or additives.
Central Feeding System(Maintenance)
Proper maintenance is crucial for reliable operation and longevity of the system.
Central Feeding System(Daily Maintenance)
(Specific Tasks) :Visual Inspection: Check pipelines, joints, and components for leaks or damage.
Filter Cleaning: Check and clean or shake the filter screens on the machine-mounted hopper loaders to maintain airflow.
Empty Hoppers: Ensure storage hoppers have sufficient material to avoid running dry.
Central Feeding System(Periodic Maintenance)
Filter Replacement: Replace filter elements (e.g., in the central vacuum pump, separators) according to the schedule or pressure drop indicators.
Pipe Cleaning: Periodically clean the pipelines to prevent material buildup and cross-contamination, especially after material changes.
heck Rotary Valve: Inspect the rotary valve for wear on the blades and housing. Lubricate bearings if necessary.
Vacuum Pump Maintenance:** Check oil level, change oil, and check belts according to the manufacturer's manual.
Calibration:** Calibrate sensors and weighing systems if equipped.
Central Feeding System(Annual Maintenance)
System Overhaul: A comprehensive check of the entire system, including electrical connections, motor performance, and valve operations.
*Pipeline Integrity:** Check the entire pipeline network for wear, corrosion, or leaks.
Common Issues & Troubleshooting:
Low Vacuum/Weak Conveying: Caused by leaks, clogged filters, or a faulty vacuum pump.
Pipe Blockages: Caused by moist material, oversized pellets, or improper pipeline design.
Material Contamination: Due to incomplete cleaning when changing materials or cross-talk between lines.
By implementing a proactive maintenance schedule, manufacturers can ensure their central feeding system operates efficiently, minimizes downtime, and extends its service life.