Coperion K-Tron’s Smart Weigh Belt

Multi component snack mixes are becoming popular quick snack options. Coperion K-Tron has supplied a variety of weigh belt feeders / system combinations for the metering of these components into the mix and prior to the packaging line. By utilizing a high accuracy feed mechanism, such as the Coperion K-Tron Smart Weigh Belt (SWB), the enduser can be assured of ingredient cost control and high product quality.

The SWB is used for continuous controlled gravimetric feeding of bulk materials. This feeder features a primary weighbridge and offers an optional secondary weighbridge that provides continuous online auto tare, reducing maintenance, frequency of calibration, and improving long term stability. The SWB is offered with a stainless steel enclosure and an easy clean design, with a removable conveyor assembly, allowing easy access for maintenance an belt removal.

In most blend applications, ingredients are delivered to the ingredient bins via bags, boxes, drums or supersacks. Once these ingredients are transferred to the product bin, a slide gate at the bin discharge is opened to allow flow of the product to the SWB feeder hopper below. Each individual component is metered by the SWB based upon a predetermined recipe, and discharged to a horizontal conveyor. The product in this conveyor is then sent to a carousel type packaging machine. The basic features of the SWB controls package allow the sequential starting and stopping of each ingredient line. During this process, the first weigh belt feeder discharges the initial ingredient to the horizontal conveyor. The remaining belt feeders then discharge their ingredients sequentially, in accordance with the programmed sequence of operation, thus creating a natural layered mix. The number of the belt feeders in the line can vary, dependent upon the number of components in the mix. One recent Coperion K-Tron customer utilized 14 feeders in three lines, in order to create up to 30 different blends of products, with a maximum of seven individual components in each mix.

Smart Weigh Belt Feeder (SWB)

Typical flow rates: 20 - 40,000 kg/hr (44 - 88,000 lb/hr

Availability of second weigh bridge with continuous taring ensures that either dust buildup or product buildup on weighing device has no effect on an overall accuracy

Less space requirement at equivalent accuracies of screw feeders

Coperion K-Tron SmartConnex control capabilities to allow for a variety of programming options including ingredient control and recipe management

Improved belt cleaning design as well as reduced maintenance requirements

Trapezoidal inlet design allows for improved material flow from feed storage bin

Models available in open frame or closed frame designs for ease in accessibility , cleaning and maintenance

Minimal product damage or attrition due to gentle action of weigh belt