The CentriFeeder with Integrated Control Valve, or ICV, accurately measures and controls the flow of any dry, free‐flowing solid. Using a highly customizable touch screen HMI integrated with a low rpm, AC, Brushless Servo, a PID control loop is established to control the ICV feeding our patented CentriFlow Meter. For precise measurement and control, an Integral Linear Position Sensor is used to regulate the blade's position to within 1 part in 1000 (based on stroke). The blade's movement can then be monitored via the CentriView Electronics, or read manually via the mechanical indicator on the exterior of the valve. For delicate products, the CentriFeeder with ICV is equipped with a Virtual Flow Stop function which stops flow with virtually no damage to your product. The outcome is an easily maintained, consistent flow that can, under some conditions, be controlled over a 100:1 range for both batching and ratio‐control applications.
TECHNICAL
FEATURES AND BENEFITS
CASE STUDIES
DOWNLOADS
INTRODUCTION TO TECHNOLOGY
APPLICATIONS
ICV: Integrated Control Valve
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Below, you can find the manuals for the CentriFeeder ICV family of solids feeders and dosers. The manuals have been divided into the Mechanical Manual for the mechanical portion and the Electronics Manual for the touchscreen interface and setup. There is also a section for troubleshooting and maintenance procedures as well. Feel free to Contact Us with any questions.
The CentriFeeder ICV offers a typical accuracy of within +/-0.25 - 0.50% across the entire flow range of the feeder (typically 100:1 range), for most flowable solids.
The CentriFeeder ICV consists of two main components, a flow measurement portion and a flow controlling slide gate, that work in tandem. The flow measurement portion is a gravimetric solids flow measurement device that utilizes a centripetal force based flow measurement technology to maintain an extremely accurate flow measurement. The flow measurement signal is used to create a PID control loop for controlling flow by the slide gate, which modulates in order to maintain a flow rate and will close automatically when a total set point is reached. When no total set point is entered, the feeder will maintain its flow rate set point indefinitely (great for blending applications and 24-7 operations).
The CentriFeeder maintains its accuracy despite constant changes in product elasticity, density or shape. Even changes in flow rate have little impact on the accuracy of the feeder as its output is linearized over the entirety of the feeders working limits.
Constructed from sturdy, high grade Aluminum and/or Stainless Steel, the CentriFeeder is a very low maintenance device. Because the drop into the feeder and the velocity of the product as it moves through the feeder is controlled, surface wear and part fatigue is kept to a minimum. Even high wear materials such as sand and aggregate are controlled with little concern.
Designed to fit under any head of material (storage bins, silos, hoppers), the CentriFeeder ICV has a very low profile design which is typically less than 24 inches in height.
An Integral Linear Position Sensor regulates the blade of the integral slide gate to within 1 part in 1000 (based on stroke), leading to increased accuracy.
FLOW RATE: Real Time Flow Rate Output
TOTALIZATION: Real Time, Continuous Totalization
VALVE POSITION: Current Opening Position of the Control valve (slide gate)
FLOW RATE SETPOINT: Send down a flow rate set point for recipes or process changes
TOTAL SETPOINT: Send down total set point for filling applications or loadout of railcars, trucks, etc.
Opens from a fully closed start to a set point in as little as 1 second.
A Virtual Flow Stop function allows adjustment of the "fully closed" valve position, meaning the valve will close without damage to fragile product.
The CentriFeeder family of feeders are highly customizable and can be tailored to nearly any product and for nearly any application. Below are just a few of the more widely utilized options. For more information on the full range of customization available for the CentriFeeder family, contact us today.
MATERIAL OF CONSTRUCTION
FEEDER CASING AND ENCLOSURE:The feeder casing is typically available in Anodized Aluminum or Stainless Steel (304 or 316), while the exterior enclosure is typically Stainless Steel (304 or 316).
FLOW SURFACES: The flow surfaces of the CentriFlow, including the Pan, the Tangential and the Diverter will be a welded, one-piece assembly. This type of pan configuration can accommodate a variety of coatings for wear resistance, flow enhancement and many other requirements.
FLOW ENHANCEMENT
LINERS / COATINGS: A variety of coatings as well as flow surface materials can be utilized in order to improve the flow of products across the Measurement Pan and other flow surfaces. In addition, a Curved Corner Pan is available for powdery products that could collect in the corners of a standard Pan.
PULSED AIR SYSTEM: The Pulsed Air System was designed to deliver a pulsed blast of dry, instrument air to the area both above and below the Measurement Pan in a manner that will clear product and debris from the Pan's surfaces without adversely affecting flow measurement readings. Use of the Pulsed Air System is intended to both assist product flow as well as to eliminate product built up on the Pan, which, if left unchecked, could result in less accurate flow measurement.
EXPLOSION CONTROL
INTRINSIC SAFETY BARRIERS: Intrinsic Safety Barriers are used when the CentriFlow Meter will be installed within a hazardous area and the CentriFlow electronics will be located within a non-hazardous area in order to isolate the CentriFlow Meter from its electronics.
EXPLOSION PROOF SYSTEM (CLASS II DIV 2): This explosion proof system is used for installing the CentriFlow Meter and its electronics within a Class II Div 2 rated area and includes a pressurization or purging system that prevents the entrance of combustible dust into the meter or its electronics.
EXPLOSION PROOF SYSTEM (CLASS I DIV 2): This explosion system is used for installing the CentriFlow Meter and electronics within a Class I Div 2 rated area. This option prevents the entrance of flammable gas or vapor from accumulating within the meter or its electronics by performing a series of four air exchanges and then, applying a positive pressure to the system.
ICV ELECTRONICS
The CentriFeeder ICV Digital Electronics is a remote electronics package that comes standard with every ICV model Weigh Feeder. The meter is connected to the electronics via the included electronics cable. The standard electronics cable that comes with each unit measures 10 feet in length, but the length of the cable can be customized for longer cable runs. Below are some of the remote electronics package's features and benefits:
FEATURES AND BENEFITS
The CentriFlow CFM Meter electronics package features a color touch screen HMI that makes calibration as easy as pushing a button.
Both the flow rate and the total are displayed simultaneously on the main screen.
The CentriFlow CFE Electronics have a universal power supply that requires incoming power of between 85 and 264 VAC.
The CFM Electronics' HMI display supports an on-screen plot/trend of the flow through the meter.
The CFE Electronics comes with settings for alarms on both the flow rate and the total.
The standard outputs for the CFE CentriFlow Electronics include a 4-20 mA signal that is equivalent to flow rate, and a Pulse Output that is equivalent to total.
If connecting to a PLC or other controller, the CentriFlow CFE Electronics will communicate using the Ethernet/IP protocol. Flow rate, total and a variety of other data is transmitted to the PLC and commands from the PLC to change calibration values among other things, can be sent down from the PLC to the meter.
Eastern Instruments has extensive capabilities to customize the programming for the CFE electronics, which includes both the interface as well as the underlying functionality. Multiple units can even be connected to communicate for applications involving mixing or blending. Contact us today!
CENTRIFEEDER APPLICATIONS
The CentriFeeder ICV is a highly customizable feeder that can be tailored to a variety of applications for nearly any granular product. Whether used for single products or used in unison for recipe based blending or batching, the CentriFeeder is perfect for nearly any application. Below are just a few of the applications where our feeders have been utilized.
FLOW CONTROL: SINGLE
For simple and accurate measurement and control of a single product, a single CentriFeeder can be equipped with a standard electronics and HMI. This simple but effective setup can be used for a variety of applications including blending, batching and more.
FLOW CONTROL: MULTIPLE
For accurate measurement and control of multiple products, multiple CentriFeeder devices can be utilized, along with standard electronics and HMI programming working independently of one another. Multiple units can also be controlled via a single, Master HMI or other controller, for simple and precise control of a recipe based blend.
BATCHING OR FILLING
Using specially designed filling software, the CentriFeeder can be used to fill containers over 25 lb in size. The filling can be initiated manually via a push button or foot pedal, or it can be initiated automatically via a PLC or other controller.
BULK DENSITY METER
The CentriFeeder has an optional bulk density output that can be transmitted by various communication protocols including Ethernet/IP. Utilizing patented CentriFlow mass flow measurement technology which is based on the principal of Centripetal Force, a true mass flow measurement is obtained as the product stream passes over the Measurement Pan (no sampling is required). Meanwhile, the Integrated Control Valve, which is controlled to within 1 part in 1000 based on stroke, ensures that an extremely precise measurement of the volume of product is taken at the same time that the mass flow is being measured. The result is a highly accurate, dynamic bulk density measurement.
ROOFING SHINGLE MANUFACTURING
An application in which a series of CentriFeeder ICV feeders were used in a batch blending operation for properly coloring shingles during the manufacturing process
BIRD SEED MANUFACTURING
An application in which a series of CentriFeeder ICV feeders were used to simultaneously batch a variety of different bird seed components in order to properly ratio the different components for the final bird seed blend
DOCUMENTATION
Below, you will find a variety of product literature including product catalogs, single page cut sheets and various application guides that can assist in selecting the correct feeder for your project. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us and we will be happy to help.
SOLIDS OVERVIEW CATALOG
CUT SHEETS/SPEC SHEETS
HOW IT WORKS
The CentriFeeder ICV is a gravimetric feeder that integrates the versatility and extremely accurate flow measurement of the CentriFlow solids flow meter, with a dynamically controlled slide gate that controls flow rate and total. As product flows through the ICV and over the measurement portion of the feeder, the flow rate of the product is measured. This flow rate is utilized to control the Integrated Control Valve located just above the flow measurement device. Based on the flow rate set point that is entered into the unit, the control valve is able to modulate in order to maintain the flow rate set point. For batching or filling applications, a total set point can also be entered into the device, so that once the set point has been reached, the control valve will close, stopping the flow of product. The CentriFeeder ICV responds to changes in flow rate very quickly, typically within 100 ms, and can be within +/-1.00% of the flow set point within 1 second.
FLOW RATE CONTROL: CONTINUOUS PROCESSES
The CentriFeeder ICV gravimetric feeder is often used to control the flow rate of continuous processes, such as in blending applications. The integral control valve within the CentriFeeder ICV will modulate in order to maintain the flow rate indicated by your flow rate set point. For more information, Contact Eastern Instruments today.
TOTAL CONTROL: BATCHING AND FILLING
For batching, filling or other non-continuous blending applications, the CentriFeeder ICV can be used to control based on the total amount of product passing through the weigh feeder. After entering a set point for the fill/batch total, the CentriFeeder ICV will discharge the desired amount of product at a controlled flow rate. The feeder will then close its Integrated Control Valve and the product flow will stop.
USING THE CENTRIFEEDER
The CentriFeeder line of feeders provides accurate, real-time flow measurement, as well as near perfect control of flow rate and total. Whether batching single products, filling containers, or blending multiple products together, the CentriFeeder line of feeders can help.
Below are just a few of the uses that the CentriFeeder can be used for. Please click on the different ways of implementing using the CentriFeeder and see how Please see below for additional information regarding the various applications for which the CentriFeeder can be used. We have only listed a few of the applications below, but the CentriFeeder can be used for nearly any application in which flow measurement and control are needed. Contact us today!
BATCHING
For simple and accurate measurement and control of a single product, a single CentriFeeder can be equipped with a standard electronics and HMI. This simple but effective setup can be used to batch granular materials in to your process. A weight set point and a flow rate are entered into the CentriFeeder. When the feeder is started, it will maintain the entered flow rate. Once the weight set point (total) is reached, the feeder will automatically stop the flow of material for extremely accurate batches.
FLOW CONTROL
For blending applications, or applications that are continuously running, the CentriFeeder line of feeders also can control based on flow rate. This simple but effective setup can be used to continuously feed a controlled flow rate of material into your process. A flow rate set point is entered into the CentriFeeder. Once the feeder is started, it will maintain the flow rate set point by modulating the feed of material up and down to maintain the desired flow rate. The feeder will then shut off again once it receives a signal that your process has shut down, or that you are out of product.
BLENDING
For accurate measurement and control of multiple products that are being blended together, multiple CentriFeeder devices, each with standard electronics and HMI programming, can be utilized. The units can be used independently, meaning that the flow rate can be adjusted for each unit, using the included touch screen HMI. For ratio-control applications, a master controller (or PLC controller) can be used to send remote set points down to the individual feeders making them versatile for different recipes or blend percentages.
FILLING
For filling applications, from 10 lb containers up to vehicle filling, the CentriFeeder line of feeders will offer a very quick and very accurate fill. To utilize the CentriFeeder for filling, you will enter a desired flow rate and a total set point (the fill amount for each container). You then press the start button and the feeder will maintain the desired flow rate until the fill total has been met. The feeder will then shut off, stopping flow of the material. The fill accuracy is typically within +/-0.50%. The CentriFeeder can be used to fill containers down to 10 lb and as large as railcars or trucks. Custom fill screens and software are available depending on the filling application.
.jpg)
