Automatic Garnet Feeding Increases Waterjet Cutting Productivity

The JET-FEED™ Garnet Delivery System from Flexicon Corporation (Bethlehem, PA) automatically feeds garnet directly from bulk bags to waterjet cutters, eliminating worker fatigue, potential injury, labor, spillage, dust, downtime and higher material cost associated with manual dumping of bags typically weighing 40 lb to 100 lb (18 kg to 45 kg). A BFF Series BULK-OUT® bulk bag discharger allows floor level connection of bag straps to a lifting frame that is forklifted onto cradles of spring-loaded POP-TOP™ extension posts. The weight of the full bag compresses the posts, which stretch the bag upwards when it empties/lightens to promote flow. The bag outlet spout is pulled through an iris valve, which is then closed to prevent material flow while the spout is untied and the access door is closed. Releasing the valve slowly prevents uncontrolled bursts of garnet into the hopper and dust into the plant environment.

The discharger employs FLOW-FLEXER® bag activators that raise and lower opposite bottom sides of the bag at timed intervals, loosening compacted garnet and promoting flow into the bag discharge spout. As the bag lightens, the stroke of the bag activators increases, raising the bag bottom into a steep “V” shape as the spring-loaded posts stretch the bag upwards, promoting total discharge. The floor hopper charges a Flexicon® flexible screw conveyor that can be routed vertically, horizontally or any angle, over short or long distances, to the waterjet pressure pot location. The only moving part that contacts garnet is a rotating screw that self-centers within the abrasion-resistant polymer tube, preventing garnet from grinding between the screw and tube wall. The screw is driven beyond the point at which garnet exits the conveyor, preventing contact with seals. The rugged inner screw is the only moving part contacting material, limiting maintenance to periodic lubrication of the electric drive motor. The conveyor can be started and stopped manually or automatically by a PLC linked to high and low level sensors installed on the pressure pot.

Flexicon Corporation, 2400 Emrick Boulevard, Bethlehem, PA 18020-8006, 610-814-2400, sales@flexicon.com, www.flexicon.com.