Continuous Loss-in-Weight Blenders Instruction Manual

Continuous Loss-in-Weight Blenders Chapter 2: Functional Description 14
Blender System Component Description
This section describes the various components of the continuous blending system. The
continuous blending system is made up of the following components (See Figure 2 below):
• Ingredient supply/re-fill hoppers
• Ingredient weigh hoppers
• Ingredient metering auger assemblies
• Cascade material chute
• Lower mass flow weigh hopper
• Control panel
• Motor drive panel
• OPTIONAL “Quick color change” kit
Figure 2: Continuous Blender Assembly
Ingredient Supply/Re-fill Hoppers
The ingredient supply/re-fill hoppers are located on top of the blender frame. Their purpose is
to provide a supply of material to the individual ingredient weigh hoppers on demand. The
hoppers are equipped with an air-operated discharge valve that is opened by the PLC when a
respective weigh hopper needs a re-fill of material. These hoppers are sized to handle the
percentage requirements of the ingredients. Optional level sensors which might exist in these