Hopper Capacity Calculation in Pharmaceutical Industry

 


The capacity calculation of a compression machine hopper depends on several factors, including the type of material being compressed, the desired compression rate, and the design of the hopper itself. 


Here are the general steps you can follow to calculate the capacity of a compression machine hopper:

Determine the Material Properties:

You need to know the characteristics of the material you'll be compressing. This includes the material's bulk density, particle size distribution, flow properties (e.g., angle of repose), and any other relevant properties.


Calculate Hopper Volume:

The hopper volume should be large enough to hold the material you'll be processing for a certain period of time. The volume of the hopper can be calculated using different formula depending on hopper shape. Supplier also share the volume of hopper.


Calculate Hopper Capacity

Hopper Capacity = Volume of hopper (liter) × Bulk density of materials


Account for Safety and Operational Considerations:

You may need to increase the hopper's capacity to account for factors like irregular material flow, fluctuations in material density, and safety margins. It's common to add a buffer or surge capacity to ensure smooth machine operation.


Consider Hopper Design:

The shape and design of the hopper can affect its capacity. Conical hoppers, for example, can encourage material flow, while square or rectangular hoppers may have different flow characteristics. The hopper's design should match the material's properties and flow requirements.


Evaluate Material Flow:

Analyze how the material flows into the compression machine. Proper hopper design and flow aids (e.g., vibrators, air blasters) can help ensure consistent material flow.


Monitor and Adjust:

After installation and operation, regularly monitor the hopper's performance and make adjustments as necessary to optimize capacity and efficiency.


It's important to note that the actual capacity of the hopper may vary in practice due to factors like material compaction, equipment efficiency, and maintenance. Therefore, it's advisable to consult with a mechanical engineer or a pharmaceutical specialist in bulk material handling systems to ensure that your hopper design and capacity calculations are accurate and suitable for your specific application.


For example,

Suppose we have a product with bulk density 0.6 g/ml & our hopper capacity is 18 liters. Use following formula to calculate hopper capacity in kilograms for the product having bulk density 0.6 g/ml

Volume of hopper (liter) × Bulk density of materials 

Add values

18 liter × 0.6 g/ml = 10.8 kg

The answer is 10.8 kg. 

It Means we can add 10.8 kg of that material whose bulk density will be 0.6 g/ml


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