Reliable emptying of flour silos: vibration prevents arching, bridging and ensures a continuous production process
In grain processing, flour often leads to bridging in silos due to its fine, cohesive, and hygroscopic properties. Particularly critical is the risk of a sudden bridge collapse, in which large quantities of flour can fall uncontrollably. This can cause severe damage to the silo structure, production stoppages, and safety hazards:
- Product blockages and bridging in the flour silo
- Sudden material discharge when bridges collapse uncontrollably (e.g., several tons of flour)
- Damage to silos and plant components due to high mechanical loads
- Increased safety risks for personnel and operations
To increase process reliability, two NTS vibrators with NKK adhesive mounting brackets (both conical and straight versions) were installed per silo and are activated specifically during discharge. By continuously loosening the material, bridging is prevented at an early stage, so that uncontrolled material collapses do not occur in the first place.
The design was carried out specifically for the application, taking into account silo geometry and product properties. Both newly built silos and existing (older) silos were equipped or retrofitted.
- Significantly increased process safety by preventing uncontrolled material discharge
- Protection of silos and plant components against mechanical overload
- Stable, continuous material flow without production stoppages
