STORY – Automatic additive dosing system

Why this system was developed

In many pelleting systems, it is necessary to add additives such as binding agents, hydrophobic additives or process-stabilizing substances. Conventional dosing systems usually rely on stationary silos, screw conveyors or gravimetric feeders. However, these solutions require high installation costs, regular cleaning, large footprints and are only flexible to a limited extent.

Especially in systems with low to medium output, or in mobile or containerized lines, a compact and at the same time reliable solution was not available on the market until now.

The automatic additive dosing system was developed precisely for these applications.

System principle: Pneumatic powder conveying on a compact scale

The system is based on a pneumatic conveying and dosing principle. The additive is picked up in defined batch quantities, compressed, transported via a stored compressed air profile and fed to the injection point.

The design combines the function of a dosing unit (AD.100) with a dispensing unit (ADS.100). Both modules are connected via a pipe and hose system that enables any conveying path and change of direction.

This design allows dry powder materials to be transported directly from a big bag emptying station without the need for a separate storage silo. This significantly reduces both plant and operating costs.

Core components and mode of operation

  1. AD.100 dosing unit

The dosing unit takes over the volumetric absorption of the additive.
It is equipped with:

  • Inlet opening DN250
  • Useful volume approx. 65-70 liters
  • Gross volume approx. 100 liters
  • Filter attachment for dust reduction
  • Robust stainless steel construction

It forms the starting point of the pneumatic batch.

  1. Transmitter unit ADS.100

After the dosing process, the sending unit takes over the transportation of the material.

Key features:

  • Delivery connection DN50
  • Defined process air control
  • Compressed air consumption approx. 350 liters per batch
  • Flexible adaptation of the funding channel
  • Reliable discharge at the injection site

The pneumatic conveyor unit is designed in such a way that the material transport remains safe even with narrow pipe guides and changes of direction.

  1. Pipe and hose system

The connection is made using 60.3 × 2.0 mm stainless steel cables and flexible, robust rubber hoses.
All components are modular and can be configured to suit any system architecture.

Process connections and integration

The system works via four defined process connections:

  • N1: Material feed
  • N2: Material ejection
  • N3: Process air
  • N4: Exhaust air

Thanks to the clear separation of the connections, the system can be easily integrated into existing pelletizing systems, regardless of manufacturer or design.

Advantages over classic additive systems

The automatic additive dosing system offers several significant advantages:

  • No stationary silos required
  • Big bag serves as a storage container
  • Flexible conveyor routes without mechanical conveyor units
  • Compact design, ideal for container systems
  • Greatly reduced cleaning and wear costs
  • Minimal installation effort
  • Low maintenance costs

The system not only simplifies additive logistics, but also increases process reliability.

Dimensions and technical data

Extract from the technical drawing:

  • Total height approx. 2,465 mm
  • Diameter Ø550 mm
  • Material: Stainless steel
  • Weight approx. 450 kg
  • Compressed air connection 1″
  • Delivery connection DN50
  • Batch volume approx. 65-70 liters net
  • Air consumption approx. 350 liters per batch

The compact design makes it easy to install even in confined areas.

Areas of application

This dosing system is suitable for:

  • Pelletizing plants
  • Briquetting lines
  • Mixing processes
  • Coating or additivation of biomass
  • Mobile and containerized systems
  • Process lines with variable additive types

Pneumatic conveying means that the conveying paths remain flexible and adaptable.

Conclusion

The automatic additive dosing system is a modern, compact and low-maintenance solution for reliably and reproducibly adding powder additives to pelletizing or mixing process chains.

By dispensing with traditional silo technology, using big bags as storage containers and pneumatic conveying technology, maximum flexibility is achieved. With its modular structure, the system can be easily integrated into existing or new systems and offers an economical alternative to conventional dosing systems.