FLO-PAD

BULLETIN 963 (click here to download)

The Monitor Flo-Pad bin aerator is a device used to promote the flow of dry bulk powders from a storage vessel without the noise and damaging vibration caused by pneumatic or electric vibrators. The Flo-Pad uses multiple Evassers mounted on a single air plenum chamber inside the vessel and is capable of aerating many types of bulk powders and granular solids in bins, hoppers and silos including some of the most difficult applications.

While the Flo-Pad is able to discharge air at up to 80 psi (5.5 bar) to help dislodge and move settled materials, the single Flo-Pad is used to maintain flowability of material with a constant 2 to 5 psi (0.14 to 0.35 bar) supply of air.

Unlike other types of aerators that use cotton or canvas to diffuse the air, the Flo-Pad uses multiple Evassers, which are less likely to be bound or clogged due to moisture. In addition, the Flo-Pad is not as prone to back-flow of material because the standard neoprene boot on the Evassers expands to let the pressurized air out and contracts when the air is shut off blocking the air outlets from material backflow.

Principle of Operation

The Flo-Pad uses multiple Evasser bin aerators mounted on a single air plenum chamber for optimal efficiency in even some of the most difficult applications to continuously introduce air into a mass of stored powder. When first conveyed into a storage vessel, the powder is actually a highly aerated mixture of air and particulate. In this state, the mixture flows quite easily. As the material settles, the particulate and air separate. The material decreases in volume and increases in density (it packs), and in turn it begins to behave like one solid mass rather than a fluid mixture of particles. The Evassers on the Flo-Pad replace the naturally lost air and increase and maintain the air-to-particulate mixture ratio, thus allowing the material to flow.

Applications

(click here to download)

The most effective aeration of dry bulk materials is typically achieved by the use of multiple rows of Flo-Pads, one row located in each quadrant of the slopping bin bottom. The Flo-Pad can be used to aerate dry powders and granular materials. The spacing between rows and individual Flo-Pads can vary from application to application. In all cases, please consult with the Monitor application engineers for a recommendation that meets your specific material flow problem.

Features

Accessories

For high pressure or high temperature applications where the boot is not acceptable, a sintered metal insert can be provided.

Specifications

Warranty

Monitor Technologies warrants each Flo-Pad it manufactures to be free from defects in material and workmanship under normal use and service within two (2) years from the date of purchase. The purchaser must notify Monitor of any defects within the warranty period, return the product intact, and prepay transportation charges. The obligation of Monitor Technologies LLC under this warranty is limited to repair or replacement at its factory. This warranty does not apply to any product which is repaired or altered outside of Monitor Technologies' factory, or which has been subject to misuse, negligence, accident, incorrect wiring by others, or improper installation.

963A.3.0407

Solids Flow Detection

Microwave solids flow detectors can be used in a variety of applications including feed mills & grain processing, consumer foods (cereal, sugar, cocoa, coffee), chemicals & pesticides and more. For example, one company uses Monitor’s Model SFD-2 solids flow detector to verify the flow of feed pellets through their various transport lines which involves a process where a horizontal screw auger is conveying pellets over to a vertical gravity chute.  The chute then directs the pellets to a process down below. They have carefully placed the SFD-2 so that it detects the pellets as they fall directly across the sensor face. (See Below)

The Model SFI and SFD-2 line of solids flow detectors from Monitor Technologies, LLC provide analog or relay outputs to indicate the flow / no-flow condition of powder and bulk solids materials in chutes and pneumatic conveying lines.  Using microwave Doppler radar technology these units are non-invasive plus extremely reliable and rugged to withstand the rigors of the installation and your process extremes. From automated systems with pneumatic lines to gravity chutes, solids flow monitors can help to improve process performance. They can assist in detecting flow problems, as well as, enhance the level of automation at a facility like turning a conveyor on or off.

For more information on Solids Flow Detectors click here or contact Monitor Technologies LLC at 800-766-6486 in the USA and 630-365-9403 worldwide.

>>Click here for more information about Solids Flow Detectors from Monitor Technologies.
>>Click here for more information on Plug Chute Solutions
>>Download Product Bulletin 813