Gravimetric Feeding vs. Volumetric Feeding

The core component of a gravimetric feeding system is precise mass measurement. This makes it possible to feed the exact amount of material, regardless of its density or other physical properties that may change during the process.

A decisive advantage of gravimetric feeding systems is their ability to adapt to changes in material properties. Fluctuations in the density or moisture of the material are automatically corrected. This ensures consistently high dosing accuracy.

Modern gravimetric feeding systems integrate advanced feedback loops and control techniques to continuously monitor and adjust the material feed. This ensures that the actual dosing quantity always corresponds to the specified target quantity.

At the heart of gravimetric feeding are weighing systems that measure the mass of the material with high precision. These systems can range from simple stand-alone scales to fully integrated solutions that communicate with the production process in real time.

Weighing systems ensure accurate dosing through continuous weight measurement and are capable of detecting and correcting even the smallest deviations, making them indispensable for high-precision applications.

Modern gravimetric feeding systems are often equipped with feedback loops that enable dynamic adjustment of the feeding process. Through integration into the process control system, these systems can detect changes in the material parameters and automatically make corrections to ensure consistently high dosing accuracy.

This type of process integration leads to a significant improvement in product quality and process efficiency.

To measure the mass of the material, gravimetric feeding systems use high-precision load cells and other precision components. These elements are crucial to the accuracy of the system by providing precise and reliable readings.

The selection and calibration of these components are critical to the performance of the dosing system and must be carefully matched to the specific requirements of the application.

The technical implementation of gravimetric feeding is supported by advanced software and control systems. These enable precise monitoring and control of the dosing process, offer user-friendliness and allow integration into existing production lines.

Software solutions can also be used for data acquisition and analysis in order to further optimize processes and increase efficiency.

The basic principle of volumetric feeding is based on measuring a predefined volume of the material to be fed. In contrast to weight-based measurement, which depends on the density of the material, volumetric feeding can perform independently of weight fluctuations, which can be advantageous in certain applications. Typical systems for volumetric feeding include screw feeders, vibratory feeders, piston pumps and slide gate feeders, each optimized for specific material types and feeding requirements.

Integrating Volumetric feeding systems into existing production lines is usually straightforward, as they can be flexibly configured and easily synchronized with other processing steps. Their simplicity and reliability help to minimize downtime and optimize the overall production flow. In addition, modern control technologies allow precise adjustment of the dosing speed and volume, further improving the effectiveness of volumetric feeding.

One of the main advantages of Volumetric feeding systems is their cost efficiency, both in terms of purchase and operating costs. Their simple design and low maintenance requirements contribute to a low total cost of ownership. The ability to handle a wide range of materials efficiently, without the need for complex calibration or adjustment processes, makes them an economical solution for many industrial dosing tasks.

Hopper systems are a basic form of volumetric feeding and offer a simple but effective method of feeding material. By adjusting the outlet opening or using slides, the amount of material released per unit of time can be controlled.

These systems are ideal for granular or coarse-grained materials and enable continuous or batch dosing with good control over the volume.

Rotating cell wheels provide precise volumetric feeding for a wide range of materials, including powders, granules and even liquids. By rotating the cell wheel, a defined amount of material is captured and transported to the outlet. The speed of the cell wheel determines the dosing quantity.

This technology is ideal for applications that require an even and controlled supply.

Volumetric pumps are an efficient solution for liquid and pasty materials. They meter materials using the positive displacement principle, whereby the volume is determined directly by the pump capacity.

These pumps offer high precision and can be adapted for a wide range of viscosities, from low-viscosity solutions to viscous pastes.

Screw conveyors are also widely used in volumetric feeding, especially for powders and fine-grained materials. The material is transported and dosed through the conveyor tube by the rotation of the screw.

The conveying rate can be adjusted by the rotational speed of the screw, which enables flexible adaptation to different process requirements.

Gravimetric feeding offers numerous advantages that make it a preferred choice in many industrial applications. The main strength of this method lies in its high accuracy and reliability. As the dosing is based on the mass of the material, the results are independent of its density, moisture or other external conditions.

Another key benefit is the ability to provide real-time feedback control and adjustment. Modern gravimetric feeding systems can detect and automatically correct fluctuations in the material flow, ensuring consistently accurate feeding and minimizing material waste. The flexibility of gravimetric feeding also allows for easy integration into automated systems. By using advanced control systems, operators can fine-tune the dosing parameters to adapt to different materials and production conditions.

In addition, gravimetric feeding supports compliance with quality standards and regulatory requirements.

Volumetric feeding is known for its efficiency and simplicity. This process offers a fast and cost-effective solution for material dosing, especially when high throughput rates are required. The simplicity of the system also makes it easy for operators to use and low maintenance, resulting in lower operating costs. 

Another advantage is their flexibility. Volumetric feeding systems can be quickly adapted to different material properties. The ability to easily switch between materials or batches without the need for extensive changeovers maximizes productivity and minimizes downtime. In addition, volumetric feeding enables continuous material supply. This supports a consistent production flow and improves the overall efficiency of the system. The systems have significantly lower acquisition costs than gravimetric systems.

In addition, volumetric systems are often easier to install and configure, which enables rapid commissioning and integration into existing production lines.

Gravimetric feeding

Gravimetric feeding stands for maximum precision. This method is particularly valuable in processes where any deviation in the amount of material has a direct impact on the quality of the final product or the validity of research results. Its independence from variable material densities and ability to compensate for environmental influences make it the method of choice for applications that require maximum control and reproducibility.

Volumetric feeding

In contrast to this is volumetric feeding. This method scores points for its efficiency, especially when processing large quantities of material or when the absolute precision of the dosing plays a subordinate role. Volumetric feeding is often simpler and more cost-effective to implement and maintain. Its flexibility in adapting to different material types and properties offers additional advantages in dynamic production environments.