Abstract
The flow-pattern of particles in a storage vessel of a table feeder was studied with particular attention to the effects of inclination of the storage vessel or a turn table, with or without hopper contraction and scraper. It was found that the width of the plug-flow region under normal condition (without inclination) became smaller when particles were continuously fed on the top of the powder bed. Inclination of a storage vessel or a turn table caused flow distortion which was found to be more intensive for the vessel inclination. The flow-distortion was, however, controlled by using a scraper at a suitable position. For controlling the powder flow rate without flow distortion, it was recommended to utilize more than two scrapers simultaneously. It was also found that the converging hopper or an unsuitable scraper caused intense flow distortion.
Furthermore, the velocity of the distorted flow and the expansion speed of the distorted region were also studied.
