Dosing station ADD-A-LOT

Overview
The ADD-A-LOT from Coperion is an automated discharge and dosing station designed for multi-ingredient handling (MIH) systems. It connects storage containers and receiving/premix containers to enable controlled discharge and precise dosing of bulk materials. Dosing is carried out by a weighing control system. The number of ADD-A-LOT stations per MIH is adjustable; up to 8 stations can dose simultaneously into a single mixing container. Screw geometry is selected based on bulk material characteristics. An outlet pneumatic butterfly valve or slide valve prevents inflight of material. Additional mechanical and pneumatic discharge aids can be fitted to assist complete emptying.

Typical discharge aids and emptying support

• Standard discharge aids to prevent bridging and ensure full emptying of hoppers, IBCs or big bags.
• Pneumatic hammer is commonly used; vibrators and other mechanical aids are also possible.
• Selection of discharge aids depends on product properties and process requirements.

Weighing principles

• Additive weight recording: The receiving (premix) container is weighed while dosing into it. All dosing hardware is kept mechanically isolated from the weighed premix container to avoid measurement influence. The connection between discharge station and premix container is achieved via aspiration and a fixed container lid. Advantage: fewer weighing devices required to dose multiple components.
• Subtractive weight recording: Weight changes of the storage containers are recorded via load cells installed in the discharge station frame. This enables simultaneous dosing of several components into the same container and allows a mechanical connection between discharge station and premix container. Each premix container has an individual lid and a bellows at the outlet provides the mechanical seal.

Representative system components / examples

• Discharge station for dosing bulk materials from exchangeable hoppers, IBCs and big bags.
• Liquid scale for premixing multiple liquids (example: premixing up to 6 liquids).
• Intelligent coupling station for connection of multiple conveying lines with display and RFID verification (example: connection of 20 conveying lines).

Technical specifications

• Brand: Coperion
• Product: Automated dosing discharge station for bulk materials (ADD-A-LOT)
• Model / Denomination: ADD-A-LOT
• Application: Discharge and dosing of bulk materials in MIH systems
• Number of dosing stations per MIH: adjustable; up to 8 stations can dose simultaneously into one mixing container
• Dosing control: weighing control system
• Weighing modes: additive weight recording (weighing receiving container) and subtractive weight recording (weighing storage containers via load cells)
• Outlet valves: pneumatic butterfly valve or slide valve to prevent inflight
• Discharge aids: pneumatic hammer (standard), vibrators and other mechanical/pneumatic aids
• Screw geometry: selected according to bulk material
• Container compatibility: exchangeable hopper, IBC, big bag and premix containers with individual lids
• Coupling options: intelligent coupling stations for multiple conveying lines (with display and RFID)
• Simultaneous liquid premixing example: liquid scale for premixing up to 6 liquids (system option)