Storeveyor - Efficient Bulk Storage & Product Feeding From Riley

Derby, UK - Production facilities, whether it is an assembly system or packaging line, operate most effectively when they have a consistent and timely supply of component parts or raw materials at all stages of the process. Riley Automation's new Storeveyor system enhances line efficiency by providing bulk storage of materials or components which are then released to the line as required in a controlled manner.

Hopper feed systems taken to a new level

Riley Automation has for many years produced traditional hopper feed systems which are used in conjunction with vibratory bowl feeders and other types of presentation system to provide a production buffer. The Storeveyor however, takes this principle to a new level in terms of both physical size and the volume of parts or material which can be stored.

The Storeveyor design comprises of a robust steel fabricated base frame arrangement which has a belt conveyor system mounted to the top horizontal surface of the frame. Mounted above the conveyor is a large stainless steel bulk hopper which can be primed with product either from above, or from the rear if required. An inverter drive on the conveyor system enables the speed and therefore the discharge rate of the system to be set as required for the product or components being processed at that time. The large volume of material or components which can be stored also reduces the frequency with which the system needs to be replenished, providing the additional benefit of freeing operators to perform other duties.

Wide application range

Examples of where this system has been successfully applied include a manufacturer of Fish Food. The finished product is packaged in plastic moulded tubs of three different sizes - 63mm Diameter, 83mm Diameter and 100 Diameter - which have to be correctly orientated before being fed to the filling line. The plastic tubs are bulk loaded to the Riley Automation Storeveyor, which for this application has a capacity of 2.3m3 and a conveyor discharge speed of up to 3.5 M/Min. The tubs are then discharged to a 1,100mm diameter vibratory bowl feeder. Level sensing within the bowl feeder is used to activate the Storeveyor thus providing additional components to the bowl on demand. The vibratory bowl feeder orientates the tubs and presents them via a short linear section to the in-feed conveyor on the filling line. The large capacity of the Storeveyor enables between 2520 and 4000 parts, depending upon diameter, to be held in the system at any time. The line filling speed of between 45-65 tubs per minute means that the Storeveyor has on average, capacity for 1.0 hour of production before replenishment is required.

Riley Automation has also successfully applied this concept to other applications including manufacturers of snack foods. In this particular application the system was used to hold large quantities of packets of crisps which were then discharged from the system at travel speeds of 10 M/Minute. The principles and concept of the Storeveyor are such that it can be applied to a multitude of applications across a wide range of industries.

Riley Automation material handling solutions are tailor made for each individual application and combine engineering excellence with innovative ideas and technology. All Storeveyor systems are precision manufactured from laser cut components ensuring a highly accurate and cost effective production method. Options are available for hopper capacity, conveyor type, conveyor speed and loading positions, thus providing the optimum solution for the product under consideration.

Riley Automation offers a complete range of systems for material handling and parts feeding applications including:

Linear Feeders
Vibratory Bowl Feeders
Centrifugal Feeders
Hopper Vibrators & Vibratory Tables
Hopper Elevators

With over 50 years experience in the design and manufacture of materials handling systems, Riley Automation continues to develop innovative solutions for a wide range of product handling and parts feeding applications.

SOURCE: Riley Automation Limited