Day Bin vs Surge Hopper
The terms are often used interchangeably. In ENZAC's scope:
Day bin: A larger intermediate silo (typically 1–20 tonne) that holds one day or one shift's worth of material. Filled from the main silo overnight or during off-peak periods. Feeds the production line throughout the shift without requiring the main silo to be operated continuously.
Surge hopper: A smaller buffer vessel (typically 100–2,000L) positioned directly above a bagging machine, filling station, or conveyor. Provides a constant head of material and absorbs short-term flow variation from upstream feed equipment.
Design Considerations
Residence time: If material degrades, segregates, or absorbs moisture during storage, minimise hopper volume and ensure FIFO (first-in, first-out) flow by using mass-flow cone geometry.
Level control: High-level and low-level probes trigger feed-in (from silo) and feed-out (to downstream) automatically. Ultrasonic or radar non-contact sensors preferred for fine powders that coat conventional probes.
Aeration: Cohesive materials may need aeration pads in the cone section to ensure reliable gravity discharge — particularly for fatty acid powders, calcium carbonate, and similar materials.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|
| Capacity | 100L – 20,000L (design specific) |
| Bottom type | Cone (60° half-angle for mass flow) or flat |
| Shell material | Mild steel (epoxy lined), SS304, SS316 |
| Level sensing | High/low ultrasonic, radar, vibrating paddle, or capacitance |
| Discharge | Gravity to rotary valve, screw feeder, vibratory feeder, or direct to machine |
| Aeration | Sintered HDPE aeration pads with solenoid valve — optional |
| Dust venting | Bag filter vent on fill inlet |
| Access | Manway, inspection port, cleanout |
Industries & Applications
System integration
ENZAC supplies this equipment as part of complete systems — not standalone. Tell us your full process requirement and we will specify the right system around it.
