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Controlled Material Feeding

Vibratory Feeder

A feeding machine that delivers bulk materials at a controlled, adjustable rate to crushers, mills, screens, and conveyors. Feed size 300-1,200mm with capacities of 80-1,500 t/h. Available in electromagnetic and electromechanical types for precise feed rate regulation.

300-1,200mmFeed Size
80-1,500 t/hCapacity
2 TypesEM/EMech
AdjustableFeed Rate

Product Overview

About the Vibratory Feeder

The vibratory feeder — also called a vibrating feeder — is a material handling device that provides controlled, uniform feeding of bulk materials from a storage hopper or stockpile to downstream processing equipment. In cement plants, it feeds limestone to crushers, coal to mills, clinker to cement mills, and raw meal to kilns — regulating the feed rate to match the capacity of the receiving equipment.

Proper feeding is critical in cement production. Overfeeding a crusher or mill causes blockages, motor overload, and equipment damage. Underfeeding wastes equipment capacity and reduces plant throughput. The vibratory feeder solves this by delivering a steady, adjustable flow of material — the feed rate can be precisely controlled from near-zero to full capacity, matching the downstream equipment's requirement at any given time.

LIMING vibratory feeders are available in two types — electromagnetic (for precise, stepless control of fine materials) and electromechanical (for heavy, coarse materials and large capacities). Both types use vibration to move material along a trough, with the vibration amplitude and frequency determining the feed rate. Robust construction with wear-resistant trough liners ensures reliable service in abrasive cement plant environments.

Types of Vibratory Feeders

Each type is suited to a specific material size, capacity, and control precision requirement.

Electromagnetic Feeder

Uses an electromagnet to generate high-frequency (3,000 v/min), low-amplitude vibration. Feed rate is controlled steplessly by adjusting voltage via an SCR controller — providing precise, instant control from 0-100%. Ideal for fine materials, accurate dosing, and applications requiring automated closed-loop feed rate regulation.

Electromechanical Feeder

Uses two counter-rotating motors with eccentric weights to generate lower-frequency (750-1,000 v/min), higher-amplitude vibration. More robust and capable of handling larger, heavier materials. Feed rate is adjusted by changing eccentric weight angle or using a VFD. Ideal for coarse feed (up to 1,200mm) and high capacities (up to 1,500 t/h).

Grizzly Vibratory Feeder

A combined feeder and screen — the trough front section has grizzly bars that allow fines to pass through while oversize material is fed to the crusher. This pre-screens material, reducing crusher load and improving plant efficiency. Common after primary crushers and before secondary crushing stages in limestone circuits.

Key Benefits

Advantages of LIMING Vibratory Feeder

Engineered for precise feed control, reliable operation, and protection of downstream equipment.

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Precise Feed Rate Control

Electromagnetic feeders offer stepless control from 0-100% capacity via voltage adjustment — enabling precise matching of feed rate to downstream equipment needs. Automated control systems can integrate feed rate with crusher/mill load signals for closed-loop regulation, optimizing plant performance.

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Protects Downstream Equipment

By regulating feed rate, the vibratory feeder prevents overloading of crushers, mills, and screens — reducing blockages, motor overload trips, and equipment damage. Grizzly models pre-screen fines, reducing crusher throughput and wear. This extends equipment life and reduces unplanned downtime.

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Handles Heavy & Abrasive Materials

Electromechanical models handle feed sizes up to 1,200mm and capacities up to 1,500 t/h — feeding large limestone blocks to primary crushers. Wear-resistant trough liners (manganese steel or Hardox) withstand abrasive cement raw materials for long service life with minimal maintenance.

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Handles Wet & Sticky Materials

The continuous vibration prevents material from adhering to the trough surface and promotes flow — making vibratory feeders effective for wet, sticky, or cohesive materials that would block other feeder types. Stainless steel or PTFE-lined troughs are available for extremely sticky materials.

Vibratory Feeder Specifications

Representative models. Custom trough sizes and liner options available for your specific application.

Model Type Trough Size (mm) Max Feed Size (mm) Capacity (t/h) Motor Power (kW) Frequency (v/min)
VF-0930Electromagnetic900 × 3,00030080-1500.53,000
VF-1240Electromagnetic1,200 × 4,000400150-3001.13,000
VF-1550Electromechanical1,500 × 5,000500200-4002 × 1.5960
VF-1850Electromechanical1,800 × 5,000600300-6002 × 2.2960
VF-2060Electromechanical2,000 × 6,000800500-9002 × 3.7960
VF-2460Electromechanical2,400 × 6,0001,000700-1,1002 × 5.5960
VF-3070Electromechanical3,000 × 7,0001,200900-1,5002 × 7.5960
GVF-1850Grizzly1,800 × 5,000600300-6002 × 2.2960
GVF-2460Grizzly2,400 × 6,0001,000500-1,0002 × 5.5960

* Specifications are for reference only. Actual capacity depends on material type, bulk density, moisture, and trough inclination. Custom trough sizes and liner materials available — contact LIMING for sizing.

How It Works

Working Principle of Vibratory Feeder

The vibratory feeder moves material along a trough using controlled vibration. The vibration is generated by either an electromagnet (high frequency, low amplitude) or eccentric motors (lower frequency, higher amplitude). Each vibration cycle throws material forward a small distance — the cumulative effect moves material along the trough at a controlled rate.

  1. Material loading: Bulk material is loaded onto the feeder trough from a storage hopper, bin, or stockpile above. The hopper's gate or the feeder's position controls the initial material depth on the trough. The trough is typically inclined slightly downward (5-10°) to assist material flow.
  2. Vibration generation: The drive system — electromagnet or eccentric motors — generates a directional vibration force at an angle to the trough surface (typically 20-30°). This force has two components: a vertical component that lifts material off the trough surface, and a horizontal component that propels material forward.
  3. Material transport: Each vibration cycle lifts and moves material forward by a small distance (the "throw"). At high frequency (electromagnetic, 3,000 v/min), the throws are small and frequent — producing smooth, precise feeding. At lower frequency (electromechanical, 750-1,000 v/min), the throws are larger — moving heavier, coarser material more effectively.
  4. Feed rate control: The feed rate is determined by vibration amplitude and frequency. For electromagnetic feeders, adjusting the voltage (via SCR controller) changes the electromagnet power and thus amplitude — providing stepless control from 0 to 100% capacity. For electromechanical feeders, adjusting the eccentric weight angle or using a VFD controls amplitude and frequency.
  5. Material discharge: Material travels along the trough and discharges at the lower end into the receiving equipment — crusher, mill, screen, or conveyor. The discharge rate matches the feed rate, providing a continuous, regulated flow. The feeder can be started, stopped, or rate-adjusted instantly — making it ideal for automated process control.
  6. Grizzly pre-screening (optional): In grizzly feeder models, the front section of the trough has spaced bars (grizzly deck) instead of a solid plate. Fine material falls through the gaps and bypasses the crusher, while oversize material continues along the trough to the crusher. This pre-screening reduces crusher load and improves overall plant efficiency.

Vibratory Feeder FAQ

What is a vibratory feeder used for in a cement plant?
A vibratory feeder is used in cement plants to provide controlled, uniform feeding of bulk materials — limestone, coal, clinker, gypsum, or additives — to crushers, mills, screens, conveyors, and other processing equipment. It regulates the feed rate to match downstream equipment capacity, preventing overload (which causes blockages and damage) and underload (which wastes equipment capacity). The feeder also screens out fines from the feed stream in grizzly configurations.
What is the difference between electromagnetic and electromechanical vibratory feeders?
An electromagnetic vibratory feeder uses an electromagnet to generate vibration at high frequency (3,000 vibrations/min) with small amplitude. It offers precise, stepless feed rate control via voltage adjustment — ideal for fine materials and applications requiring accurate dosing. An electromechanical vibratory feeder uses two counter-rotating motors with eccentric weights to generate lower-frequency (750-1,000 vibrations/min), higher-amplitude vibration — better for coarse, heavy materials and large capacities. It is more robust but less precise in feed rate control.
Can a vibratory feeder handle wet or sticky materials?
Yes. Vibratory feeders are well-suited for wet and sticky materials. The continuous vibration prevents material from adhering to the trough surface and promotes flow. For very sticky materials, stainless steel troughs with PTFE lining or heated troughs can be used. The vibration action also helps de-aerate and compact material for more consistent feeding. However, extremely sticky materials may require additional flow aids such as air blasters or vibratory hopper walls.
How is the feed rate of a vibratory feeder controlled?
Feed rate is controlled by adjusting the vibration amplitude and frequency. For electromagnetic feeders, this is done via a variable voltage controller (SCR) that adjusts the electromagnet power — providing stepless, precise control from 0 to 100% capacity. For electromechanical feeders, the amplitude is adjusted by changing the eccentric weight angle on the motors, and frequency control is achieved with a variable frequency drive (VFD). Automated control systems can integrate feed rate with downstream equipment signals for closed-loop regulation.

Need a Vibratory Feeder for Your Plant?

Tell us your material type, feed size, and required capacity. Our engineers will recommend the optimal feeder type and configuration — quotation within 24 hours.

WhatsApp: +86 153 3380 7511 [email protected]
WhatsApp: +86 153 3380 7511 [email protected]