Gravimetric vibratory feeders

Gravimetric vibratory feeders DVC

Q: Why a vibratory feeder rather than a screw feeder?

A vibratory feeder has no rotating mechanical parts, so the material is exposed to neither shearing nor abrasion by a screw. That is the decisive advantage with friable products such as flakes, fibres and pellets, and with highly abrasive ones such as glass-fibre filled granules, which would wear a screw out. The wide turndown range, up to 1:100, also allows work at very low rates, and the absence of wearing parts means operation that is all but maintenance-free.

Q: How do I choose between the DVC45, DVC60 and DVC200?

The primary criteria are the rate required and the batch size. The DVC45 (up to 450 l/h, hopper 15–30 l) suits micro-ingredients and low rates. The DVC60 (up to 1000 l/h, hopper 45–90 l) is the versatile model for most production lines. The DVC200 (up to 5000 l/h, hopper 100–300 l, measurement on two OIML C3 IP68 load cells) handles main recipe ingredients and high throughputs. In making the selection we also take account of the bulk density of the material, the refill frequency and the space available — we help with the choice on the basis of the questionnaire or of trials.

Q: Which materials can be fed with a DVC?

DVC feeders work best with free flowing materials and granules — including friable products such as breakfast cereals and instant coffee, abrasive ones such as glass-fibre filled granules and sand, and delicate ones such as pellets, seeds and tablets. Strongly cohesive materials and fine, dusting powders are better fed with a DSL G screw feeder with an agitator. Where there is any doubt we run feeding trials on a sample of the customer's material.

Q: Can a DVC work in both continuous and batch mode?

Yes — DVC feeders support both. In continuous mode they hold a steady mass flow under PID control, with accuracy below ±0.5% of setpoint (FLEX 2100, ALPHA and Siwarex WP361 systems). In batch mode they meter a set mass and stop automatically — the immediate cut-off once the vibration stops removes any carry-over (1020/SGM800, FLEX 2100, ALPHA and Siwarex WP351 systems). Accuracy in batch mode depends on the load cell range and the batch size — typically ±0.1–0.5% for batches above 1 kg. Switching between modes is done in software.

Q: What is cleaning and product changeover like?

The modular construction makes it easy to remove the parts in contact with the material; a version that dismantles without tools is available to order. With no screw and no agitator there is less surface to clean than in a screw feeder — changeover is quicker and the risk of cross-contamination lower. The optional hygienic build includes continuous welds inside and out and surfaces ground to Ra<0.8 μm.

Q: How does automatic hopper refilling work?

When the level in the hopper drops below the set minimum, the system starts refilling automatically, without interrupting the feed. During filling the feeder runs volumetrically at the last recorded amplitude, and returns to full gravimetric mode once the hopper is full. The hopper lid carries spigots for filling and venting, which allows pneumatic conveying, a rotary valve or manual filling through a grid to be connected.

Q: Can a DVC feeder form part of a larger system?

Yes — a DVC works on its own or as part of an installation: on multi-ingredient blending lines alongside DSL G screw feeders and belt weighfeeders, in packing systems, and as a feeder into mixers, extruders or pneumatic conveying. Communication over EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP/IP, PROFIBUS or PROFINET allows the feeder to be integrated with a higher-level control system and with recipe automation.

Precise loss-in-weight feeding of friable and abrasive materials and granules — with no rotating parts whatever in the product zone. Three models: DVC45, DVC60 and DVC200, with throughputs up to 5000 l/h.

Compare the models Data sheets

feeding accuracy ±0,5% turndown ratio up to 1:100 no moving parts in the product zone builds compliant with ATEX, HACCP and GMP

What vibratory feeders are

Gentle feeding with no moving parts

Gravimetric DVC vibratory feeders, also called vibrating feeders, work on the loss-in-weight principle and deliver free flowing bulk solids — granules, flakes and pellets — quickly and accurately. Material travels along an electromagnetically driven vibrating trough, with no screw and no agitator. Friable material is neither crushed nor abraded, and stopping the vibration cuts off the flow at once, with no carry-over into the equipment below. The DVC family comes in three sizes — DVC45, DVC60 and DVC200 — covering throughputs from 0.1 to about 5000 kg/h.

DVC45

Compact precision

The smallest model, for low rates — laboratories, additives, micro-ingredients. A 15 or 30 l hopper and a light structure for fitting into existing lines.

up to 450 l/h hopper 15–30 l

See the details

DVC60

The versatile standard

The model chosen most often for continuous and batch feeding on production lines. A 45 or 90 l hopper and a rigid stainless steel frame.

up to 1000 l/h hopper 45–90 l

See the details

DVC200

Industrial throughput

The largest model in the family — measurement on two OIML C3 IP68 load cells, hoppers of 100–300 l and throughput up to 5000 l/h, with delivery as gentle as ever.

up to 5000 l/h hopper 100–300 l

See the details

DVC45 vibratory feeder

Compact precision

DVC45 gravimetric vibratory feeder with a conical hopper — DVC45 — conical hopper of 15/30 l, weighing on a C3 load cell

The DVC45 is the smallest model in the family, intended for low rates and the feeding of micro-ingredients. The hopper is conical, which assures uniform emptying, and the electromagnetic drive with feedback allows operation close to the resonant frequency. The modular construction makes dismantling for cleaning easy; the lid carries spigots for filling and venting.

Key DVC45 specifications

Accuracy±0.5% of setpoint
Volumetric throughputup to 450 l/h
Hopper (conical)15 or 30 l
Measuring system1 load cell, class C3, IP66 (IP68 optional)
Driveelectromagnetic, 230 V AC, 50 Hz
Total weight28 kg (15 l) / 32 kg (30 l)
Operating temperature0–50°C
Materialssteel 1.4301 (AISI 304) or 1.4404 (AISI 316L)

Downloads

DVC45 data sheet (PDF)

DVC60 vibratory feeder

The versatile standard

The DVC60 is the versatile model for continuous and batch feeding on production lines. A larger hopper, of 45 or 90 l, and a more powerful electromagnetic drive take the throughput to 1000 l/h while holding the same ±0.5% accuracy. Every part in contact with the product is stainless steel, and the optional hygienic build — continuous welds, surfaces ground to Ra<0.8 μm — meets the requirements of the food and pharmaceutical industries.

Key DVC60 specifications

Accuracy±0.5% of setpoint
Volumetric throughputup to 1000 l/h
Hopper (conical)45 or 90 l
Measuring system1 load cell, class C3, IP66 (IP68 optional)
Driveelectromagnetic, 230 V AC, 50 Hz
Total weight87 kg (45 l) / 97 kg (90 l)
Operating temperature0–50°C
Materialssteel 1.4301 (AISI 304) or 1.4404 (AISI 316L)

Downloads

DVC60 data sheet (PDF)

DVC60 gravimetric vibratory feeder in a stainless steel frame — DVC60 — stainless steel frame, hopper of 45/90 l

DVC200 vibratory feeder

Industrial throughput

DVC200 gravimetric vibratory feeder with a control panel — DVC200 — hopper of 100–300 l, measurement on two OIML C3 IP68 load cells

The DVC200 extends the DVC family into industrial throughputs — up to 5000 l/h. The conical hopper enforces mass flow and uniform emptying, and feeding runs in a loss-in-weight loop with measurement on two OIML C3 load cells (stainless steel, IP68). The signal from the weighing system corrects the vibration amplitude continuously, compensating for changes in bulk density and flowability — the feed characteristic stays linear and repeatable across the whole 1:50 turndown range, with minimal pulsation of the discharge.

Key DVC200 specifications

Accuracy<0.5% of setpoint
Volumetric throughputup to 5000 l/h
Turndown ratio1:50
Hopper (conical)100, 200 or 300 l
Measuring system2 OIML C3 load cells, stainless steel, IP68
Driveelectromagnetic, with amplitude feedback
Operating / material temperature0–45°C / 0–60°C
Materialssteel 1.4301 (AISI 304) or 1.4404 (AISI 316L)

Downloads

DVC200 data sheet (PDF)

DVC45 vs DVC60 vs DVC200

Which model should you choose?

In short: the DVC45 up to 450 l/h, the DVC60 up to 1000 l/h, the DVC200 up to 5000 l/h. We match the size of the feeder to the rate required, the batch size and the space available. All three models share the same operating principle and the same control system.

Parameter	DVC45 compact	DVC60 versatile	DVC200 high throughputs
Volumetric throughput	up to 450 l/h	up to 1000 l/h	up to 5000 l/h
Hopper capacity	15 / 30 l	45 / 90 l	100 / 200 / 300 l
Accuracy (continuous)	±0,5%	±0,5%	<0.5%
Measuring system	1 C3 load cell, IP66	1 C3 load cell, IP66	2 OIML C3 load cells, IP68
Total weight	28–32 kg	87–97 kg	per hopper configuration
Operating temperature	0–50°C	0–50°C	0–45°C (material up to 60°C)
Typical application	Micro-ingredients, laboratories, additives	Production lines, continuous and batch feeding	High rates, main recipe ingredients
Shared features	Electromagnetic drive with feedback · AISI 304/316L steel · modular construction · options: hygienic build, Ex (ATEX), cartridge filter, grid and feed hopper · communication over EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP/IP, PROFIBUS, PROFINET

Loss-in-weight

Principle of operation — feeding in a loss-in-weight loop

The whole feeding assembly — the conical hopper with its material and the vibrating trough with its drive — rests on load cells and is joined to the filling point and the discharge pipework by flexible connections, which removes the influence of external forces on the measurement. The system measures the loss in weight over time and derives the actual mass flow from it. A PID controller compares that with the setpoint and corrects the vibration amplitude of the electromagnetic drive — the feed characteristic stays linear across the whole throughput range.

When the level in the hopper falls below the minimum, refilling starts automatically without interrupting the feed — the feeder changes briefly to volumetric mode at the last recorded amplitude, and returns to full gravimetric mode once the hopper is full. Switching off the vibration stops the flow of material at once, which gives a fast, clean cut-off of the batch in batch feeding.

Choosing the technology

When a vibratory feeder rather than a screw feeder?

We choose a vibratory feeder where the material has to travel without touching rotating parts — with friable products such as flakes, fibres and pellets, and with strongly abrasive ones such as glass-fibre filled granules. The DSL G screw feeder copes better with fine, cohesive powders and offers a wider throughput range. The choice is decided above all by the physical properties of the material — where there is any doubt we run feeding trials on a sample of your product.

Criterion	Vibratory (DVC)	Screw (DSL G)
Feeding principle	Electromagnetic drive — vibration	Rotating screw / spiral
Moving parts	None — gentle transport, no wear	Screw plus agitator
Best suited to	Friable and abrasive materials, granules, flakes, fibres	Powders, fine and coarse, and cohesive materials
Throughput range	0.1 – about 5000 kg/h	0.5 – 30,000 kg/h
Turndown ratio	up to 1:100	1:10
Cut-off of flow	Immediate — stop the vibration, stop the material	Residual discharge from the screw is possible
Accuracy (LIW, continuous)	<±0.5% of setpoint	<±0.5% of setpoint
Cleaning	Modular construction, optional tool-free dismantling	Screw and agitator have to be removed

Industries and applications

Applications in key industries

🍞 Food industry

Gentle feeding of breakfast cereals, nuts, dried fruit and mixed dried fruit, instant coffee and food additives. The absence of moving parts keeps the structure of friable products intact, and the stainless steel construction meets HACCP requirements.

💊 Pharmaceutical industry

Precise delivery of pharmaceutical granules, pellets and products that damage easily — uncoated tablets among them. The hygienic build, with welds ground to Ra<0.8 μm, and the option of quick dismantling for cleaning allow work in compliance with GMP.

Vibratory feeding in the chemical and plastics industries

⚗️ Chemicals and plastics

Feeding abrasive materials, glass fibres, chemical granules, regrind and products of irregular particle shape — into extruders and continuous mixers among other things. The absence of moving parts removes wear on the feeding elements; Ex versions are available for explosive atmospheres.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Why a vibratory feeder rather than a screw feeder?

A vibratory feeder has no rotating mechanical parts, so the material is exposed to neither shearing nor abrasion by a screw. That is the decisive advantage with friable products such as flakes, fibres and pellets, and with highly abrasive ones such as glass-fibre filled granules, which would wear a screw out. The wide turndown range, up to 1:100, also allows work at very low rates, and the absence of wearing parts means operation that is all but maintenance-free.

How do I choose between the DVC45, DVC60 and DVC200?

The primary criteria are the rate required and the batch size. The DVC45 (up to 450 l/h, hopper 15–30 l) suits micro-ingredients and low rates. The DVC60 (up to 1000 l/h, hopper 45–90 l) is the versatile model for most production lines. The DVC200 (up to 5000 l/h, hopper 100–300 l, measurement on two OIML C3 IP68 load cells) handles main recipe ingredients and high throughputs. In making the selection we also take account of the bulk density of the material, the refill frequency and the space available — we help with the choice on the basis of the questionnaire or of trials.

Which materials can be fed with a DVC?

DVC feeders work best with free flowing materials and granules — including friable products such as breakfast cereals and instant coffee, abrasive ones such as glass-fibre filled granules and sand, and delicate ones such as pellets, seeds and tablets. Strongly cohesive materials and fine, dusting powders are better fed with a DSL G screw feeder with an agitator. Where there is any doubt we run feeding trials on a sample of the customer’s material.

Can a DVC work in both continuous and batch mode?

Yes — DVC feeders support both. In continuous mode they hold a steady mass flow under PID control, with accuracy below ±0.5% of setpoint (FLEX 2100, ALPHA and Siwarex WP361 systems). In batch mode they meter a set mass and stop automatically — the immediate cut-off once the vibration stops removes any carry-over (1020/SGM800, FLEX 2100, ALPHA and Siwarex WP351 systems). Accuracy in batch mode depends on the load cell range and the batch size — typically ±0.1–0.5% for batches above 1 kg. Switching between modes is done in software.

What is cleaning and product changeover like?

The modular construction makes it easy to remove the parts in contact with the material; a version that dismantles without tools is available to order. With no screw and no agitator there is less surface to clean than in a screw feeder — changeover is quicker and the risk of cross-contamination lower. The optional hygienic build includes continuous welds inside and out and surfaces ground to Ra<0.8 μm.

How does automatic hopper refilling work?

When the level in the hopper drops below the set minimum, the system starts refilling automatically, without interrupting the feed. During filling the feeder runs volumetrically at the last recorded amplitude, and returns to full gravimetric mode once the hopper is full. The hopper lid carries spigots for filling and venting, which allows pneumatic conveying, a rotary valve or manual filling through a grid to be connected.

Can a DVC feeder form part of a larger system?

Yes — a DVC works on its own or as part of an installation: on multi-ingredient blending lines alongside DSL G screw feeders and belt weighfeeders, in packing systems, and as a feeder into mixers, extruders or pneumatic conveying. Communication over EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP/IP, PROFIBUS or PROFINET allows the feeder to be integrated with a higher-level control system and with recipe automation.

Why InterProcess

Why choose our solutions?

In-house manufacture

We design and build DVC feeders in our own works.

Feeding trials

We will test your material on a real feeder before you buy.

A complete feeder range

Vibratory, gravimetric and volumetric screw, and belt weighfeeders.

Multi-ingredient systems

We design complete recipe feeding lines.

Safety and hygiene

Systems compliant with ATEX, HACCP and GMP.

Technical support and service

With a fast response, 24/7 if required.

Need a vibratory feeder?

Get in touch and our engineers will help you choose the right model — DVC45, DVC60 or DVC200 — matched to the properties of your material and the demands of your process. We also offer feeding trials on a sample of your product.

Get in touch Selection questionnaire (PDF)