INDUSTRY COMPONENT

Agitator/Paddle

Industrial agitator paddle for ingredient feed hoppers ensuring uniform material flow and preventing bridging.

Component Specifications

Definition
A mechanical component installed within ingredient feed hoppers that rotates to mix, blend, and facilitate the discharge of bulk materials. It prevents material segregation, compaction, and bridging by continuously agitating contents, ensuring consistent feed rates to downstream processes in food manufacturing.
Working Principle
Rotational motion driven by an external motor transmits torque to the paddle blades, which create shear forces and convective mixing within the hopper. This disrupts static material layers, breaks up clumps, and maintains homogeneous material properties for reliable feeding.
Materials
Food-grade stainless steel (AISI 304 or 316), FDA-compliant polymers (e.g., UHMW-PE), or coated carbon steel. Surface finish: Ra ≤ 0.8 μm for hygiene.
Technical Parameters
  • Diameter 200-800 mm
  • Blade Count 2-4
  • Mounting Type Shaft-mounted
  • Rotation Speed 10-60 RPM
  • Power Requirement 0.5-5 kW
Standards
ISO 14159, DIN 11850

Industry Taxonomies & Aliases

Commonly used trade names and technical identifiers for Agitator/Paddle.

Parent Products

This component is used in the following industrial products

Engineering Analysis

Risks & Mitigation
  • Material contamination from wear debris
  • Motor overload due to jammed blades
  • Inconsistent mixing leading to process variability
FMEA Triads
Trigger: Blade wear or corrosion
Failure: Reduced mixing efficiency and material contamination
Mitigation: Regular inspection and use of wear-resistant coatings
Trigger: Improper speed setting
Failure: Material degradation or insufficient agitation
Mitigation: Calibrate RPM based on material properties and hopper design

Industrial Ecosystem

Compatible With

Interchangeable Parts

Compliance & Inspection

Tolerance
±2% on rotational speed, dimensional tolerance per ISO 2768-m
Test Method
In-line torque monitoring, material flow rate verification, hygiene swab testing

Procurement Evaluation Criteria

Not customer reviews or live demand data. These dimensions support RFQ preparation and supplier evaluation.

Technical documentation
4/5
Manufacturing capability
4/5
Inspection readiness
5/5
Supplier transparency
3/5

These scores are example evaluation dimensions, not real customer ratings, country-specific buyer feedback, or live inquiry activity.

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Inlet Flange
Inlet flange for starch hydrocyclone separation cone, connecting feed pipeline to separation chamber.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary function of an agitator paddle in a feed hopper?

To prevent material bridging and ensure uniform discharge by continuously mixing contents.

How do I select the right agitator paddle material?

Choose based on material compatibility, hygiene requirements (e.g., stainless steel for food), and corrosion resistance.

Can I contact factories directly?

Yes, each factory profile provides direct contact information.

Data Basis

CNFX manufacturer profiles, technical classification, publicly available product information, and ongoing plausibility checks.

Preliminary Technical Classification
This page supports structured research, RFQ preparation, and supplier evaluation. It does not replace buyer-led supplier qualification, standards review, or technical approval.

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