The coating drum continues to gain traction as a way to meet specialized product requirements in industries working with granular bulk solids; through the addition of a coating drum to an existing production line, producers can improve their ability to control handling characteristics, product performance, and even modify the chemical composition or formulation of a material.
As such, the coating drum is quickly becoming an essential tool in the production of catalysts, chemicals, and especially fertilizers and soil amendment products. And while coating drum technology is not new, many producers struggle to know what to look for in selecting a suitable supplier for their specific coating application.
What follows are five essential factors to consider in selecting a coating drum manufacturer.
Coating Drum Process Development Capabilities
A coating drum is often straightforward in operation and often does not require extensive development work to obtain an effective machine. However, when efficiency, product quality, or specific processing conditions are a priority, process development capabilities are critical to the success of a project.
This is often the case when working with a costly coating material, producing a product where expert application and uniformity are key to product performance, or when a specific retention time is needed to achieve a reaction or bond between the coating and its substrate. Testing is especially valuable when the producer knows the result they are looking for, but not the process parameters they need to reach those results.
In settings like these, facilities like the FEECO Innovation Center, where coating drum design can be tested and refined, are essential.
Here, producers can not only confirm feasibility of the intended process, but also have the opportunity to work out and fine-tune process variables in order to consistently produce a product to exacting specifications. Through testing, producers can identify and hone-in on key process parameters such as:
- Spray nozzle type, location, and angle
- Material and coating temperature
- Drum speed and slope
- Retention time
- Material and coating feed rate
- Material bed action
Coating drum testing in the FEECO Innovation Center
Opportunity for Custom Coating Drum Design
Similarly, depending on the project requirements, a high level of customization in the design may be necessary. This is typical in coating roofing granules, as the effectiveness and longevity of asphalt shingles depends significantly on granules being consistently coated to specification.
Producers looking to purchase a coating drum should be aware that not all coating drum manufacturers can provide a customized solution; many offer standardized units and select the closest fit for a given application.
This approach is not always a problem, but when producers want to optimize their coating drum for efficiency and performance, a custom solution is a must.
Various aspects of a coating drum and its surrounding process can be manipulated to consistently achieve specific results. This might include the use of the following:
- Drum liner
- Tumbling/Agitation flights
- Advancing flights
- Dams
The design of the spray system also has a significant impact on coating effectiveness and uniformity and is therefore a very customized aspect of the overall design.
Proven Experience
As with any capital investment, buying from a reputable supplier can save significant headaches and expense in the long run. Look for suppliers that can provide proof of their past successes through project profiles, testimonials, and references.
Further, look for a supplier that can advise not just on coating drum design, but also on system integration and other important aspects of the project to minimize friction as well.
Parts & Service Support
Select a supplier with a robust parts and service program for post-sale support. This might include assistance with start-up and commissioning, provision of spare parts, routine maintenance, annual inspections, and process audits.
The ability to provide process support and testing are also valuable in the event that process or material conditions change, leading the system to perform poorly or at a lower-than-rated capacity.
While there are many rotary drum service companies on the market, support from the OEM typically offers the best solution, particularly when dealing with a customized drum, as they know the equipment best.
High Quality Standards
A coating drum represents a significant investment, so it’s important that the coating drum is built for longevity (not all rotary drums are). Several factors can affect the quality and life of a coating drum, including materials of construction, welding techniques, fabrication practices, and more.
Select a manufacturer with stringent and proven quality standards at every step in the engineering and production process. In addition to documentation on quality control procedures, project profiles and references are helpful here as well.
Conclusion
As more producers look to incorporate coating drums into their production lines, identifying a manufacturer that can provide testing and development services, a custom solution (where needed), parts and service support, as well as proven, high-quality results that stand the test of time, is essential.
FEECO coating drums not only offer a coating solution optimized for efficiency and performance, but have a proven track record in reliability and longevity as a result of their superior quality. Our testing facility gives producers the confidence they need to invest in a commercial-scale coating drum, and our Customer Service Team provides the support needed to keep coating drums performing in top condition. For more information on our coating drums and related services, contact us today!