Photo of the Week: Ball and Tube Knocking System

This article was co-authored by:

Jenny Seim
Technical Writer

Shane Le Capitaine
Thermal Processing Expert

This week’s photo highlights a ball and tube knocking system.

Knocking systems are often implemented to combat build-up inside of a rotary dryer. The systems are usually externally fitted on the inlet end of the dryer, where the incoming material is most wet and sticky. As the name suggests, knocking systems “knock” off any material build-up, which is often caused by the material sticking to itself or to the drum’s interior.

While FEECO manufactures three different knocking systems, ball and tube knockers are the most favored, because they use less moving parts, which translates into less maintenance. This type of knocking system is also self-contained and highly effective for many material applications. Here’s how ball and tube knockers work:

    • Tubes, which hold solid balls, are attached to drum’s exterior.
    • As the drum rotates, the tubes drop the balls onto the drum via gravity.
    • A wear plate protects the shell from the physical “knocks,” while still allowing for the material to be knocked off of the drum’s interior.

Build-up is an all too common challenge in industrial drying, but knocking systems provide an effective solution. Knocking systems can be fitted to a new rotary dryer, or retrofitted onto an existing system.

Could a knocking system benefit your rotary drying operation? To find out, contact us today!

About the Authors . . .


Jenny Seim is a technical writer and service specialist.

More About Jenny

Shane Le Capitaine is a Process Sales Engineer and thermal processing and fertilizer production expert.

More About Shane