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Highest-precision dosing hoppers now available as standalone units

Sobatech has expanded its dosing technology portfolio with the introduction of standalone gravimetric dosing hoppers. Previously integrated within complete Sobatech continuous mixing systems, these high-precision dosing units are now available as independent solutions for manufacturers looking to improve their continuous powder dosing processes. 

The standalone configuration allows companies to integrate Sobatech’s proven gravimetric dosing technology into existing production lines. Sobatech specializes in high-precision continuous dosing of powders, enabling manufacturers in industries such as food, chemicals, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics to upgrade their processes with extreme high accurate gravimetric dosing technology.

Various Sobatech flat-bottom gravimetric dosing hopper designs for precise powder feeding

Accurate gravimetric dosing for continuous powder feeding

How gravimetric dosing works

A gravimetric dosing hopper accurately controls the mass flow of powders by continuously measuring the weight loss of the hopper over time. Sobatech’s high-precision dosing hoppers combine gravimetric weighing technology with an optimized hopper design to ensure precise ingredient dosing and stable material flow. Together, these features enable reliable feeding performance in continuous powder dosing.

The dosing hoppers operate in gravimetric loss-in-weight mode, where digital load cells continuously measure the reduction in hopper weight. Based on these measurements, the control system automatically adjusts the screw speed to maintain the required dosing rate.

By measuring the actual mass flow instead of relying on volumetric displacement, the system ensures consistent dosing even when powder properties change during production.

Stable dosing control

Variations in powder properties can influence feeding performance. Gravimetric control maintains stable dosing by continuously correcting the feed rate based on real-time mass flow measurements.

The system automatically compensates for variations in:

  • bulk density
  • screw loading
  • material flow behaviour

As a result, manufacturers achieve highly accurate dosing during continuous production.

Hopper design advantages

Powder dosing systems often face challenges such as arching, ratholing and material compression. Sobatech’s flat-bottom hopper design was specifically developed to prevent these common powder flow issues. The dosing screws are positioned separately from the refill point, preventing the increased headload that normally compresses powders during refilling.

This design results in:

  • improved powder flow stability
  • reduced powder compressibility
  • consistent dosing during both loss-in-weight operation and refill cycles
Cross-section of Sobatech gravimetric dosing hopper showing flat-bottom design and powder feeding screw.

Open source software and stable weighing construction

Open source software

Sobatech developed its own open source software to operate its dosing systems and associated process equipment.

Unlike many conventional gravimetric feeders, Sobatech’s dosing hoppers do not rely on hidden programs. The system remains fully accessible, allowing operators and system integrators to monitor, adjust and optimize the dosing process.

This transparency allows operators to clearly understand how the dosing system operates and how adjustments influence the process.

Stable weighing system

To ensure accurate weighing, the dosing hopper is mounted on a robust U-frame construction that is isolated from surrounding structures using shock mounts. This mechanical separation prevents external forces and vibrations from affecting the weighing system.

By isolating the weighing structure from the rest of the installation, the system maintains stable and reliable mass flow measurements during continuous dosing.

Flexible integration across industries

Sobatech’s loss-in-weight dosing hoppers are available in different sizes to match the required dosing capacity and powder characteristics of the process. This ensures high-precision gravimetric dosing across a wide range of applications.

Typical applications include dosing of:

  • food ingredients and powders
  • plant-based proteins and alternative ingredients
  • cocoa and bakery premixes
  • pet food ingredients
  • pharmaceutical and nutraceutical powders
  • cosmetic powders and specialty chemicals

With standalone dosing hoppers, manufacturers can easily integrate Sobatech’s gravimetric dosing technology into existing production lines.

Download the technical overview to learn more about Sobatech’s high-precision gravimetric dosing technology.

High-precision gravimetric dosing hopper brochure
Download

Sizes & designs

Dosing hopper 12L
Food & non-food applications

Dosing hopper 12L

Dosing hopper 50L
Food & non-food applications

Dosing hopper 50L

Dosing hopper 100L
Food & non-food applications

Dosing hopper 100L

Dosing hopper 200-400L
Food & non-food applications

Dosing hopper 200-400L

Dosing hopper 800L
Food & non-food applications

Dosing hopper 800L

Dosing hopper 2000L
Food & non-food applications

Dosing hopper 2000L

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