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This page explains how Material Hoppers / Lock Hoppers is classified within Basic Metal Manufacturing. Technical values and manufacturer relationships are research references; confirm the current specification and supplier evidence for each order.
Material hoppers and lock hoppers are specialized vessels that temporarily store bulk materials such as ore, coke, or pellets and facilitate their controlled discharge into the top charging system of industrial furnaces or reactors.
Technical details and manufacturing context for Material Hoppers / Lock Hoppers
| Parameter | Typical range | Notes & selection driver |
|---|---|---|
| Hopper Capacity | 1–10 m³ | Typical range for charging systems |
| Discharge Rate | 5–50 t/h | Adjustable via discharge gate |
| Operating Temperature | -20–200 °C | Higher temps require special seals |
| Material Grade | 304/316L | 316L for corrosive mediaASTM A240 |
| Wall Thickness | 6–12 mm | Based on pressure and abrasion |
| Discharge Valve Size | DN150–DN300 | Matches downstream equipmentISO 7005 |
| Hopper Weight | 500–3000 kg | Depends on size and material |
| Footprint | 1.5–4.0 m² | For typical hopper sizes |
| Surface Finish | Ra 0.8–1.6 µm | Smooth finish for flow aidISO 4287 |
| Electrical Rating | 24 ±10% V DC | For level sensors and actuators |
Ranges are indicative industry figures for RFQ preparation, not a supplier commitment. Confirm every value and standard with the legal manufacturer before ordering.
Commonly used trade names and technical identifiers for Material Hoppers / Lock Hoppers.
This component is essential for the following industrial systems and equipment:
| pressure: | Atmospheric to 1.5 bar (standard), up to 10 bar for pressurized lock hoppers |
| flow rate: | 0.5 to 500 m³/h depending on discharge mechanism and material properties |
| temperature: | -20°C to 150°C (standard), up to 400°C with special linings |
| slurry concentration: | Up to 70% solids by weight for slurry applications |
Indicative industry ranges for design and RFQ preparation. Confirm the exact figures and applicable standard with the manufacturer before specifying.
Quoted from the published standard.
Manufacturer profiles associated with Material Hoppers / Lock Hoppers.
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A practical evidence checklist for RFQ preparation and supplier evaluation.
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A material hopper is a simple storage vessel that allows controlled discharge of bulk materials. A lock hopper is a sealed vessel that can be pressurized or depressurized to match the system pressure, enabling material transfer without pressure loss in continuous processes. Lock hoppers are used where pressure integrity is critical.
Common materials include carbon steel, stainless steel (such as 304 or 316L), and abrasion-resistant steel. The choice depends on the abrasiveness, corrosiveness, and temperature of the bulk material. For corrosive media, 316L is often specified per ASTM A240.
Hopper capacity and discharge rate depend on the process requirements, such as the volume of material needed per batch and the desired feed rate. Typical ranges are 1–10 m³ for capacity and 5–50 t/h for discharge rate. These values must be confirmed with the manufacturer based on your specific application.
Operating pressure is typically 1.0–1.6 MPa, and sealing class is ISO 5208 Rate A for tight shut-off. Discharge valve size follows ISO 7005. These standards serve as verification references; always confirm compliance with the manufacturer.
Editorial classification, named public sources where available, and source-reviewed manufacturer records.
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