We Came from Bins

The vibratory technology related to discharging bulk solids from storage is well known to Kinergy. Our engineers were among the first to undertake the challenges to find answers to the peculiar abstracts encountered in trying to get obstinate bulk solids to flow from Bins, Silos, and Piles. This concerted effort gradually revealed a different premise of engineering logic. In time, it became the spawning source for the many fresh vibratory theories introduced by the Kinergy Engineers over the years. By consistently reducing this unfolding technology to practice, the other vibratory machines that emerged from this different kind of thinking were inherently brought into being.

Apparently no other Vibratory Engineering Team grew from this same seed.

That may be because it all started in 1962 with the introduction of the Bin Activator used for Discharging Bins and Silos. At that time, getting Bins to flow was critically needed. Their inquisitive effort to discharge Bins and Silos ushered in the concept of “Induced Vertical Flow”, which naturally involved “Densifying”. In 1963, the winning defense of a Bin Activator legally accused of being very destructive inspired the formulation in 1964 of the “Drive vs. Load” analysis of any vibratory machine. A year later in 1965, this new academic led to the development of a sub-resonant tuned, Electro-Mechanical type of Vibrating Feeder that had a simple method of electrical control. It also marked the first time an A.C. Squirrel Cage motor turning relatively small eccentric weights could be electrically varied in speed (RPM) without overheating. This gave the Feeder a full range of adjustable outputs which was from essentially zero to the maximum TPH capacity. After observing the attributes of these Feeders installed under Bins, Silos, Piles, and Dump Hoppers, such as the minimal power required, it was finally realized in 1978 that a unique, full range, Electrically Controlled Vibratory Drive had been invented and not just a Feeder. Further, it could be adapted to each of the other “Induced Conveying” types of vibratory machines. Even though it was a very extensive undertaking, Vibrating Feeders, Conveyors, Screens, Heat Transferring units, and the like are now available with the Kinergy Drive’s Operating Versatility, the inherent load abuse capability, and a high degree of Energy Efficiency.

Over the past 50 years, the Engineering people who innately became students of this slowly unfolding knowledge never strayed from their pursuit of these two distinct fields of professional endeavor. Namely, the principle of “Induced Vertical Flow” and the advancement of the “Kinergy Drive System”. In this respect, the people of Kinergy are a primary example of the dedicated and persistent engineering required to gradually convert all these learnings into reality, as is apparent by the many Vibratory Machines that are now in productive use all around the world that stem from these teachings.

Changing to Power Generation in 2006, and with the cooperation of the Riley Power Co. located in Worcester, Massachusetts, the Kinergy Drive Technology was used to provide the first Vibrating Stoker Grate that can fire Boilers by burning less expensive ROM Coal and the Biomass Fuels.

Soon after this Grate went into service, it was also seen to be an adjustable, open flame kind of Dryer. Processes that need this type of Dryer will be improved by this new creation.

This recent gain indicates the beneficial innovations derived from this steadily, emerging knowledge that originated from the quest to induce obstinate bulk solids to flow from Bins, Silos, Piles, and Rail Cars do not appear to have come to an end.

Why Select Kinergy?

The Difference: “We learned from Induced Vertical Flow”

Our background is unique in comparison to others who purposely vibrate machines. When we began in 1962, the extent of our vibratory “know how” was spawned from the introduction of the Bin Activator. This unit grew out of Industry’s near desperate search for a solution to the nagging problem of reliably discharging non-flowing bulk solids from Storage Bins. Since we were one of the two groups of engineers to initiate “Induced Vertical Flow” (IVF), we found ourselves virtually alone in contending with the unknown abstracts related to this new concept. As it unfolded, we were often perplexed and frustrated by our lack of understanding of the associated principles. This difficulty continued until we saw, by happenstance, a cement plant operator turning a Bin Activator “on and off”, as necessary, to keep a Feeder filled with wet gypsum. This event, along with other observed peculiarities, led us to decide IVF units should be treated as an independent group of vibratory machines. At this time, we stopped trying to build on the accepted, long term knowledge which had stemmed from previously known Vibrating Equipment. Instead, we adhered specifically to the teachings of IVF. Our basic engineering practices necessarily changed. Any insight we have for analyzing or applying vibrations resulted from this effort. As the record shows, this move met with success. We went on to develop other IVF units, such as Activated Bins and Dischargers for Storage Piles or Rail Cars.

This educational experience also precipitated the “Drive vs. Load” analysis for vibratory machines in 1964. It emerged from the aftermath of a consequential situation we had with an IVF unit installed on a large furnace in 1963. The probe of this incident revealed there was not any acceptable logic for expressing the full extent of vibratory power.

We had this new theory on our minds when we joined the long standing quest for a better Vibrating Feeder than the older Electromagnetic type. After gathering the required components, we surprised many when we demonstrated a mechanical feeder which had a simple method of electrical control. We could explain why it worked by using vectors. This breakthrough occurred in 1965 when we identified the only vibratory drive that permitted voltage to be varied to a 3 phase, A.C. Squirrel Cage motor. It was the Kinergy Drive System. However, at that time, we saw it solely as a principal part of a novel feeder. After watching these feeders perform in various applications, we were impressed with the drive’s superior capability and versatility. As time passed, we gradually recognized this development for what it really was. Namely, the advancement of a vibratory drive system that could be universally applied. These factors combined with the “Energy Crisis” in the ’70’s caused us to consider it to power additional machines.

Accordingly, in 1978, we announced the intention of adapting the Kinergy Drive System to other Vibratory “Induced Conveying” machines, such as Conveyors, Screens, Coolers and Dryers, Shakeouts, and the like.

The rest of this sequence of engineering thought is revealed in the reality of our broad line of modern machines. The story is on-going as we constantly strive to update our technology even more. This is evident by the recent invention of the first Vibrating Stoker Grate that can burn Run-of-Mine Coal and “dirty” Biomass Fuels.

Unlike other engineers studying the published technology associated with the units that existed before that time, such as Vibrating Feeders, Conveyors, or Screens, our vibratory intuition evolved from the tutoring of IVF. In other words, by sheer circumstance, we had a fresh start. It gave us a new outlook which innately inspired originality. Therefore, our professional path of engineering progress was different. This is the primary reason we had the opportunity to be the first to contribute these significant technical improvements.

As a result, Kinergy has become a worldwide leader in the field of Vibratory Technology. By inducing, not forcing, loads to either vertically flow or convey, we design and manufacture the most complete line of vibratory machines. Some are designed and operated in accordance with the concept of the Induced Vertical Flow (IVF). The others are the Induced Conveying (IC) type that have had the successful adaptation of the Kinergy Drive to every one. Thus, each has versatile operating capability which includes electrical “pulsing” of the vibratory action and the highest degree of “Energy Efficiency”.

As innovators in the specialized field of Induced Vertical Flow and the masters of the Kinergy Drive System for powering all the Induced Conveying machines, our engineers have an unwavering commitment to solving even the most problematic dilemmas. Kinergy’s material handling solutions have set the industry standard for over 35 years. With more than 8,000 installations worldwide, Kinergy’s track record makes it a stand-alone choice.

Induced Vertical Flow (IVF)

This novel concept originated with the introduction of the Bin Activator over 50 years ago, and Kinergy Engineers have been there with it every step of the way! This concept’s gradual, but steady, advancement led to the development of all the other “Induced Vertical Flow” machines. These machines generate a uniformly applied vibratory action to effectively induce a stored or contained bulk solid to vertically flow in conjunction with the force of gravity. Their sole function is either Discharging (unloading) or Densifying (loading).

For Discharging:  Kinergy provides Vibrating Bin Activators, Activated Bins, Storage Pile Dischargers, and Rail Car Unloaders to reliably ensure obstinate bulk solids vertically flow until emptied.

For Densifying:  Kinergy supplies Vibrating Tables, Vertical Faces, Mold Compactors, and Rail Car Densifiers to innately pack the filled container to increase its weight, which is often used to reduce the shipping cost. Kinergy’s common components for each Induced Vertical Flow machine have been designed, developed, and tested over thousands of successful installations. Kinergy’s proven state-of-the-art vibratory technology provides our customers with experience and reliability.

Induced Conveying (IC)

Induced Conveying machines include: Vibrating Feeders, Conveyors, Screens, Spiral Elevators, Shakeouts, Coolers, Dryers, and Stoker Grates. Since all of these machines solely rely on the vibratory action to make materials move horizontally, uphill, or down, the method used to vibrate the machine usually determines the extent of its capability to perform a given function.

All Kinergy Induced Conveying machines are powered by the Kinergy Drive System, which has proven to be the most versatile and energy efficient vibratory drive known. This drive system is the primary advantage that sets Kinergy apart from the others. It is an electrically controlled, modern version of using sub-resonant tuned springs combined with relatively small rotating weights on an A.C. motor. The use of drive springs saves energy. By spreading forces, larger units are possible. The simple design with only three component parts lowers the cost. Easier counterbalancing is possible. The electrical control provides a full range of output adjustment from virtually zero to the maximum output. Plus, it can repeatedly pulse the vibration to a more vigorous action to improve performance.

Kinergy Driven Vibrating Feeders, Conveyors, Screens, Spiral Elevators, Shakeouts, Coolers, Dryers, and Boiler Grates all have the most Operating Versatility and the highest degree of Energy Efficiency. The simple design and numerous advantages, including competitive pricing, make Kinergy Driven Vibrating machines the better choice.