Fixing a Material Flow Issue
How we fixed a material flow issue in a galvanised hopper
Problem
An industrial chemical supplier in Perth operates a pneumatic delivery system feeding a site-mounted horizontal silo, which discharges into a floor-mounted dust collector with a small galvanised hopper. Calcium carbonate was consistently adhering to the internal hopper surfaces, causing material build-up and restricted flow.
This led to frequent blockages, reduced production output, and regular manual servicing. The ongoing maintenance requirements also introduced unnecessary operational health and safety risks for site personnel.
Solution
After consultation with the customer, lining the existing hopper with Kinder K-Slip was recommended as a more effective alternative to repainting or replacing the hopper.
The hopper was thoroughly cleaned, and internal surfaces were prepared by roughening to ensure optimal adhesion. Accurate measurements and templates were used to cut the K-Slip lining to suit the hopper geometry, ensuring a precise fit. A bonding agent secured the lining in place, with gap filler applied to smooth edges and eliminate potential material hang-up points.
A sealed bin kit was also supplied, allowing the hopper to discharge into a separate container. This effectively increased system capacity and further improved material flow.


Impact
The hopper was delivered to Inquip in the morning and was fully lined, modified and ready for collection the following day. The customer confirmed improved material flow, reduced maintenance intervention and more efficient operation of the system overall.