The Problem
A client of Jenike & Johanson was expanding storage and handling capabilities for purified terephthalic acid (PTA). As part of the expansion, an existing silo would be retrofitted with a new mass flow transition hopper. The design was sent out for bids but since its top diameter was only 10', the unit could be shop fabricated. Several pieces of existing equipment would have to be temporarily removed so that the new hopper could be installed. The estimated cost for relocating this equipment was significantly more than the cost of the hopper itself.
Our client contacted us for assurance that the equipment would work as intended, so the new hopper would handle the material at a higher discharge rate.
Jenike & Johanson's Solution
We recommended small but critical changes to the previous design to ensure that the higher discharge rate could be achieved. We then designed the transition hopper in sections that could be bolted together. This allowed installation with minimal equipment relocation costs while still ensuring reliable flow. Although the redesigned hopper was more expensive, the total installed cost was reduced by about 50%, since less equipment had to be temporarily removed for the installation.
![]](../Images-jenike/indimg/right.png){kind=small}
Jenike and Johanson was awarded the contract for the detailed design and fabrication of the hopper sections. We delivered the equipment on time by working on the design details and fabrication simultaneously. The new hopper has been in operation for several years. Our client describes it as one of the most reliable parts of the operation.
