The bulk handling of certain types of waste-toenergy products presents unique challenges, says Keith Mfg. Co., Madras, OR. Compared to freeflowing materials like liquids, gasses, grains, coal or pet coke, most biomass or refuse-derived fuel can cause material handling problems.

KEITH® WALKING FLOOR® systems reliably automate the receiving, storage and metering of difficult bulk materials into grinding, screening and refining processes or when used as unprocessed fuel. WALKING FLOOR systems are also used at the back end of these processes to collect ash, filter cake, sludge, and spent distiller grains for transport to the next process.

An efficient biomass plant needs an effective fuel storage and metering system. KEITH WALKING FLOOR systems automate the feeding process, delivering material consistently and storing it until needed. This results in decreased jams, virtually no bridging problems and reduced maintenance.

The foundation of the technology is a series of hydraulically actuated floor slats and a drive unit. The drive unit powers the slats through a four-phase cycle to convey the material. In each of the first three cycles, one-third of the slats move, while the remaining two-thirds remain in place. In the final cycle, all slats move together, conveying the load. While in motion, the floor slats remain horizontal, moving in a forward to backward stroke.

WALKING FLOOR bins reliably handle whole and shredded tires, biomass, RDF and other alternative fuels. WALKING FLOOR systems handle these difficult bulk materials at competitive costs and require minimal power and maintenance compared to conventional belt, chain and screw systems, says the company.

Keith Mfg. Co., www.keithwalkingfloor.com

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