The Concept

FLSmidth offers horizontal and inclined Apron Feeders for extracting bulk materials from under a dump hopper or regulated feed to a crusher.  Apron Feeders can provide volumetric feed and even metering to prevent flooding.

An Apron Feeder consists of the following parts:

• A series of overlapping Heavy Duty Pans (or Flights) that carry the material. 
• The pans are connected on each side to Roller Chains and Traveling Wheels. 
• The roller chains are propelled by a Drive Pulley and Shaft and Chain Sprockets
• The drive shaft and sprockets are rotated by a Drive Mechanism. 
• A Tail Shaft and chain sprockets and a Screw or Hydraulic Tensioning Mechanism
• A High Pressure Lubrication System
• All these parts are mounted to a robust Steel Main frame.
• Auxiliary equipment may include a feed chute, a discharge chute and a clean up or Dribble Conveyor underneath.

FLSmidth AFD series Apron Feeders use sealed-for-life- maintenance free tractor components and are available from 900 mm to 4000 mm widths and capacities in excess of 12,000 tons per hour

The Pans

The Carrying Pans are typically constructed of welded steel plates or Cast Manganese.  Their design and manufacture is critical since they are subject to high impact and severe wear that can result in cracking, premature wear and early replacement.

Flow Control

An Apron Feeder can regulate the flow of material based on volume.  The pan speed and the gate cut off height can be regulated to provide an even volumetric feed down stream. 

Pin gates, also called Spile Bars, or Needle Gates can block off the in feed for maintenance.