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Overview
All-Pumps supplied a compact, skid-mounted system that reliably meters dry polymer into a TBM conveyor process. The package integrates a micro-batch screw feeder and a side channel blower on a heavy-duty PFC base frame, with dedicated VSDs for easy adjustment of feed rate and airflow. The pre-assembled design simplifies installation and provides accurate, consistent polymer dosing.
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Application: Real-time drying of excavated spoil by dosing a superabsorbent polymer (SAP) into the blower airstream and distributing it across the TBM conveyor.
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Process: As the TBM excavates, wet spoil drops onto the conveyor. The side channel blower entrains the SAP powder and spreads it evenly across the belt. The polymer absorbs free water, producing drier, more stable spoil by the time it reaches the portal—reducing mess, carryback, and downstream water handling.
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Customer Goals: Cleaner belts, reduced housekeeping, easier spoil handling and tipping, and lower demand on the dewatering plant.
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System Design & Technical Overview: This integrated skid package delivers controlled polymer dosing and contained powder transfer for TBM spoil drying.
How it Operates
Polymer is loaded into the hopper.
The micro-batch screw feeder delivers powder at the set dosing rate via its VSD.
The side channel blower provides airflow to entrain and convey the powder to the discharge point and through a spreader nozzle onto the conveyor.
A 4″ isolation valve allows safe maintenance without disturbing upstream equipment.
Key Technical Features
Approx. envelope: 1500 mm (L) × 1243 mm (W) × 1936 mm (H)
Six Ø24 mm base mounting holes
Ø30 mm lifting holes for safe handling
4″ discharge connection with ball valve
Polymer Summary (MaxiFlox® 821)
Organic superabsorbent polymer (SAP) in dry granular form
Absorbency: typically 50–200× its weight in water
Approx. 10 kg can absorb >1000 L depending on conditions
Particle size: 0.5–3.0 mm
Bulk density: ~0.75 g/cm³
pH (0.1% solution): 5–8
Shelf life: 24 months at 0–35 °C
The Results
Drier spoil at the portal
Cleaner conveyors with less carryback
Reduced housekeeping requirements
Less free water entering bins, trucks, and dewatering systems
Stable, predictable dosing via micro-batch feeder
Fast installation with pre-aligned equipment and clear lifting/mounting points
Straightforward maintenance with isolation at discharge
