Dust collectors have hoppers under the collection chambers to channel the dust out of the system for use or disposal. The hoppers are not designed to be used to collect and store the material, but rather as a place for the material to temporarily collect before passing through the airlock and out of the system. Vib1

Dust Build-Up in Hopper

Depending on the material being collected and the characteristics of it, dust may temporarily build up in the hopper until it can pass through the airlock. Applications that have periodic high loading or applications that have materials with irregular shapes, are sticky, or hygroscopic could all build up in the hopper and form a bridge or rat hole by the dust discharge opening. When this happens, one of the most common solutions is to install a vibrator on the hopper.   The vibrator works by hitting the side of the walls which can cause the material to break up and fall through the dust discharge flange and leave the system.

The Purpose of Vibrator on Hopper

Vibrators for dust collector hoppers can be powered either pneumatically or electrically, giving you flexibility depending on your system’s setup and requirements. In addition, they serve two main purposes: they can continuously agitate the hopper to prevent any material from bridging, or alternatively, they can be operated periodically to break up any bridging that has already occurred. Furthermore, the choice of operation mode depends on the type of material being collected, the frequency of buildup, and the overall design of the dust collection system.

Therefore, when installing a vibrator, it is crucial to communicate your intended usage to the manufacturer. By doing so, they can recommend the most suitable vibrator for your specific application, ensuring optimal performance, reducing maintenance issues, and preventing potential blockages in the hopper. Ultimately, proper selection and installation of the vibrator help maintain smooth material flow and enhance the efficiency and safety of the entire dust collection system.


To learn more about which dust collector, please contact our experts at 440-543-7400 or visit our website: www.dustcollectorhq.com.



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