Case Study: Enhanced Flow in Small Powder Hopper

Situation

A pharmaceutical company needed to ensure consistent, sanitary flow of fine API and excipient blends from a small powder hopper during batch production. The process took place in a cleanroom environment with strict regulatory and cleanliness requirements.

Problem

The cohesive powders frequently bridged or stuck to the hopper walls, disrupting the metered feed to downstream equipment. The facility had no access to compressed air, making pneumatic vibrators impractical. The company required a compact, reliable, and hygienic solution that would not risk contamination or require air lines.

Solution

The plant installed a MARTIN® NEA 504 Micro Series Electric Vibrator directly onto the hopper. This compact, electrically powered unit delivers consistent linear vibration without the need for compressed air — ideal for cleanroom use. The NEA 504 was mounted with hygienic hardware, ensuring GMP compliance and minimizing cleaning downtime. This resulted in:

• Smooth, reliable powder flow with no bridging or sticking
• No need for compressed air—electric operation fits cleanroom requirements
• Less downtime and fewer manual interventions
• Hygienic, compact design that supports GMP compliance and easy cleaning