Apron feeders are used for feeding of sticky, abrasive, dirty and moist materials. They have advantages of long life in high feed operations.
What Are Apron Feeders and How Do They Work?
An apron feeder is an endless conveyor of heavy cast or steel pans fixed to chains and running on rollers. It operates at low speed and is driven by a high-torque gear reducer.
The pans are designed to withstand the impact of large blocks dumped directly from trucks. An apron feeder therefore provides long-life, steady feeding of large, abrasive, sticky and wet material.
Applications
- Truck dump hoppers ahead of primary crushers
- Mining and mineral processing plants
- Feeding sticky, damp and dirty material
- Applications with high drop heights
Selection Checklist
- Pan width and chain class chosen for capacity and impact load
- Drive power and gear ratio suitable for starting under load
- Skirt plates and liners protected against wear
- A spillage scraper or collecting conveyor considered underneath
Main Spare Parts for Apron Feeders
- Pans and chain links
- Carrying and return rollers, drive sprockets
- Gear reducer and electric motor
- Skirt plates and wear plates
- Bearings
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is an apron feeder preferred?
With very large, abrasive material dropped from height, in heavy-duty applications where a vibrating feeder cannot withstand the impact and wear.
Which apron feeder parts wear most?
Pans, chain pins and bushings, rollers and drive sprockets; chain tension should be checked regularly.
Detailed guides: feeder types, stock and feed hoppers, feeder spare parts.