The feed inlet is the opening at the top of a vibratory separator through which raw material enters the machine, designed to distribute material evenly onto the center of the top screen deck for optimal screening performance. Proper feed inlet design and feed rate control are critical for achieving maximum screening efficiency.
On round vibratory separators, the feed inlet delivers material to the center of the top screen, where the gyratory motion spirals it outward. Material must be distributed evenly — if the feed is concentrated on one side, it overloads part of the screen while underutilizing the rest, reducing overall efficiency and throughput. Feed inlets are connected to upstream equipment (hoppers, conveyors, feeders) via flex connectors to prevent vibration transfer.
Why This Matters in Vibratory Screening
- Even distribution — Centered, uniform feed distribution maximizes the effective screening area and ensures consistent separation across the entire screen surface.
- Feed rate control — Too much feed floods the screen and reduces efficiency; too little underutilizes capacity. The feed inlet design and upstream feeder work together to optimize the feed rate.
- Containment — The inlet must maintain a seal (via flex connector) to prevent dust escape or product loss during feeding.
Related Glossary Terms
- Discharge Spout — Where material exits the separator
- Flex Connector — Connects the inlet to fixed upstream piping
- Throughput / Capacity — Affected by feed rate through the inlet
- Screening Efficiency — Maximized by proper feed distribution
Feed Inlet FAQs
What is the feed inlet on a vibratory separator?
The top opening where material enters. On round separators, it delivers material to the center of the top screen deck, where gyratory motion spirals it outward for separation.
Separator Parts & Accessories
ScreenerKing stocks replacement inlet covers, flex connectors, and feed distribution accessories for all separator sizes.
