Klinkenberg Agitator Bottoms

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Agitator Bunkers

Reliable Solution for Homogenization and Bridging Prevention

In industrial processes, a constant and controlled material flow is essential—especially when handling poorly flowing powders and granulates. Agitator Bunkers are specifically designed to keep materials moving, prevent bridging, and ensure an even discharge. This makes them a crucial component in silos, hoppers, and storage tanks across various industries, including the food, chemical, and pharmaceutical sectors.
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Agitator BunkersHomogenizing, conditioning, and dosing with custom solutions from 500 to 10,000 liters

Homogenizing, conditioning, and agitating — Klinkenberg’s Agitator Bunkers are perfectly suited for the job. With extensive experience and a wide range of applications in this field, we offer numerous solutions for your challenge. The Agitator Bunkers are available in many sizes and configurations, from 500 to 10,000 liters, and made from stainless steel or wear-resistant materials. ATEX-certified versions are also available.

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  • Ideal for poorly flowing materials
  • Homogenizing
  • Gentle stirring/crushing
  • Loss-in-weight installations

Key features of Agitator Bottoms

  1. Homogenization of materials

    An Agitator Bottom prevents particles from separating based on density or size, which is essential in processes that require consistent mixing quality. This contributes to stable product quality and prevents fluctuations in production.

  2. Preventing bridging and rat-holing

    Materials with poor flow characteristics, such as starch, cocoa, or lime, tend to form bridges or tunnels in silos. This leads to irregular material flow and blockages. Agitator Bottoms keep these materials loose and ensure controlled discharge.

  3. Keeping hygroscopic powders in motion (e.g. powdered sugar)

    Certain powders, such as finely ground powdered sugar, tend to harden during standstill due to moisture absorption or pressure. If these powders are not continuously kept in motion, they clump into hard blocks that can halt production. An Agitator Bottom prevents this by continuously stirring and circulating the material, preserving its flow properties.

    Conditioning powdered sugar: preventing hardening and bridging

    Powdered sugar is a hygroscopic material, meaning it absorbs moisture from the air and quickly clumps or hardens. This presents a major challenge during storage and processing in silos and hoppers. Agitator Bottoms play a crucial role in conditioning powdered sugar, allowing it to maintain its fine structure and be discharged without clogging or lump formation.

  4. Suitable for various materials and process conditions

    • Powders and fine materials: flour, starch, cement, talcum powder, pigments
    • Granulates and pellets: sug

Benefits of Using Agitator Bottoms

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Reliable Material Flow

No blockages or process interruptions

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Optimal Product Quality

Prevents segregation and lump formation

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Reduced Maintenance Costs

Less downtime and easy cleaning

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Wide Range of Applications

From food products to chemical processes

Suitable for Homogenizing, Conditioning & Agitating

Agitator bunkers are ideal for homogenizing, conditioning, and agitating bulk materials. They ensure a stable material flow and prevent segregation, clumping, or irregular dosing — essential for a reliable downstream process.

  • Heavy-duty construction
  • Dust-tight design
  • Tailored to your specific application
  • Consistent product dosing
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Homogenizing

In various processes, a pre-mix may segregate due to actions such as discharging into hoppers or bunkers, or during vacuum or pneumatic conveying. This can compromise further processing of the pre-mix. An agitator bunker gently stirs the product, restoring it to a reasonably homogeneous mix.

A good example of product conditioning is freshly ground powdered sugar. When powdered sugar comes directly from a grinding mill, it must be processed immediately or conditioned during interim storage. If left to rest, it will harden into large agglomerates, making it unworkable without additional treatment.

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Conditioning

A good example of product conditioning is freshly ground powdered sugar. When powdered sugar comes straight from the grinding mill, it must be processed immediately or conditioned during interim storage. If left to rest, it will solidify into a large agglomerate, making it unprocessable without additional treatment.

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Agitating

Some products are extremely difficult to dose. By activating the material above the extraction screw with a special agitator, a continuous feed to the extraction screw is guaranteed. This consistent filling ensures much more stable dosing downstream, resulting in a smoother overall process after the agitator bunker.

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We are happy to help Agitator Bottoms are the ideal solution for companies dealing with poorly flowing, clumping, or segregating bulk materials. By keeping materials in constant motion, they improve efficiency, reliability, and product quality in industrial processes.

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Applications in the Industry

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FoodIndustry

Prevents hardening of powdered sugar, milk powder, and flour

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Chemical Industry

Control of hygroscopic substances such as fertilizers and pigments

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Pharmaceutical Industry

Consistent dosing of pharmaceutical powders without segregation

Custom Agitator Bunkers for Your Process

Fully customizable to your needs and available in single or double configurations. In many different industries, the agitator bunker ensures proper homogenization or product discharge.

Options:

Dual-shaft systems, bottom flaps, hinged lids, ground finishes, and more. Our experts are ready to answer your questions.

 

Applied Technologies We always choose the right technology for your process

Klinkenberg technology includes the following variations:

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Technology, Finishing, and Safety.

Would you like to learn more about the underlying or applied technologies for screw conveyors, such as the use of bearings, seals, safety features, ATEX, or a preferred surface finish and even packaging of the purchased machines? Feel free to contact us.

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Variants

Agitator arm for 15m³ bunker

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10m³ agitator bunker

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Agitator bunker with angled discharge

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Agitator with anti-stick coating

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Documentation Exclusive with a personal design

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Agitator Bunkers

Product brochure

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Bulk density table

Bulk density table

Expressed in kg/m³ and lbs/ft³

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FAQ Direct answers to your questions

Quickly discover answers to frequently asked questions about Agitator Bunkers and Powdered Sugar Conditioning. Our FAQ section helps you make the right choice.

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Powdered sugar is a fine and hygroscopic powder that absorbs moisture from the air. Without movement, it can clump and harden, causing blockages in silos and dosing systems. An agitator bottom ensures the powder stays in constant motion, keeping it loose and easy to dose.

The rotating paddles or blades in the agitator bottom break up bridging and ensure a controlled material flow. This prevents tunnels (rat-holing) and allows full utilization of the silo’s contents.

Agitator bunkers are made from:

  • Stainless steel (304/316) → Suitable for food and pharmaceutical applications
  • Coated or galvanized steel → Suitable for chemical and industrial use
  • Wear-resistant coatings → For abrasive materials like sugar and lime

  • Agitator bunkers → Use mechanical paddles or arms to keep materials moving and actively prevent bridging.
  • Vibrating bunkers → Rely on vibration to move loose materials, but may be less effective with cohesive or hygroscopic powders like powdered sugar.

Yes, agitator bunkers can be custom-made and easily integrated into existing silos or hoppers using a flange or clamp connection, depending on the silo’s construction.

An agitator bottom provides a consistent and even material flow to the dosing screw, which is essential for precise weighing and dosing. This prevents supply fluctuations and improves end-product consistency.

In high-humidity environments, additional dry air injection or a silo dehumidification system may be required to reduce moisture uptake and clumping.

  • Bearings and seals → Require regular inspection and lubrication
  • Paddles or blades → Check for wear with abrasive materials
  • Motor and drive → Periodic testing for proper function and speed

Overall, maintenance is minimal due to the robust and simple design.

Yes, agitator bottoms can be tailored based on:

  • Hopper dimensions and shape
  • Material type and bulk density
  • Required flow capacity
  • Hygiene and ATEX standards

Yes, agitator bottoms are also used for:

  • Flour, cocoa, and milk powder in the food industry
  • Salts and spices that are hygroscopic
  • Chemical powders such as pigments and additives