Kamengo Technology

Kamengo specialises in the design and supply of feeders and storage bins handling difficult flowing bulk materials. Using a science-based approach, we choose our feeder and bin geometry to deliver reliable, consistent discharge without plugging. Kamengo has a history of solving complicated storage and feed problems that enable our clients to get the most out of their operations. Kamengo was born from a research team that spent 15 years exploring the question of why bins plug. The starting point for the team’s research was the early work conducted by Dr. Jenike at the University of Utah in the 1950s and 60s. Jenike developed the theory for translating a bulk solid’s flow properties into a bin design that can self-empty with gravity.

The Kamengo research team was interested in knowing whether Jenike’s theories applied to large particle materials as well as wet, cohesive materials like wood waste and gypsum. Using a full-size storage bin, where they could change the angles of the bin walls, change the bin discharge opening and change the bin wall lining, the Kamengo research team tested a wide range of bulk solids. The research showed that Jenike’s theories apply to a wide range of bulk solids, and can reliably predict the minimum geometry required to discharge a bulk solid with only gravity. However, the research also showed that good bin design was only half the solution.

The Kamengo research team discovered that the behaviour of the Feeder was a major contributor to bin plugging. First, conventional feeders have a propensity to compact material as they shear material from a storage bin. Second, conventional feeders have a tendency to withdraw material preferentially from the rear of the storage bin. This uneven discharge promotes a first-in, last-out discharge, which can be very problematic when handling a difficult flowing material. The limited area of withdrawal also promotes rat-holing and bridging. In 1988, Kamengo installed its first Kamengo Feeder. Since then, the company has developed into a design practice that specializes in the design of storage bins and feeders for handling difficult flowing bulk materials. The company has tackled complex projects, including retrofits of storage and feed systems suffering from chronic plugging. Kamengo has installed over 100 storage and feed systems, serving multiple industries and handling a variety of large particle, cohesive and fine bulk solids.