Follower plate geometry
A follower plate and an apparatus that uses the follower plate to force a viscous material to flow from a storage container. The follower plate includes a cylindrical outer body, a sealing element, and a material saving insert in which a plurality of ribs forms annular concentric slots having a length (L) that runs from the outer edge of the insert to an inner hub. Each slot further exhibits a width (w) that remains substantially the same along its length (L). Each slot further comprises a depth that is variable and tapers along its length (L), such that the depth of the slot approximate to the outer edge (d o ) is less than the depth of the slot approximate to the inner hub (d i ). The width and depth of the slots are configured so that any viscous material that has not been dispensed from the storage container resides within the slots.
1. A follower plate for use in an apparatus that forces a viscous material to flow from a storage container, the follower plate comprising:
a cylindrical outer body having an upper surface, a lower surface, an outer periphery, an inner periphery, and an indented region, wherein the inner periphery forms an orifice that is in fluid communication with an opening in a pipe or tube of the apparatus through which the viscous material flows;
a sealing element located around the outer periphery of the cylindrical outer body, the sealing element configured to provide a leak-proof seal with the storage container; and
a material saving insert configured to fit within the indented region of the cylindrical outer body; the material saving insert comprising:
a top surface coupled to the cylindrical outer body;
an inner hub that forms an outlet that is in fluid communication with the orifice of the inner periphery of the cylindrical outer body;
an outer edge;
a plurality of annular concentric slots having a width (w) that are formed by a plurality of ribs, each slot having a length (L) that extends from the outer edge to the inner hub; and
a bottom surface formed by the ribs, the bottom surface being flush with the lower surface of the cylindrical outer body.
2. The follower plate according to claim 1 , wherein the width (w) of each slot remains substantially the same along its length (L).
3. The follower plate according to claim 2 , wherein the width (w) of each slot approximate to the outer edge varies by 5% or less from the width (w) of the slot approximate to the inner hub.
4. The follower plate according to claim 1 , wherein each slot further comprises a depth that is variable and tapers along its length (L), such that the depth of the slot approximate to the outer edge (d o ) is less than the depth of the slot approximate to the inner hub (d i ).
5. The follower plate according to claim 4 , wherein the depth (d o ) of each slot approximate to the outer edge is at least 10% less than the depth (d i ) of the slot approximate to the inner hub.
6. The follower plate according to claim 4 , wherein the depth (d o ) of each slot approximate to the outer edge is at least 25% less than depth (d i ) of the slot approximate to the inner hub.
7. The follower plate according to claim 1 , wherein the cylindrical outer body and the material saving insert are made of similar materials.
8. The follower plate according to claim 7 , wherein the cylindrical outer body and the material saving insert are made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy.
9. The follower plate according to claim 1 , wherein the bottom surface of the material saving insert and/or the surface of each slot is coated with a layer of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).
10. The follower plate according to claim 1 , wherein the width (w) of each slot is at least 1.27 centimeters (0.5 inches).
11. The follower plate according to claim 10 , wherein the width (w) of each slot is approximately 1.91 centimeters (0.75 inches).
12. The follower plate according to claim 1 , wherein the follower plate is configured to include one or more thermal elements capable of heating the material in the storage container.
13. The follower plate according to claim 1 , wherein the viscous material has a viscosity of 30,000 millipascal-seconds (centipoise) or greater.
14. The follower plate according to claim 1 , wherein the follower plate is configured to fit into an open-end of the storage container.
15. The follower plate according to claim 1 , wherein the storage container is a 55-gallon drum, a 5-gallon pail, a 1-gallon can, or the like.
16. An apparatus for forcing a viscous material to flow from a storage container, the apparatus comprising:
a follower plate that includes the elements of claim 1 ;
a pump assembly that includes a pipe or tube in fluid communication with the follower plate;
a support stand comprising a base, two or more cylinders and rods, and a crossbar; and
at least one controller.
17. The apparatus according to claim 16 , wherein the pump assembly includes an air-operated motor.
18. The apparatus according to claim 16 , wherein the follower plate is configured to fit into an open-end of the storage container.
19. The apparatus according to claim 16 , wherein the storage container is a 55-gallon drum, a 5-gallon pail, a 1-gallon can, or the like.
20. The apparatus according to claim 16 , wherein the viscous material has a viscosity of 30,000 millipascal-seconds (centipoise) or greater.