{"id":33677,"date":"2026-11-10T09:03:24","date_gmt":"2026-11-10T09:03:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.koebo-eco.com\/design-a-chip-hopper-and-calculate-the-buffer-volume\/"},"modified":"2026-11-10T09:51:15","modified_gmt":"2026-11-10T09:51:15","slug":"how-to-size-a-chip-bunker","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.koebo-eco.com\/en\/knowledge\/how-to-size-a-chip-bunker\/","title":{"rendered":"How to size a chip bunker for container changes"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n
\n \t\t\t

Home<\/a> \u203a Knowledge<\/a> \u203a How to size a chip bunker for container changes<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t

Conveyor Technology \u00b7 Design<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t

How to size a chip bunker for container changes<\/h1>\n\t\t
\n \t\t\t

As of November 2026<\/strong><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t

Reading time: 3 minutes<\/strong><\/p>\n\t\t\n<\/div>\n

\n \t\t\t

Quick Explanation<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t

A chip bunker temporarily stores metal chips while the collection container is being replaced. To size a chip bunker, consider how quickly chips are generated, how long discharge is interrupted and how much material is already in the bunker when the change begins.<\/p>\n\t\t\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n

\n
\n
\n \t\t\t

How much buffer volume is needed for a container change?<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t

First, the time during which no discharge is possible is recorded: from the interruption of loading through removal and staging to the release of the new container. Foreseeable delays are added to this. The key factor is the amount of chips generated during this time window; an average per shift can mask short-term peaks in load.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t

With a constant inflow and completely interrupted discharge, the simplified volume balance is as follows:<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t

Required free buffer volume = chip volume per minute \u00d7 buffer time<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t

Calculation example: Assuming 0.12 m\u00b3 of chips per minute and a 15-minute interruption, 1.8 m\u00b3 of available usable volume is required. If there are already 1.0 m\u00b3 in the hopper, this results in a calculated requirement of 2.8 m\u00b3 of usable capacity before additional reserves are factored in. This example is not a design recommendation; peak loads, filling behavior, and operational reserves must be considered separately.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t

If quantities are given only in kg\/h, the bulk density of the actual chips produced is needed for conversion. It describes the mass per unit volume, including the voids. The density of the solid material is not suitable for this purpose.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t

Why the nominal volume is insufficient<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t

The geometric volume of a container cannot be fully utilized automatically during operation. Filling, the permissible fill level, and discharge determine the usable capacity. Therefore, in bulk material planning, discharge size, wall slope, and material properties are just as important as bulk density and flow rate.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t

The capacity of the hauling truck or the container used is also a factor in bunker design. Both the available loading volume and the permissible payload are key considerations. Depending on the bulk density of the chips, the weight limit may be reached before the loading volume is fully utilized. Bunker capacity, the intended discharge volume, and the pickup frequency should therefore be planned together.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t

For metal chips, the test should be conducted using representative material. A large storage bin is of little use if material accumulates at the outlet. Another consideration is how the hopper is emptied after a changeover: If the feed continues, the previously occupied buffer reserve can only be recovered if, for a time, more material is discharged than is fed in.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t

When loading multiple containers is an option<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t

An additional container location can serve as an alternative or supplement to buffering. This requires that a container ready to receive material be available and that the system be able to reroute the material flow accordingly. Level signals, positioning, and release signals must align with the planned changeover sequence.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t

For container loading, K\u00d6BO ECO>PROCESS uses, among other things, rotating and swiveling chutes as well as mobile conveyors. This allows for targeting different discharge points and filling containers more precisely. Whether a second container, a chip bunker, or a combination of the two is the best option depends on available space, chip volume, and pickup frequency.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t

What information is needed for planning<\/h2>\n\t\t
\n \t\t\t

\u2192<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t

Chip volumes during normal operation and at peak times, as well as the material type and a representative material sample.<\/p>\n\t\t\n<\/div>\n

\n \t\t\t

\u2192<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t

Intended interim period and remaining fill level at the start of the container change.<\/p>\n\t\t\n<\/div>\n

\n \t\t\t

\u2192<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t

Container dimensions, available parking spaces, and access and maneuvering areas.<\/p>\n\t\t\n<\/div>\n

\n \t\t\t

\u2192<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t

Amount of residual coolant in the chips and how any drained fluid will be handled.<\/p>\n\t\t\n<\/div>\n

\n \t\t\t

\u2192<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t

Desired material separation, as well as signals and responses when a container is full or missing.<\/p>\n\t\t\n<\/div>\n

\n \t\t\t

\u2192<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t

Available loading capacity and permissible payload of the collection vehicle or container, as well as the scheduled pickup frequency.<\/p>\n\t\t\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t

Suitable solutions from K\u00d6BO ECO>PROCESS<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t

K\u00d6BO ECO>PROCESS integrates chip bunkers<\/a>, container loading<\/a>, and the associated conveyor technology<\/a> into a solution tailored to your operation. Volume specifications, changeover times, and a layout sketch are helpful for the initial consultation.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t

Frequently asked questions<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t
Does a chip bunker prevent all production downtime? <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

No. A chip bunker can only bridge a container change as long as it can accommodate the chips that continue to accumulate. If the change takes longer than expected, the system must respond in a timely manner to the rising fill level.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t
Is a larger chip container sufficient? <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

A larger container can reduce the frequency of replacements. However, this storage space is still unavailable while the container is being replaced. To maintain a continuous flow of chips, buffer space or another container ready to receive them is then required.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t

Conveyor systems for chip removal<\/h2>\n\t\t
\n \n \t\t\t

Conveyor technology<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t

Chip bunker<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t

Go to the product \u2192<\/p>\n\t\t\n<\/a>\n\n \t\t\t

Conveyor technology<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t

Container loading<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t

Go to the product \u2192<\/p>\n\t\t\n<\/a>\n\n \t\t\t

Performance<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t

Conveyor technology<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t

About Performance \u2192<\/p>\n\t\t\n<\/a>\n\n<\/div>\n

\n \t\t\t

K\u00d6BO ECO>PROCESS Technical Editorial Team<\/strong>
Questions about this entry: Contact us<\/a><\/p>\n\t\t\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n

\n
\n \t\t\t

Contents<\/p>\n\t\t\n \t\t\t

How much buffer volume is needed for a container change?<\/p>\n\t\t\n<\/a>\n\n \t\t\t

Why the rated volume is not sufficient<\/p>\n\t\t\n<\/a>\n\n \t\t\t

When it makes sense to load multiple containers<\/p>\n\t\t\n<\/a>\n\n \t\t\t

What information is needed for planning<\/p>\n\t\t\n<\/a>\n\n \t\t\t

Suitable solutions from K\u00d6BO ECO>PROCESS<\/p>\n\t\t\n<\/a>\n\n \t\t\t

<\/p>\n\t\t\n<\/a>\n\n \t\t\t

<\/p>\n\t\t\n<\/a>\n\n<\/div>\n

\n \t\t\t

Related Terms<\/p>\n\t\t

\n \t\t\t

Chip bunker<\/p>\n\t\t\n<\/div>\n

\n \t\t\t

Chip silo<\/p>\n\t\t\n<\/div>\n

\n \t\t\t

Metal chips<\/p>\n\t\t\n<\/div>\n

\n \t\t\t

Chip container<\/p>\n\t\t\n<\/div>\n

\n \t\t\t

Container loading<\/p>\n\t\t\n<\/div>\n

\n \t\t\t

Chip disposal<\/p>\n\t\t\n<\/div>\n

\n \t\t\t

Buffer volume<\/p>\n\t\t\n<\/div>\n

\n \t\t\t

Bulk density<\/p>\n\t\t\n<\/div>\n

\n \t\t\t

Payload<\/p>\n\t\t\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n

\n \t\t\t

Design question?<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t

We\u2019ll determine which solution is right for your process\u2014with no obligation.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\tRequest Now\n<\/a>\n\t\t\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

How Buffer Time, Free Volume, and Container Loading Fit Together<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"elementor_header_footer","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[118],"tags":[],"koebo_ref_produkt":[],"koebo_wissen_thema":[122],"post_folder":[],"class_list":["post-33677","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-knowledge","entry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.koebo-eco.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/33677","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.koebo-eco.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.koebo-eco.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.koebo-eco.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/8"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.koebo-eco.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=33677"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/www.koebo-eco.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/33677\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":33683,"href":"https:\/\/www.koebo-eco.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/33677\/revisions\/33683"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.koebo-eco.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=33677"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.koebo-eco.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=33677"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.koebo-eco.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=33677"},{"taxonomy":"koebo_ref_produkt","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.koebo-eco.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/koebo_ref_produkt?post=33677"},{"taxonomy":"koebo_wissen_thema","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.koebo-eco.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/koebo_wissen_thema?post=33677"},{"taxonomy":"post_folder","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.koebo-eco.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/post_folder?post=33677"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}