Hopper (particulate collection container)

A hopper is a large, inverted pyramidal or conical container used in industrial processes to hold particulate matter or flowable material of any sort (e.g. dust, gravel, nuts, or seeds) and dispense these from the bottom when needed. In some specialized applications even small metal or plastic assembly components can be loaded and dispensed by small hopper systems. In the case of dust collection hoppers the dust can be collected from expelled air. Hoppers for dust collection are often installed in groups to allow for a greater collection quantity. Hoppers are used in many industries to hold material until it is needed, such as flour, sugar or nuts for food manufacturing, food pellets for livestock, crushed ores for refining, etc. Dust hoppers are employed in industrial processes that use air pollution control devices such as dust collectors, electrostatic precipitators, and baghouses/fabric filters. Most hoppers are made of steel.