Dinnissen acquires Rotoflo™ technology for reliable silo discharge across the full range of bulk solids

Dinnissen Process Technology has acquired the intellectual property and technology rights of Rotoflo™: a proven silo discharge technology designed to ensure reliable, controlled and vibration-free discharge across a wide range of powders, granules and bulk solids, from free-flowing materials to cohesive and difficult-flowing products. With this acquisition, Dinnissen expands its portfolio with a versatile solution for achieving consistent and controlled product flow from storage silos across diverse applications.

 

Bulk solids can behave very differently in storage. Free-flowing materials require controlled and predictable discharge, while other products may compact under pressure, absorb moisture or form lumps over time. These changing flow characteristics can lead to inconsistent dosing, inefficient use of silo capacity and unnecessary downtime.

 

Rotoflo™ is designed to manage this full range of flow characteristics through a unique rotating discharge mechanism that actively moves material towards the outlet. This ensures a continuous and reliable flow without damaging the product. For more challenging materials, the active movement helps prevent bridging and rat-holing, while the vibration-free operation reduces stress on silo structures and maintains a controlled and consistent volumetric discharge.

In addition to ensuring reliable flow, the system can achieve near-complete silo emptying. By eliminating dead storage zones, manufacturers can increase the effective storage capacity of existing silos while reducing waste, contamination risks and product build-up. The result is a more predictable, efficient and cost-effective storage process.

 

A unique advantage of the Rotoflo™ system is its Multi-Flow Outlet design. Whereas conventional discharge systems typically serve a single destination, Rotoflo™ enables one silo to feed up to four independent downstream processes simultaneously.

 

This allows manufacturers to supply multiple production lines from a single storage vessel, creating greater flexibility while reducing infrastructure requirements. Whether operating continuous or batch production processes, users benefit from improved process control and more efficient utilization of storage capacity.

 

Previously marketed by Severfield, the Rotoflo™ technology has built a strong reputation in bulk solids handling applications worldwide. The technology has already proven itself with materials including titanium dioxide, activated carbon, hydrated lime, granulated sugar, chocolate crumb, starches, minerals and many other bulk solids with widely varying flow characteristics.

 

Its versatility across free-flowing, cohesive, compacted and moisture-sensitive materials has made it a trusted solution in industries where reliable discharge directly impacts productivity, product quality and operational performance.

 

“What makes Rotoflo™ unique is its versatility,” says Dan Baxter, Director of Dinnissen UK Operations. “It provides reliable, controlled discharge across a wide range of bulk solids, from free-flowing materials to products that are difficult to handle. It eliminates the need for vibration and allows one silo to feed up to four independent processes simultaneously. Combined with Dinnissen’s expertise in conveying, feeding, weighing and process integration, it allows us to offer customers a truly complete solution.”

 

“Rotoflo™ has earned its reputation through years of successful operation in demanding bulk solids applications,” says David Pout of Severfield. “We are pleased to see the technology continue under the ownership of a company with such extensive expertise in powder handling, process integration, service and maintenance. Dinnissen is ideally positioned to further develop the technology, support existing Rotoflo™ users and serve new customers worldwide.”

 

As part of the transition, Steven Kennedy has joined Dinnissen as Product Manager Rotoflo™. Having worked extensively with the Rotoflo™ technology at Severfield, Kennedy brings in-depth product and application knowledge to Dinnissen, ensuring continuity for existing users while supporting the further development and global growth of Rotoflo™.

 

The acquisition aligns perfectly with Dinnissen’s role as a system integrator. In addition to supplying the Rotoflo™ technology itself, Dinnissen can now provide complete downstream solutions, including pneumatic conveying, screw conveying, feeding and weighing systems, sifters, lump breakers and integrated process controls.

 

Customers no longer need separate suppliers for silo discharge and downstream processing equipment. Instead, they can rely on a single partner responsible for the entire process, from storage and discharge to conveying, dosing and further processing.

 

Customers can implement Rotoflo™ in new installations or retrofit the technology into most existing steel silos. Combined with maintenance access that does not require emptying the silo, this helps minimize both investment costs and operational downtime.

 

While continuing to supply the proven Rotoflo™ design, Dinnissen will also invest in the future development of the platform. Using its D-Innocenter test facilities, the company will explore new configurations, materials and application possibilities for additional industries and operating environments.

Future developments may include enhanced hygienic designs and fully stainless-steel configurations for food, dairy and other high-care production environments. Because Dinnissen designs and builds its own process equipment, customers will benefit from faster innovation cycles and application-specific adaptations.

 

Rotoflo™ is suitable for materials across the full spectrum of flow characteristics. From free-flowing powders and granules to products affected by compaction, moisture absorption, cohesive behaviour or high storage pressures, the system is designed to maintain reliable and controlled discharge. Typical applications include sugar, chocolate crumb, pet food ingredients, titanium dioxide, activated carbon, hydrated lime, starches, minerals and numerous other powders and granulates.

 

In addition to Dinnissen’s established markets in food, dairy, pet food, feed and chemicals, the technology also opens opportunities in sectors such as paint manufacturing and water treatment, where reliable handling of large powder volumes is critical to operational performance.

 

With more than 75 years of experience as a system integrator of production processes, Dinnissen Process Technology specializes in the handling and processing of powders, grains and granulates. From innovative machines and standalone systems to complete production lines, Dinnissen develops customized solutions that optimize entire production processes. Dinnissen’s technologies are trusted by leading producers in food & pharma, dairy, pet food, feed & aquafeed, and chemicals & minerals worldwide.