Feldbinder EUT vs KIP – Differences and Service

In Brief

The Feldbinder EUT and KIP are two distinct types of bulk material silo trailer – the EUT is a horizontal pneumatic silo in stainless steel (aeration discharge), while the KIP is a pressure silo trailer with a hydraulically tipping aluminium tank. They differ in tank construction, discharge principle, typical payloads and servicing requirements. PHS Magnum in Chorula services both types: stainless welding for EUT, valve gear, TDT inspections; hydraulic systems and hinge assemblies for KIP.

Silo Trailer Types – EUT and KIP in the Feldbinder Range

Feldbinder Spezialfahrzeugwerke GmbH has been manufacturing bulk material trailers for several decades. The two most widely recognised models are the EUT (aeration silo) and the KIP (Kippbehälter – tipping tank). Although both are designed to carry bulk materials, their construction, discharge principles and servicing requirements are fundamentally different. A comparable split between two discharge philosophies can be found at other manufacturers – see the Spitzer SF vs SK model comparison .

Feldbinder EUT – Horizontal Pneumatic Silo in Stainless Steel

Construction and Operating Principle

The EUT is a sealed cylindrical or oval tank fabricated from stainless steel sheet (typically 1.4301/304L or 1.4404/316L), mounted horizontally on the trailer chassis. Typical EUT trailer capacities range from 30 to 60 m³, though twin-chamber and three-chamber variants with a combined capacity exceeding 80 m³ are also available.

Pneumatic discharge – how it works:

1. The tractor’s compressor delivers air (0.3–0.5 bar) to a plenum chamber beneath the tank floor
2. The air passes through aeration membranes (pads made from filter fabric or PTFE membrane) and fluidises the bulk material
3. The fluidised material flows like a liquid towards the discharge nozzle (DN100 or DN150)
4. Internal pressure (up to 1.5–2.0 bar during the pneumatic transfer phase) conveys the material through pipework to the receiving silo

The entire process takes place with the tank sealed – the product has no contact with the atmosphere, moisture or external contamination. This is a critical advantage when transporting food-grade and pharmaceutical products. Aleksy Pasternak writes separately about diagnosing problems with fluidisation and pneumatic discharge faults in silo trailers .

Typical EUT Payloads

• Polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) granulate
• Food-grade flour, starch, and icing sugar
• Mineral powders (chalk, kaolin, talc)
• Dry bulk pharmaceutical products
• PVC, ABS and other thermoplastic granulates

EUT tanks used in food transport must meet an internal surface roughness standard of Ra ≤ 0.8 µm and the requirements of Regulation (EC) 1935/2004 or FDA 21 CFR regarding materials in contact with food.

Feldbinder KIP – Hydraulically Tipping Pressure Silo Trailer

Construction and Operating Principle

The KIP (Kippsilo) is a pressure silo trailer with a hydraulically tipping aluminium tank mounted on a rear-hinged chassis. According to the manufacturer, the range covers capacities of 38–66 m³ (feldbinder.com). As a pressure vessel, discharge is pneumatic, with the tipping action assisting complete emptying of poorly flowing materials.

Pneumatic discharge assisted by tipping – how it works:

1. A hydraulic cylinder (telescopic or support ram) raises the front of the tank to a tipping angle of approximately 45–50°
2. Compressed air (approximately 2 bar) aerates the material and creates transport pressure inside the tank
3. The material flows under pressure to the discharge pipe, while the tipped tank ensures complete emptying of residual material
4. Once empty, the tank is lowered back onto the chassis and locked with mechanical catches

The KIP combines a hydraulic system (tipping) with a pneumatic installation (pressure discharge). Tipping facilitates the discharge of poorly flowing materials that would not empty fully from a horizontal tank.

Typical KIP Payloads

• Cement and lime – heavy, poorly flowing construction materials
• Fly ash – a by-product of power generation, transported in bulk
• Chemical powders with poor flowability – subject to compatibility verification
• Dusty materials with a tendency to cake, where tipping assists the discharge

Servicing Differences: EUT vs KIP

Servicing the EUT – Key Points

The most common EUT faults reported to PHS Magnum:

• Valve gear leaks – worn EPDM or PTFE seals at the discharge nozzle. Symptom: traces of product on the outside of the tank after discharge. Seal replacement: 1–2 hours of labour.
• Damaged aeration pads – split membrane or blocked diffusers. Symptom: uneven fluidisation, material bridging in the chamber. Replacement requires removing the tank floor and replacing the aeration sections.
• Weld corrosion – particularly in tanks carrying materials containing chlorides or where passivation was not carried out correctly after repair. Repair: welding in 304L/316L + passivation + Ra measurement.
• Safety valve – inspection and recertification at each TDT inspection.

Seals, aeration pads and valve components for these repairs are listed in the Feldbinder EUT spare parts catalogue.

Servicing the KIP – Key Points

The most common KIP faults:

• Hydraulic cylinder oil leak – worn ram seals. Symptom: oil traces on the trailer chassis or ram. Replace seals or the complete ram assembly.
• Tank weld cracking – particularly at the rear wall and hinge, where stress concentrations are highest. Aluminium weld repair with full documentation.
• Worn rear hinge – play in the bushes, uncontrolled tank drop. Replace bronze bushes or the complete hinge assembly.
• Discharge valve gear leaks – worn seals on the discharge pipe or pneumatic valves. Symptom: product traces after discharge. Seal replacement.

Cylinder seals, hinge pins and discharge valve components are listed in the Feldbinder KIP spare parts catalogue.

Which Model to Choose – EUT or KIP?

The choice between EUT and KIP depends primarily on the type of material being carried and the requirements of the receiving site:

Choose the EUT when:

• The product is fine-grained or powdery (flour, PE/PP granulate, icing sugar)
• The customer requires sealed transport and tank cleanliness documentation
• Transporting food-grade, pharmaceutical or high-purity chemical products
• Pressure discharge into receiving silos at significant height is required

Choose the KIP when:

• The material is heavy and poorly flowing (cement, lime, fly ash, fine dusts)
• The material does not empty fully from a horizontal tank and needs tipping assistance
• Pressure discharge to receiving silos is required
• Transporting materials with a tendency to cake

PHS Magnum – Feldbinder EUT and KIP Servicing in Chorula

PHS Magnum provides comprehensive servicing for both Feldbinder trailer types at its service centre in Chorula near Opole (4 km from the A4 motorway, 180 km from the German border):

• EUT tank welding in stainless steel 304L/316L by ISO 9606-1 certified welders
• Passivation and Ra measurement – protocols required by TDT and food-grade freight operators
• EUT bottom valve gear replacement: nozzles, seals, valves
• KIP hydraulic cylinder repair and replacement
• KIP hinge and latch refurbishment
• TDT inspections of EUT pressure vessels

Contact: +48 602 716 551 · biuro@magnumchorula.pl

Related: Feldbinder Service · TDT Inspections · Feldbinder Spare Parts · Repair and Refurbishment