VAC-U-MAX (Belleville, N.J.) has developed the Tube Hopper for nonmechanical reload of refill hoppers for gravimetric and volumetric feeders that process additive flaked and powdered polymer. The Tube Hopper is a straight-walled vacuum receiver with a full-opening discharge valve that prevents semi-free-flowing material from bridging and “rat-holing” in the hopper, ensuring quick refill to the feeder below. The vacuum receiver comes equipped with the manufacturer’s Multi-Filter, which features pleated filter bags.