Metered dispensing of reactive powders into reactors and large tanks has been a challenge faced by many chemical and pharmaceutical process engineers. The requirement to dispense difficult to handle ingredients in a contained and accurate method is an application which can be fulfilled and completely automated using specifically designed loss-in-weight (LIW) feeders. The combination of highly advanced weighing technology, and a contained and sanitary feeder design provides for an ideal automated method of powder delivery, without the danger and inefficiencies of traditional manual loading techniques.