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Bulk Bag Fillers and Dischargers: Innovations in the UK Market

Advances in Bulk Bag Handling: Discharge and Filling Innovations

The era of relying on in-house engineering teams or local fabricators to construct makeshift bulk bag support frames for filling or discharging is largely over. With the global adoption of bulk bags, bulk material handling practices have undergone significant transformation. Even industries like pharmaceuticals are now leveraging bulk bags as replacements for rigid intermediate bulk containers (IBCs), thanks to their hygienic and high-containment filling and discharge systems. Bulk bags also offer the advantage of eliminating cleaning and re-validation processes, making them a more efficient choice.

Custom-made fabrications cannot meet the stringent safety, reliable discharge, and containment standards required by modern industrial practices and current regulations. This article explores recent advancements in bulk bag discharge and filling technology, offering key considerations for selecting the right system for your operation.

Bulk Bag Discharging

Many companies provide bulk bag dischargers as accessories to other equipment. However, handling materials that are not free-flowing requires a specialized approach. It’s crucial to choose a supplier that prioritizes bulk bag dischargers as a core product, ensuring their expertise aligns with your needs.

High-Hygiene Clamping Device

Loose liners in bulk bags often lead to dust and spillage during discharge and disposal. A new clamping system effectively addresses this challenge by ensuring total containment of bag contents. This two-way containment process not only protects operators and the environment from hazardous materials but also safeguards the product from external contamination.

The updated clamp design requires a spout length of just 19 inches, making it easier for operators to handle. It can be operated pneumatically or manually, and can also accommodate unlined bulk bags by clamping directly onto the bag spout.

Previously, clamping devices required liner spouts up to 35 inches long, which were cumbersome for operators and often unavailable. This new system simplifies operations while eliminating the need for customized liners.

The hygiene spout is housed within a containment enclosure that connects to a filtration system. Depending on the hazard level, operators can access the clamp via large double doors or a glove compartment. For added safety, the enclosure can include a “safe change” HEPA filter.

During discharge, the bag and liner are kept under tension to ensure smooth material flow and complete emptying. Tensioning also prevents the bag or liner from distending or interfering with downstream equipment.

Integral Liner Clamping Systems

Another innovation in bulk bag discharge technology is the use of integral liner clamping systems. These systems are designed for bulk bags with pre-formed liners, providing dust-tight containment for hazardous or sensitive materials. They are particularly suited for fine chemical, dairy, food, and pharmaceutical applications.

The liner clamping system features a docking seal with interlocking rings secured to the liner spout, typically custom-installed by the bulk bag manufacturer. When ready to discharge, the bag is positioned on the station, and the liner is docked and clamped to ensure a secure, dust-free release of contents without exposing the operator or environment to contaminants.

Additional Innovations

Other advancements in bulk bag technology are enhancing operational efficiency:

  • Side Tunnels for Lifting: Bulk bags with side tunnels, which are extensions of the side panels, allow forklift operators to lift bags without manual assistance, improving handling efficiency.
  • Pallet-Less Bulk Bags: These bags eliminate the need for separate pallets by incorporating integral forklift locations. This design enhances hygiene, optimizes space utilization, and is particularly beneficial when loading bulk bags into ISO containers.

These developments demonstrate how innovations in bulk bag handling equipment are streamlining operations across industries, offering solutions that enhance safety, efficiency, and containment.

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