Powder transfer integrates conveyor, bulk bag unloader
AFC's new material-handling system aims to prevent ambient dust.
A new dust-tight bulk material-handling system for the snack, bakery, and confectionery industries from process equipment manufacturer Automated Flexible Conveyor (AFC) integrates the company's bulk bag unloader (BBU) with its AFC Spiralfeeder(R) screw conveyor into a single, sealed unit. Developed for a major nutritional product manufacturer, the integrated powder-handling system automatically empties bagged bulk materials into the conveyor and transfers them into a hopper, mixer, reactor, or other equipment, all under containment throughout the process. Dust escape and/or spillage into the workplace may be eliminated.
The machine can be used in snack, bakery, and confectionery industries to transfer ingredients like flour and sugar from the bulk bag directly into smaller containers that are reportedly more manageable without manual handling, mess, or dust escape. It can also be used to transfer directly into a mixer or hopper.
Suitable for installation in food and other facilities where hygiene is paramount, the automated bag unloader and conveyor aims to eliminate cumbersome manual powder handling, may help safeguard against combustible dust incidents, and could eliminate the need for workers to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) during material transfer. According to the company, material waste and labor-intensive housekeeping tasks are reduced, while cleanliness improves.
The bulk bag unloading and conveying system is designed and manufactured at the company's New Jersey headquarters. Material testing is offered in the on-site test lab to document throughput, quality, and other targets may be achieved.
For more information, contact Automated Flexible Conveyor, Inc. at sales@afcspiralfeeder.com.
Related: AFC releases new Spiralfeeder model
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