Context

The customer had two emptying stations on site. There were problems with height, operator ergonomics, and product contamination. ISERCO provided an alternative solution to these stations.

This project involved three main constraints:

  • The lack of space in height. It is necessary to adapt the height of the different big bags.
  • It is a plant designed for the food industry. This is a highly regulated sector. Hygiene is essential. The production equipment is designed to avoid product contamination and to be easily cleaned.
  • Milk powder easily becomes sticky and compact, making it more difficult to flow.

The purposed solution

These are 2 emptying stations composed of:

  • A super low headroom hoist (from STAHL CraneSystems). This is a chain hoist for use in low spaces (or where it is necessary to enter confined spaces). It is manufactured in accordance with the EC machinery directives and accident prevention regulations.
  • A stainless steel cross member with reduced headroom and a maximum payload of 1500kg which allows the handling of the big bag.
  • A stainless steel support structure, adjustable in height. The emptying space is optimized. There is a ringed sheath between the Clean Connect and the pipe.
  • A mass big bag hopper with massage paddles, pneumatic cylinders, and pneumatic control.

Due to the height available, it is not possible to install a vibrating hopper. Indeed, by positioning a vibrating hopper above the Clean Connect, the operator will have difficult or even impossible access to the latter.

To solve this problem, ISERCO designed a 2-piece Mass Big Bag hopper, which allows the operator to easily access the Big Bag sealing system.

In case of extraction difficulties, a massage system from the bottom of the big bag can be activated by pneumatic control.

  • A clean connect in stainless steel. This allows a clean emptying of product. The set is adjustable in height thanks to gas cylinders, which allows it to adapt to several bag lengths.
    • Supplied with connection flange and toggle clamps for smooth, effortless closing without risk of pinching for the operator.
    • A buffer hopper with connection flange. It is composed of an access door for emptying bags, a sieve grid, toggle clamps, gas cylinders, and a hinged opening.

Mechanical and electrical assembly, operator training, commissioning, and production tests were carried out by ISERCO. 

Bulk information

  • Industry: The food industry
  • Product: Powdered milk
  • Product density: 0,4
  • Particle size: Flakes and powder
  • Big bag model: with 4 lifting points and a rectangular shape
  • Dimensions of big bags: 3 different sizes (970x970x2300 / 970x971x2000 / 850x950x1800)
  • Load capacity: 1200 kg