CHALLENGE
Deliver measured amounts of four powdered ingredients, received in bulk bags to slurry tanks. Some materials are hygroscopic, flow poorly in humid environments and may contain small agglomerations. Whereas some materials do not mix readily into solution, the delivery must be metered so as not to exceed the mixers ability to force it into suspension. System must be automatic and fit into an existing manufacturing space with a very limited footprint. Housekeeping is a concern- provision to minimize the escape of airborne product is essential. Control system must be open architecture and comprised of commonly available, highly dependable components to minimize downtime.
IMPROVEMENTS WITH AN AUTOMATED APPROACH
The Hapman solution involved four extended height bulk bag unloaders which allowed vertical integration of various components, each aimed at addressing a specific need while making the most efficient use of available space. The hoist and trolley mechanism first moves the bags into position. The access chamber (untie box) includes an integrally filtered dust collector (see image below) which maintains ambient air quality while enabling the captured particulate to remain within the system so as to avoid generation of a separate waste stream and lost product. Pneumatically actuated bag agitators fluidize the material and cause it to flow freely from the bulk bag and through a lump breaker which continuously breaks up incidental agglomerations. The free flowing, conditioned material is then delivered to a PosiPortion™ loss-in-weight screw feeder to precisely measure the amount of product and regulate the rate at which it is delivered. Finally, a pneumatic conveyor was used to transfer the rate controlled batches and a system of diverters directed the batch to the appropriate slurry tank.
POSITIVE RETURNS
Hapman provided a system that addresses all material handling challenges, while consuming the least amount of available floor space. Metered delivery of powders assures efficient downstream mixing to optimize overall process performance. User friendly controls and monitoring equipment minimizes operator interface time, freeing plant personnel to address other process concerns.
