Each bulk bag unloader is equipped with the features you need to maximize your bag handling process – from a cantilevered I-beam to an electric hoist and trolley for loading and unloading of bulk bags without the use of a forklift. Other bulk bag unloader designs include frames for forklift loading, and low-profile units for use in low ceiling areas where lack of overhead room would impede the full extension of the forklift.
Also available are bulk bag unloader half-frames that can be used with existing hoist and monorail systems, a loss-in-weight option for uninterrupted feeding directly from bulk bags in batching operations, and other engineered designs for specialized requirements.
The bulk bag unloader operation is engineered for labor optimization and maximum product output. Two different types of this structural piece of bulk material handling equipment are available from Hapman.
The operation of the forklift-style bulk bag unloader begins with the forklift driver lifting the bag transporter off of the unloader frame using the integral lift pockets. The transporter has four safety hooks that will securely hold the bag during the bulk bag discharge process. The fork truck raises the transporter and bag, placing it on the unloader frame.
Once the stops are reached, the fork truck driver knows the transporter is securely in place. The operator will then open the valve (typically an Iris or Pinch type), pull the spout of the bag into the untie box/access chamber, close the valve, and untie the spout. The bag is now staged and ready to begin the bulk bag discharge process.
The operation of the Hoist and Trolley-style bulk bag unloader begins with a single operator lowering the hoist to ground level with a four-button pendant control and securing the bag adaptor to the loops on the bag. The operator then raises the bag with the hoist, moves the bag into the frame on the cantileavered I-beam, and places the bag spout over the valve.
The operator will then open the valve (typically an Iris or Pinch type), pull the spout of the bag into the untie box/access chamber, close the valve, and then untie the bag. The bag is now staged and ready to begin the bulk bag discharge process.
Images courtesy of Vortex Valves.
Integrated hydraulic conditioners for the Bulk Bag Unloader allow for effective processing and improved material flow of bulk bags or FIBCs. The hydraulic conditioners are engineered for the break-up of very hard agglomerations. The system uses engineered steel compression plates designed to push on the bag at staged intervals, breaking up hard agglomerations. Bag conditioners can be incorporated into a Bulk Bag Unloader or designed as a separate stand-alone unit. Watch the video for more information.
Pneumatic agitator paddles can be used in conjunction with hydraulic bag conditioners or as a stand-alone option. Also integral to the Bulk Bag Unloader, the pneumatic agitator paddles massage the bag while the material is discharging. The massaging action reduces bridging and provides a continuous and positive material flow.
See the integral hydraulic conditioning paddles in live action. Watch our video below.
Standard frame: 3 in (7.62 cm) square, 7-gauge tubing. Custom frames per application requirements are available. Optional agitator fabricated of carbon or stainless steel requires 5 scfm (0.142 m3/min) at 80 psig (5.62 kg/cm2).
4 frame-mounted load cell kit includes stainless steel junction box, 4 carbon or stainless steel compression mounts, 4 single-ended beam load cells and 25 ft (7.62 m) of load cell cable.
Our patent-pending low-profile unit allows a forklift to be fully extended, even in low ceiling areas. Our patent-pending slide rail design serves as a guide for the forklift driver for placement of the top section.
Like all Hapman equipment, our bulk bag unloader systems can be designed to meet your specific needs by our experienced and knowledgeable application experts. A common reason for a custom unit is low ceiling height; click here for more details on our patent-pending, low-profile unit.
Our Bulk Bag Unloader is often used in conjunction with other material handling equipment. Here are just a few examples of how our bulk bag discharge equipment has helped facilities in all material handling applications maximize their bulk purchases by optimizing how the bags are unloaded.
Dry Granulated Material – This customer had a challenging material handling issue. The product they purchased in bulk bags was of various size granules. Their process could only handle smaller-sized particles. To effectively handle the bulk bags and optimize larger-quantity material purchases, we helped this customer by designing a complete unloading and pre-processing system. This picture shows the bulk bag unloader with a hoist and trolley assembly, iris valve at the bag discharge with the spout untie box and hopper. Our Vacuum Conveyor lifts the material into a screener, which separates the larger particles out of the process and delivers the small particles directly to the assembly line.
Fine Powder – In this application, our customer used a hoist and trolley-style unloader to empty the large bags of protein powder. The discharge valve is a pinch valve, which allows the operator to close prior to the release of material, thus preventing a large instantaneous load on the system. This unit includes an untie box and a hopper. Our Helix® Flexible Screw Conveyor is mounted off of the hopper, elevating the powder into the mixer.
Product Brochures
Product Brochure: Bulk Bag Unloaders
Application Reviews
Application Review: Overcoming the Challenges of Handling Salt in Bulk
Application Review: Hapman Maintains EPA Standards by Meter Feeding Enviroblend into a Dust Collection System
Application Review: Portable Bulk Bag Unloading – Chemical Company Charging Hoppers with Limestone Combining with Helix® Flexible Screw Conveyor
Case Studies
Case Study: Bulk Bag Unloader and Vacuum Conveyor System Automates Material Handling and Adds Cost Savings
Case Study: Custom Bulk Bag Unloading System Helps the Village of Gilberts to Maintain EPA Standards for Wastewater Treatment
Case Study: Basic American Foods Expands Plant Capacity in Record Time, Ensures Reliability with Pneumatic Vacuum Conveyors
Tech Briefs
Tech Brief: How Does an Iris Valve Work
Tech Brief: Top Equipment Design Considerations for Handling Bulk Chemical Powders
Tech Brief: Mitigating the Risk of Dust from Bulk Bag Discharge
White Papers
White Paper: Mixing Solutions and Slurries – Effectively, Economically and Safely
CHALLENGE Controlling dust is a constant challenge for any processor […]
CHALLENGE A major manufacturer of sweets required a highly versatile […]
CHALLENGE Harry Harman, P.E. of Baxter & Woodman, consulting Engineers, […]
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