Discharging and filling IBC’s
For difficult flowing materials, products subject to segregation and damage, and the need to transfer potent products in a contained manner, we provide unique technologies for accurate filling and discharging. These ensure high levels of containment, rapid product change over,
Cleaning In Place (CIP) and complete discharge with no segregation.
Solve a 'sticky' problem with Vibroflow™
A
controlled discharge of product from an IBC is a key consideration in the design of an IBC System.
Solving the problem of material blockages of sticky poor flowing product
Common problems include material blockages where sticky poor flowing materials will not discharge from the IBC.
Segregation of blended material is another common problem.
Segregation can be caused during the discharge from the IBC if a product 'rat-holes'. It can also occur after discharge from the IBC when product is allowed to fall through long chutes in free fall, and displaced air from below is forced back up the chute and separates the finer particles from the coarser particles.
With the Vibroflow™ discharge technology and the Decelerator, Buck Systems can offer their customers full control of the discharge process.
Powder Charging and Discharging - Understanding your process
After the dispensing of the ingredients into an Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC), the IBC can be transferred to the next process step, where the method of IBC discharge will depend on several key factors such as the product characteristics, the facility design and the processes to be undertaken.
The product characteristics have a significant influence on the type and design of IBC and discharge device to be used. Buck System specialise in providing the most advanced technology for transferring and containing powders, granules and tablets. It is essential that the intermediate and active ingredients be tested to establish flow (see our powder testing facilties), segregation and handling properties, in order to select the optimum technology for the project.
Where products are known to be difficult to discharge, or susceptible to segregation, then Buck Systems have innovative technical solutions such as Vibroflow™, and a full range of technical solutions for varied Occupational Exposure Level (OEL) requirements (10-100 nano g/m³ through to 50 μg/m³ in various technology steps).
Where a plant is to be designed for multi-product use, Buck systems often apply their advanced technical solutions to ensure security of outcome, including provision for future unknown products.
Vacuum Charging – Room Height Restrictions
Where possible it is best to avoid vacuum transfer because of cleaning, segregation, contamination and dust exposure issues. Where this is not possible, for example where room height constraints prevail, a contained Vacuum Station is an option incorporating containment valves which will limit airborne dust, and may therefore assist in reducing area classifications. It is also possible to improve safety by using the containment valve interlocking features with a nitrogen purge system. A typical application is charging a tablet compression machine