Transfer of powders from FIBCs to top-up bins

Pneumatic transfer of selected powder ingredient materials in FIBCs on delivery through a common station into one of nine existing vacuum receiving hoppers

Mass Measuring Systems has engineered a materials handling system enabling a manufacturer of gypsum-based products to receive bulk supplies of various powder ingredients in FIBCs discharged through a common station and then pneumatically transfer selected materials into one of nine existing vacuum receiving hoppers as each needs topping-up.

The system was installed with a PLC control system based around a Siemens S7-300 unit, with interlocked conveying system control and a touch-screen input/output enabling set-up of transfer proportions, access to key parameters and full system optimisation.

The latest Mass Measuring conveying routines include automatic in-flight correction and a full alarm giving clear descriptions of any plant problem.

Hopper selection is made using a manual plug-in board located near the FIBC discharger and the main panel details which line is being filled and what material it is transferring to the particular day bin.

Signals from existing high, medium and low level hopper probes indicate bin product level and alert operators of any material running low so that the correct material and line can be selected to top-up that bin.

The FIBC discharge unit incorporates a 200-litre capacity take-off feed bin with internal flow cone and external vibrator to assist product flow, so that the flexible outlet pipe can be connected to any one of nine conveying lines to the nine hoppers on the day bins' existing sack tip stations.

Average conveying distance is some 30m vertical by 20m horizontal with each line able to incorporate up to three 90degree conveying line bends.

Once the appropriate line and hopper are selected and actuated, a convey/discharge cycle tops up the selected day bin to the high-level probe, ensuring uninterrupted operation.

To ensure correct product-to-air ratios for proper handling of varying powder densities, a variable speed rotary valve was fitted to the outlet of the big bag discharger feed, with appropriate preset revolution stages automatically inputted when a bin is selected for filling and adjusting output to suit individual densities.

The FIBC discharge frame with support legs and rest platform has a 3-phase out-of-balance vibrator sequenced to suit the material flow characteristics and a front access panel allowing safe bag untying/tying.

A pneumatic neck closure valve controls flow from the FIBC and gives full neck closure bag upon prior to removal.

A hoist gantry and additional steelwork allows 1.25 tonne FIBCs to be loaded onto the discharge system.

An air-powered rigging frame with quick-acting couplings included a tensioning unit for FIBCs having inner liners.

Back to top