Automated Bulk Bag Filling

Source: www.controlandmetering.com

The savings that properly filled FIBCs deliver can be augmented by automating the filling system to increase filled bag output.

Depending on the application, automated filling systems can range from a single, microprocessor-controlled machine filling 10 bulk bags per hr, to multiple units each outputting 20 bags per hr, to a single, multistation filler production 70 one-ton bags per hr.

First, fill correctly

Look for a filling machine designed to hang fill the bag to produce straight sides and to fill the corners of the bag first to maximize stability. A fill should also densify and compact the ingredient and weigh the bulk bag accurately and reliably.

Filling a bulk bag comprises three main operational steps: rigging the bag, filling the bag and taking the filled bag away from the machine. Automation of an FIBC filling machine can be approached on four levels:

1. Adding an automatic control system to a manual machine,
2. Automating the removal of the filled bag and placing of the pallet (if necessary),
3. Preweighing the ingredient to reduce overhead time associated with bag rigging and ingredient feeding, and
4. Providing a multi station machine to simultaneously perform the three operational steps.
   

   bulk bag filler

Automatic bag removal

Typically the filled bulk bag is removed from the filling machine by a forklift truck. Roller or chain conveyors can be positioned in the filler to remove the filled bag automatically. Automatic bag removal can increase the output of a stand-alone, microprocessor-controlled filler to 12 to 14 bags per hr. Filled bags with specially designed lifting loops can be handled easily with fork trucks.

Preweighing

Once the new bag is rigged, the preweighed charge is dropped into the bag quickly. Preweighing, in association with automated controls and automatic bag removal, can increase the output of a single filling station to 20 bags per hr.

Multiple units increase output

For production rates greater than 20 bags per hr, multiple machines can be used. For example, if 30 bags per hr are required, two automatic bag removal systems would be most appropriate. If 40 bags per hr are required, two preweighed, automatic bag removal systems would be selected.

More machines can be added and sequenced to further increase bag output.

High-capacity filling station

For output greater than 50 bags per hr, a sophisticated, multistation, automated filling system is required. Such a system allows simultaneous rigging, filling and bag removal. Seventy one-ton bags per hr can be filled by only two operators. The ultimate in automation is provided by a carousel filling station, which can fill as many as 70 one-ton bags per hr.

Bulk Bag Filler With Hook Latch Mechanism

Source: www.freepatentsonline.com

The present invention relates to bulk bag filler including a frame assembly, a bag filling head, and latch assemblies. The bag filling head is connected to the frame assembly and includes a plurality of rotatable hooks to which the bag loops are connectable.

The latch assemblies are located on the filling head and are gravity driven to a latching position to engage the rotatable hooks. Upon release of a latch pin in each latch assembly, the latch assemblies release the rotatable hooks, and then are returned by the force of gravity to the latching position.

A method for loading a bulk bag with a bulk material is also provided. The method includes connecting a bulk bag to a bag filling head of a bulk bag filler by connecting bulk bag loops of the bulk bag to moveable hooks connected to the bag filling head.

The moveable hooks are moved to a latched position in which they are engaged by gravity driven latch assemblies connected to the bag filling head. The bulk bag is filled with a bulk material, and the gravity driven latch assemblies are disengaged to release the moveable hooks.

The filled bulk bag is then disconnected from the bag filling head, and the gravity driven latch assemblies are returned to a latching position.

Also check out other information on polypropylene bags and woven polypropylene bags.