A processor of mastics and reinforcing materials designed a new formula with flake graphite as a minor ingredient. Consumption would be high enough to justify the use of big bags (FIBC), but this particular graphite was only available in 50 lb. bags.
To avoid the need for an operator to cut and dump bags several times per shift, the customer wanted to empty bags once a day, and have a system hold, convey, and sift the flake prior to dosing to the downstream process.
Our system design included:
• Dump platform with stair.
• Bag dump station with integral dust collection, and safety grate to retain gross oversize
material.
• Storage bin with truncated lower cone to reduce the height of the bin, but still hold 55 cu.ft.
of product. The translucent HDPE bin shows the material level, in addition to level sensors.
• Stirred bottom on the bin, operated intermittently, to keep the product moving to the
discharge.
• Vacuum pickup adaptor and air control.
• VFR-17 vacuum conveyor, with high vacuum eductor
• Sifter to scalp agglomerates or any bits of paper from opening the bags.