Empty bulk bags without letting loose a cloud of dust.

Two new models of bulk-bag dischargers have been introduced by Flexicon Corp., Bethlehem, Pa. Its new BFC model reportedly eliminates dust during untying, discharge, retying, collapse, and removal of the bag. The key features are a dust-tight interface between the bulk bag and hopper (photo) and a provision to automatically elongate the bag as it empties to promote flow and complete evacuation. Also new is the Bag-Vac dust collector that creates negative pressure to collapse empty bags prior to retying, eliminating dust emissions during manual flattening of empty bags. BFC models have a cantilevered I-beam with electric hoist and trolley to raise and position bulk bags without a forklift.

Flexicon's new BFF model with multi-purpose hood allows automatic discharging from bulk bags and manual emptying from sacks, drums, and other containers. BFF units have top-mounted receiving cups and a removable bag-lifting frame for forklift loading of bulk bags.

Both versions can be equipped with a new activated surge bin and flexible screw conveyor to allow continuous loss-in-weight gravimetric discharging directly from bulk bags. Volume of the surge bin exceeds that of a bulk bag, thus allowing ample time for bag changes. During changes the system software switches to volumetric mode for uninterrupted operation. Also, the surge bin is isolated on rubber mounts and vibrated with a gyratory motor to ensure steady flow into the small surge hopper of the flexible screw conveyor. The conveyor screw speed is continually varied to maintain a set gravimetric discharge rate. Tel: (888) FLEXICON, www.flexicon.com

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