There are various methods for loading material into an IBC or bulk container. One of the most efficient and cost effective methods is the use of a well designed vacuum transfer system.

Vacuum transfer into an IBC offers a reliable dust-tight transfer that is highly flexible and easily adapted to various process changes. Using vacuum transfer is an ideal material handling solution where there is restricted space above the IBC. Even in tight spaces, loading rates of 1,000 kg per hour are often possible.

“Vacuum transfer is a simple, fully-contained method for loading an IBC”

To ensure the best possible powder transfer from the vacuum transfer hopper into the IBC, a dust-tight seal is essential. This can take the form of a dust cap, flexible silicone sleeve, inflatable sealing system or a split butterfly docking system, to give the highest level of integrity. It is worth remembering that it is essential to vent the IBC or receiving container, in order r to disperse displaced air during filling. This is easily done using a vent filter. Vent filters can be simple fabric sock-type filters or miniature HEPA filters.

Material pick-up can be achieved in a variety of ways. The most common method is of material pick-up is using a hand held vacuum wand. To minimise any dust concerns during this process a localised dust extract system can be used. Alternatively a Sack-Tip Station or feed bin provides a semi-automated method of material pick-up. These systems can incorporate a dust-hood and integrated or external dust extraction to further help improve containment. Finally, powder can be drawn straight from the outlet of one IBC and transferred to another.

One major advantage is that other processes such as sieving or milling can be performed ‘in-line’. This helps reduce operator exposure and eliminates the need for a separate process step providing a major cost benefit. From pick-up point to discharge a fully contained system helps protect both the environment and personnel from the hazards of airborne dust particles.

Using vacuum transfer, processes such as milling and sieving can be performed ‘in-line’.

Improved containment using vacuum transfer for IBC loading also means reduced waste which further contributes to overall cost savings. Taking into consideration the benefits of flexibility, containment, labour savings and ease of cleaning, vacuum transfer for the loading of IBC’s and other bulk containers is the normally the optimal solution.

For more information on Hanningfield’s vacuum transfer systems, please click here, or click the link below.