Sterling Systems & Controls, Inc. is pleased to announce the availability of its line of bulk bag unloading systems, specifically for food or food grade applications. These customized unloading systems are designed specifically for food industry applications such as the baking and snack industries and can include bulk bag discharging, material weighing and batch dispensing, along with the controls required for automatic operation. Just such a system has been successfully operating at the site of a leading powder processor. A typical comprehensive bulk bag unloading system can incorporate the mechanical structure which houses and supports the bag discharge, material weighing, dispensing (flexible screw conveyor) and control panel components.
A bulk bag, or flexible intermediate bulk container (FIBC), is an industrial container made of flexible fabric that is designed for storing and transporting dry, flowable products, such as sand, fertilizer, and granules of plastic. FIBCs are most often made of thick woven polyethylene or polypropylene, coated or uncoated, and normally measure around 45″–48″ (114cm–122cm) in diameter and varies in height from 39″-79″ (100cm-200cm). Its capacity is normally around 2,200lbs (1,000kg), but the larger units can store even more. A bulk bag designed to transport one metric ton (0.98 long tons; 1.1 short tons) of material will itself only weigh 5–7lbs (2.3–3.2kg).
The mechanical components in the bulk bag unloading system are provided to unload the bulk bag, accurately weigh the desired amount of material as set for a batch by the operator, and then dispense the batch of material into a container for production use. Dust containment around the bag tie is available (“glove box”, etc.). Process controls can and usually is also provided. Sterling Systems is a UL approved control panel assembler.
Sterling Systems & Controls, Inc. has 45+ years of experience providing efficient solutions for batching, micro, minor and bulk weighing, bulk bag unloading systems, as well as process controls and plant automation for the baking and food industries. Sterling’s designs utilize the latest technology to provide specialized data management, raw material management, along with production data tracking. For more information contact Sterling Systems & Controls at 1-800-257-7214, sci@sterlingcontrols.com, and at www.sterlingcontrols.com.