When a food manufacturing firm in Sydney had a requirement to feed bulk crumbs mixed with oils out of pallecons and into a process line, it knew it had a challenge on its hands.
The product compacts under its own weight causing it to bridge and rat hole, making it hard to deliver into conveyors.
Fresco Systems was able to prove through a series of product trials they had ability to work with the product. Fresco then designed and quoted a system that would allow the client to reduce the physical handling of the product while maintaining a continuous throughput, thus both reducing costs and improving productivity. The system provided is completely unmanned except for the loading and unloading of the bulk materials.
Fresco Systems’ design philosophy makes it a natural choice for this type of application – where ergonomics, safety and productivity go hand in hand. For this application it was imperative that all contact materials were manufactured to the highest standard from 316 S/S and incorporating full safety guarding and interlocks to a category 3 level.
The custom designed solution incorporates a hydraulic bin tipper, with a graduated tipping angle to allow an even flow of product through a mesh into the charging hopper. The hopper was specifically designed with an agitator and fluidisers to negate any chance of bridging or flow issues. This then feeds a charging adaptor for the flexible conveyor, which is tuned via a VSD to match the downstream flow requirements.
This complete system had to fit within tight space requirements meeting site specific protocols around operator access to controls and forklift loading of bulk materials.
Fresco systems is the obvious choice when the requirements are for anything that requires thinking outside of the square, with their team of specialist engineers they are able to customise solutions to cost effectively meet or exceed clients’ expectations.
Bulk handling
Whatever the system, having a thorough understanding of a products specifications before commissioning and being competent in the running of the system after implementation are vital.
As a supplier offering specialist knowledge and turnkey solutions, Fresco Systems believes a major problem with designing and maintaining efficient bulk materials handling system is the fact companies do not know enough about their products.
Turnkey solutions are highly specific and specialised to a company’s particular needs. Different types of sugar, for instance, require different hoppers depending on the flow rate.
“The ingredients size, shape, flowability and density will determine the solution put in placem,” said Fresco System’s Ken Hetherington.
“Many companies will just tell you that they are supplied sugar, but will not know whether it is icing or granulated.”
Once installed, operator competency is essential. Taking the time to read the system’s manual and develop a Standard Operation Procedure will help Turnkey solution providers like Fresco Systems benefit manufacturers as they not only custom design systems but provide valuable after sales support, maintenance and training of staff.