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Most automated machinery in factories and production lines work efficiently, but sometimes problems can arise. One such instance is the slipping and detachment of a bulk bag inlet spout from the equipment. This failure causes delays and spillage of whatever material you’re processing.

The main reason for this is the incorrect specification of the inlet spout. If it is too wide or too short, it can easily slip off your machinery. As a leading manufacturer and supplier of high-quality bulk bags in South Africa, Custom Bulk Bags can tailor various components to meet your exact requirements. 

This includes the precise specification and dimensions of bulk bag spouts to fit perfectly around your filling equipment. Before ordering your batch of bulk bags, be sure to consult with one of our experts to ensure that your packaging products serve you well.

Two white bulk bags sitting on an automated filling machine

What can cause a spout to slip?

If you’re faced with this problem, the first thing to check is the dimensions of the inlet spout to see if it is designed to fit your machinery. If the spout is in spec, then the next potential issue could be the bottom support. If a bulk bag is not adequately supported during filling, then the weight of the bag could rip the spout off the equipment.

If a bulk bag is only supported by the lifting loops and not from the entire bottom surface too, then the base of the bag can droop as more material is poured in. This can cause the bag to deform and pull the spout off the filling machine. Always support bulk bags from the bottom when filling to prevent this problem.

If that’s not the obvious cause, then the next step is to check the neck seal of the filling machine itself. Some equipment uses an inflatable neck seal that is covered by a rubber sleeve. This seal expands with air and fills the spout to create a tight fit, which prevents dust and spout slippage.

The rubber sleeve should be connected to a pressure regulator, so check the dial to see if the air pressure in the seal is too low or too high. Not enough pressure can allow the spout to slip off, whereas too much pressure can tear the spout’s fabric and break the seal. The rubber sleeve should be inspected regularly and replaced as needed. 

Maintenance records should be kept to document these processes. This will tell you when the last inspection took place and how long it has been since the sleeve was replaced. As the rubber bladder expands and contracts regularly, it can wear out over time. Once you replace the seal, it will prevent spout slipping for a while longer.

How to handle bulk bags safely and correctly

Choose a reliable bulk bag supplier

The three causes of spout slipping mentioned above are the most likely to affect your production line. However, to further prevent any issues, be sure to buy bulk bags from a reputable manufacturer or supplier. Your preferred supplier should adhere to international standards and regulations. Custom Bulk Bags holds ISO 9001 certification for quality management and we currently have multiple UN-certified bulk bag designs on offer.

These factors guarantee that your products will meet exact specifications and quality standards. Our consultants will guide you through the ordering and specification process to ensure that you receive the most effective bulk bags for your business. For more information about our bulk bags, please contact us today.

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Custom Bulk Bags is a leading South African manufacturer of woven polypropylene bags for various industries, such as mining, chemicals and food. We are able to produce over 3.5-million bulk bags per year, keeping our customers in stock at all times. Our bags adhere to the highest levels of quality as a result of our stringent in-house testing and quality control programmes.

Custom Bulk Bags holds ISO 9001 certification and we currently have a number of UN-certified designs. We are a Level 2 B-BBEE manufacturer and supplier and fall under the ownership structure of Deneb Investments Limited. For more information on our products, contact sales@custombulkbags.co.za. Follow us on Facebook for our latest news and industry insights.