Efficiency and safety are the two most important aspects of bulk material handling. Unsurprisingly, 97% of production managers agree that evaluating new bulk bag handling systems prior to purchase is an essential component in the decision-making process. This figure emphasises how important it is to do your research before making an investment in machinery that will have an immediate effect on your manufacturing line.
Custom Bulk Bags is a leading manufacturer and supplier of bulk bags in South Africa. We produce up to 3.5 million units per year, and our products can safely hold between 500kg and two tonnes of material per bag. It’s important to carry out extensive testing before buying handling equipment to ensure it meets your needs and operational specifications.
Important tests for FIBC handling equipment
Several tests should be conducted to determine the performance and applicability of your new bulk bag handling equipment. Here are some tests to consider:
- Precision weighing tests – When filling or emptying bulk bags, accuracy is important. The accuracy of scales is measured by precision weighing tests, which guarantee that your bags are filled to the proper weight. Underfilling can result in ineffective storage and transportation, while overfilling might cause product waste and safety risks. To replicate real-world situations, these tests should be carried out with calibrated weights and under varied loading circumstances.
- Dust emission tests – When handling bulk materials, dust emissions are a major concern. A clean and safe working environment depends on efficient dust extraction systems. A filler or discharger’s dust collection system is assessed using specialised equipment to measure the amount of dust emitted during operation. This will allow you to minimise airborne particles, lower the risk of respiratory dangers, and adhere to environmental standards.
- Flow rate tests – In any production line, efficiency and throughput are two vital components. The equipment’s capacity to fill or discharge materials at the intended rate is evaluated using flow rate tests. In these experiments, the processing time of a given amount of material is measured. You can see whether the machinery can satisfy your production needs and maximise your operating efficiency by conducting these tests beforehand.
- Densification tests – In some instances, the material within the bulk bag can compact, which causes problems with product flow and discharge. The equipment should not compact the material too much, so the necessary density is assessed using densification tests. In these tests, the material’s bulk density is measured both before and after filling.
The importance of knowing your equipment
Purchasing bulk bag handling equipment is a big choice. To guarantee safe and efficient operation, it is essential to know the equipment’s capabilities and limitations. Operators and production managers must receive the right training to reduce the risk of accidents and increase throughput. Workflows will run more smoothly if you are familiar with the equipment’s operating methods, maintenance needs, and safety features.
Custom Bulk Bags provides a range of tailored packaging solutions that can be customised to fit your unique handling equipment. To guarantee that your bulk bags are made to suit your filling and discharge procedures, our knowledgeable staff is available for consultations and guidance. We also provide UN-certified designs that are fully customisable, so you can guarantee your bulk bags will work with your equipment.
You can maximise productivity and reduce downtime by working with Custom Bulk Bags to ensure your bulk bags are precisely matched to your handling equipment. For more information about our bulk bags or to get advice on the ideal designs, 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 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, LinkedIn and Instagram for our latest news and industry insights.
