Rigid intermediate bulk container systems: Providing more than storage
Are dust problems and high costs causing you to re-evaluate your continuous or conventional batch processing and handling system? A system using rigid intermediate bulk containers [IBCs], also called portable bins, to process, handle, and store your powder can help you contain dust and reduce costs while maintaining batch integrity and preventing product contamination. This article compares continuous and conventional batch processing and handling systems with IBC systems, then discusses equipment for IBC filling, mixing, discharging, washing, and transferring.
Processing and handling your bulk materials in continuous and conventional batch systems can create some problems. A continuous system requires various storage containers and several pieces of equipment permanently connected in one process stream. The typical system may include a bulk silo or hopper that feeds through a valve to a weigh hopper, which in turn feeds to a mechanical or pneumatic conveyor. Depending on the process, this conveyor might feed to another intermediate hopper and then to process equipment, such as a tableting or pelletizing machine, and finally to a packaging machine.