National Bulk Equipment automated, bulk material handling and packaging system

National Bulk Equipment (NBE) has introduced an automated, bulk material handling and packaging system - including pallet/base supply, slipsheet pick-and-placement, bulk material infeed, packaged contents isolated densification, NTEP-certified weighing and finished-package accumulation conveyance. The system operates on paired, process-specific structural framework chassis with all automation and control functions centralised to a single, menu-driven HMI to enable standardised and system-wide data reporting.

The automatic pallet dispenser phase eliminates manual handling of pallets. The pallet stack, delivered by forklift, is conveyed into the dispenser where the stack is automatically formed and each pallet is aligned and staged to advance into the slipsheet dispenser. The slipsheet dispenser magazine can hold up to 1100 kg of sheet. Sensors and automated controls guide the dispenser lift carriage along horizontal and vertical flanged cam rollers, to provide accurate pick and place of up to 30 slipsheets/h.

The system’s bulk bag filling stage uses a cantilevered fill head/bag hanger carriage design with pneumatic actions to bring the fill head and rear bag hooks to within the operator’s reach; eliminating the need to step or lean into the equipment. The 8 GPM hydraulic lift carriage lifts bag capacities up to 2000 kg; exceeding the lift speed and capacity of ball screw designs. The NTEP-certified hang-weigh system provides repeatable weighing of bulk bags to an accuracy of ±.05%.

The bulk bag densification platform uses 3 Gs of high-speed, low-intensity vibration to settle material to a dense, stable and safe load. The vibratory action is isolated from the deck and focused on the bulk package to ensure precise package weight accuracy.

The system conforms to the specific, regulated processes and practices of a Class II, Div. 2, process area, including Type Z purge.