Bulk Handling Equipmentand Engineered Systems

F U L L L I N E

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CONTENTS

Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Flexicon® Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Flexicon® Flexible Screw Conveyors . . . 6

BEV-CON™ Conveyors . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

PNEUMATI-CON® Dilute Phase Pneumatic Conveying Systems . . . . . . 10

BULK-OUT™ Bulk Bag Dischargers . . 14

BLOCK-BUSTER™ Bulk Bag Conditioners . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Flexicon® Bulk Bag Fillers. . . . . . . . . . 19

Revolutionary SWING-DOWN® Fillers. . 20

REAR-POST and TWIN-CENTERPOST™ Fillers . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Flexicon® Bag Dumping Stations . . . . 22

TIP-TITE™ Container Dumpers . . . . . . 23

Sanitary Construction and Finishes . . . 24

Flexicon® Weigh Batching and Blending Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Flexicon® Digital Programmable Controls. . . . . . . . . . . 28

Flexicon® World Wide SystemEngineering, Design, Manufacturing,Testing and Field Support . . . . . . . . . . 30

Flexicon Corporation is a world leader in the designand manufacture of bulkhandling equipment andcustom-engineered andintegrated plant-wide systemsthat transport, discharge, fill,weigh, blend, deliver and/orfeed a broad range of powderand bulk solid materials.Flexicon products rangefrom individual equipmentto automated systems thatsource bulk material frominterior and exterior plantlocations, transport it betweenprocess equipment and storagevessels, weigh it, blend it, feedit to packaging lines, extruders,molding machines and storagevessels, and load it into railcarsand trailers.

Choose from a broad range of reliable, high performanceequipment in carbon steel withdurable industrial finishes, or in stainless steel designed andconstructed to industrial, food,dairy or pharmaceuticalstandards:

■ Flexible Screw Conveyors ■ Pneumatic Conveying

Systems ■ Volumetric Feeding

Conveyors ■ Bulk Bag Fillers ■ Bulk Bag Dischargers ■ Bulk Bag Conditioners ■ Weigh Batching Systems ■ Manual Dumping Stations ■ Drum/Box/Container

Dumpers ■ Storage Vessels

Flexicon can also custom-engineer automated, plant-widebulk handling and processingsystems that integrate Flexiconequipment with existing processequipment and the equipmentof other manufacturersincluding:

■ Gravimetric/VolumetricFeeders

■ Silos and other storage vessels

■ Dryers/Coolers ■ Mixers/Blenders ■ Screeners ■ Crushers/Grinders ■ Packaging Machines ■ Other bulk processing

equipment

In addition to engineering and integrating your system,Flexicon can guarantee its performance, removing the risk and the resourcesassociated with managing of multiple vendors.

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Convey, load, unload, weigh, feed, and process virtually any bulk solid material

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ABS RESINACETAMINOPHENALMONDSALUMINAALUMINUM OXIDEALUMINUM

TRIHYDRATEAMORPHOUS SILICAANIMAL FEEDANTIOXIDANTASCORBIC ACIDASPARTAMEASPIRINBABY POWDERBACON BITSBAKING SODABARIUM SULFATEBARLEYBEANSBENTONITEBISCUIT MIXBLOOD, DRIEDBORIC ACIDBREAD CRUMBSBREWERY YEASTCAFFEINECAKE MIXESCALCIUM CARBONATECALCIUM STEARATECARBON ACTIVATEDCARBON BLACKCARPET DEODORIZERCARRAGEENINCASEINCAT FOODCAT LITTERCELLULOSE FLOCKCEMENTCEREAL FINESCHEESE POWDERCHEESE, DICED,

FROZENCHEESE, GRATED

SODIUM SILICATESODIUM STEARATESODIUM SULFATESODIUM

TRIPOLYPHOSPHATESORBITOLSOUP BASESSOUP MIXSOY BEANSSTARCHSTEARIC ACIDSUGAR,

CONFECTIONERYSUGAR, CRYSTALSULFURSUPERABSORBENTTALCTEATEA LEAVESTEFLONTEREPHTHALIC ACIDTHERMOSET RESINTITANIUM DIOXIDETONERTRI-SODIUM PHOSPHATEUREAUREA PRILLVEGETABLES,

DEHYDRATEDVERMICULITEVINYL RESINWHEAT FLOURWHEAT GLUTENWHEAT STARCHWHEYWOLLASTONITEWOOD CHIPSWOOD FLOURXANTHUM GUMZEOLITEZINC OXIDEZINC PHOSPHATEZINC STEARATE

PHARMACEUTICALPOWDER

PHENOLIC RESINPIGMENTSPLASTIC FLAKEPLASTIC PELLETSPLASTIC POWDERPLASTIC RESINPOLYVINYL ALCOHOLPOLYVINYL

CHLORIDE (PVC)POLYETHYLENEPOTATO FLAKESPOTATO FLOURPOTATO PEARLSPOTATO STARCHPOTATOES, INSTANTPRETZEL SALTPROTEIN POWDERPSYLIUM HUSKSPVC REGRINDPVC RESINRED IRON OXIDEREGRINDRICERICE HULLSRUBBERSALTSANDSAWDUSTSEASONINGSEEDSSEMOLINASESAME SEEDSILICA HYDRAGELSILICON DIOXIDESILVER POWDERSOAP POWDERSSODA ASHSODIUM

BICARBONATESODIUM CHLORIDESODIUM CITRATE

CHILI POWDERCINNAMON & SUGAR

MIXTURECITRIC ACIDCLAYCOCOA POWDERCOCONUTCOFFEE BEANSCOFFEE CHAFFCOFFEE, GROUNDCOOKIE CRUMBSCORNCORN FLOURCORN GRITSCORN KERNELSCORN MEALCORN STARCHCREAMERCRUMB RUBBERCRYOGENIC MEDIADETERGENTDEXTROSEDIATOMACEOUS

EARTHDONUT MIXDRINK MIXESEGG POWDEREPOXY RESINFERTILIZERFIBERGLASSFILTER AIDFLAME RETARDANTFLOURFLY ASHFRUCTOSEFUMED SILICAGARLIC, WHOLEGELATIN POWDERGLASS BEADSGLASS MICROSPHERESGRAHAM CRACKER

CRUMBGRAINS

GRANOLAGRAPHITE POWDERGRAVY MIXESGRITSCRYOGENICALLY

GROUND PLASTICS & RUBBERS

GUAR GUMGYPSUMHERBICIDEINFANT FORMULAIRON OXIDEIRON POWDERKAOLIN CLAYKRATON RUBBERLACTOSELAXATIVELEAD OXIDELIME, HYDRATEDMAGNESIUM

CHLORIDEMAGNESIUM OXIDEMAGNESIUM

STEARATEMAGNESIUM

SULFATEMALTMALTODEXTRINMARBLE DUSTMETAL POWDERMICRO CRYSTALLINE

CELLULOSEMILK POWDERMONOSODIUM

GLUTAMATE (MSG)NUTS, GROUNDNUTS, WHOLEOATSPANCAKE MIXPAPRIKAPENTAERYTHRITOLPERLITEPET REGRIND

Moist, sticky materials Friable materials Products that pack, cake,smear or plug

Blends of dissimilar ingredients

Free-flowing materials Materials that fluidize Large particlesContamination-sensitive products

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MaterialsHandle free- and non-free-flowing bulk products including problematic materials and blends—with confidence

Abrasive materials Non-free-flowing products Hazardous materials

Whether your bulk material iscomprised of large pellets, finepowders or both, flows freely ornot at all, has a bulk density of 3 or 300 lbs/cu ft (50 or 5000kg/cu m), or packs, plugs, cakes,smears, fluidizes, agglomerates,breaks easily or separates,Flexicon has most likely conveyed,fed, discharged, filled, weighed,dumped or otherwise handled it many times before. In fact,moving the most uncooperativebulk materials known to thechemical, paint, food,pharmaceutical and plasticsindustries has been a Flexiconspecialty since 1974.

Examples of Flexicon advances in flow promotion include FLOW-FLEXER® bag activators,POP-TOP™ bag stretchingdevices, TELE-TUBE® telescopingtubes, POWER-CINCHER® flowcontrol valves, BEV-CON™conveyors, high flow hoppers,deaeration/densification decksand a host of other componentsand accessories that promote flow while reducing degradation,dusting and/or the separation of blends comprised of disparate particles.

The ability to move your material efficiently, together with equipment designs andfinishes that meet numerousregional and national codesworldwide for chemical, food,dairy and pharmaceuticalapplications, enables Flexicon to satisfy virtually everyaspect of your bulk handlingrequirement, regardless ofmaterial, industry or locationworldwide.

Following is a partial listing ofmaterials handled by Flexiconequipment and systems. Forperformance data on your specificmaterial(s), please consult yourFlexicon Applications Engineer.

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Flexicon can submit recommen-dations in the form of CADdrawings that integrate equip-ment manufactured by Flexiconand by others, with new orexisting equipment in your plant,and provide a competitive pricequotation.

Using samples of bulk materialyou supply, Flexicon can evaluateand/or test your material in astate-of-the-art test laboratory on full-size equipment configuredand accessorized to simulateyour system, supply theequipment on time, help youinstall it, train your personnel,guarantee its performance andservice it on-site.

From concept to completion,Flexicon can provide everything it takes to solve your bulkhandling problem efficiently,economically and rapidly.

You can alleviate the burden andrisk of designing your system,coordinating multiple suppliers,integrating components, trouble-shooting start-up and assumingresponsibility for systemperformance, by relying on Flexicon for it all.

Flexicon can evaluate your bulkmaterial(s), plant layout, through-put rates, cleanliness, noiselimitations, access, cost, cycletimes and other parameters, and outline the solution to yourbulk handling problem.

Because Flexicon offers a widerange of equipment, includingmechanical and pneumaticconveyors, as well as systemsthat incorporate equipment of other manufacturers, you are assured of receiving arecommendation based on yourrequirement, not on limitedequipment availability.

CONVEYOR CHARACTERISTICS DIL

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Flexicon flexible screw andpneumatic conveying systems offerdistinct differences in performancerelative to specific applicationrequirements. Since many plantsconvey a variety of bulk materialsin a range of capacities overvarying distances, a combinationof pneumatic and flexible screwconveying is often recommendedto maximize overall performanceand return on investment.

FLEX

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CHEC

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EQU

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DIL

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Short distances ■ ■

Medium distances ■ ■ ■

Long distances ■ ■

Lowest initial cost ■

Lowest energy consumption ■

Indirect conveyor routing required ■ ■

Flexibility of conveyor routing ■

Simplest installation ■

Multiple material sources ■ ■

Multiple material destinations ■ ■ ■

Mobile units ■ ■

Evacuation of material ■ ■

from conveying systemNo separation of blends ■

Convey directly from barrel or Gaylord ■

Materials that pack, cake or smear ■

Heat-sensitive material ■ ■

High temperature material ■ ■

Ultra-high temperature destination ■

Extreme material in-feed rate fluctuation ■ ■

Contamination-sensitive material ■ ■ ■

Hazardous material ■ ■

Flexicon® SystemsOne-stop source for engineered, integrated bulk handling systems

Only one moving part

The only moving part contacting material in a Flexicon flexiblescrew conveyor is the ruggedflexible screw which is driven by an electric motor. As itrotates, the screw propelsmaterial and self-centers within the conveyor tube, providingconstant clearance betweenitself and the tube wall.

This simple design does notrequire the internal bearings,seals and numerous movingparts found in bucket elevatorsand rigid augers conveyors—parts that can add initial cost,require maintenance, wear out,breed contamination and/orbreak down.

Even more importantly, Flexiconflexible screw conveyors offerefficiency and versatility,conveying bulk materials rangingfrom large pellets to sub-micron powders—both free-flowing andnon-free-flowing—includingdifficult-to-handle products thatpack, cake, seize, fluidize, plug,or smear, with no separation of blends. (See “Materials,” page 4.)

Enclosed tube prevents contamination

A Flexicon flexible screwconveyor is totally enclosed,dust-free, and mess-free,preventing contamination ofyour bulk products and plantenvironment, while preservingthe moisture and temperaturelevels of materials beingconveyed.

Compare the smooth interiorsurfaces of a Flexicon flexiblescrew conveyor with potentialcontamination sources found in other conveyors, and you may specify the Flexicon flexible screw conveyor on the basis of product purity alone.

Gentle product handling and blending

Flexicon flexible screw conveyorscan handle your products gently,because the flexible screw self-centers as it rotates. This can provide ample clearancebetween the screw and tubewall to prevent grinding,crushing, and other productdamage.

In addition, the gentle rollingaction created by the screwprevents the separation ofblends throughout the entirelength of the conveyor.

Convey in any direction

Whereas many conveyors havelimited angles of incline and/orstraight-only conveying paths,Flexicon flexible screw conveyorscan move material vertically,horizontally, or at any angle—over, under, or aroundobstructions, through small holes in walls or ceilings.

Flexicon® Flexible Screw ConveyorsMove virtually any free-flowing or non-free-flowing bulk material

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Flexible screw pioneer

No other manufacturer hasadvanced the application of the flexible screw conveyor as far and as fast as Flexicon—the first to introduce 4 1/2 in.(115 mm), 6 in. (150 mm),and 8 in. (200 mm) diameterscrew/tube combinations thatelevated the capacity of thiscategory of conveyor more than10-fold in an 8-year period.After more than 15,000installations worldwide involvinga gamut of bulk materials,Flexicon has amassed a wealthof performance data on flexiblescrews—many of which havebeen engineered, machined and formed to Flexiconspecifications. To you, it means that Flexicon has mostlikely solved your problem in the most efficient and cost-effective manner possible—orcan do so as a matter of routine.

High reliability,low maintenance

A Flexicon flexible screwconveyor has no internalbearings, seals, buckets or other potentially problematiccomponents to wear, breakdown, or require maintenance.The only moving part contactingmaterial is a rugged flexiblescrew which resists wear andfatigue, and is driven by anelectric motor above the point at which material exits theconveyor.

Even under a full load of moist,dense product—depending onapplication parameters—aFlexicon flexible screw conveyorcan start and stop repeatedlywith no binding or damage to the unit. The result is a conveyor without loadlimitations that runs dependably,boosting productivity whilecutting maintenance.

Fast, thorough cleaning

A Flexicon flexible screwconveyor has no internal cracks, crevices or bearings that can trap particles or prevent thorough cleaning.Simply remove the clean-outcap and reverse rotation toevacuate any residual materialprior to flushing with air, water,steam, or cleaning solution.The screw and tube can beremoved quickly for easy and thorough cleaning.

To suit your cleanliness requirements, all Flexicon flexible screw conveyors areavailable in carbon steel withdurable industrial finishes, or in stainless steel with industrialor sanitary finishes, includingdesigns and construction for 3-A compliance. (See “Sanitary”page 24).

Volumetric feeding conveyors

Flexicon flexible screw volumetric feeding conveyorsprovide simultaneous meteringand conveying of bulk solidproducts. The units areequipped with variable speeddrives and hoppers with flow promotion devices for continuous feeding of both free- and non-free-flowing materials.

Economical to purchase,install and operate

A Flexicon flexible screwconveyor does not require the internal and externalcomponents that can makeother conveyors expensive tobuild and operate. The onlymoving part contacting materialis the rugged flexible screw that resists wear and fatigue,resulting in extraordinaryreliability and minimal maintenance.

Because the screwand tube are flexible,

and can be routed easily in any direction,

the intake and dischargecan be positioned where

you need them, in situationsthat would be difficult, costly orimpossible to satisfy with otherconveyors.

Flexicon stocks an unequalledselection of standard and customflexible screws to match the flowcharacteristics of each bulkmaterial, yielding the greatestconveying efficiency.

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Mobile and custom configurations

All Flexicon flexible screwconveyors are available oncaster-mounted frames withconveyor support masts for in-plant mobility, reducing the needfor multiple stationary units.

Both mobile and stationary units are readily customizedusing interchangeable screws,conveyor tubes, motor drives,hoppers, flow-promotiondevices, sensors, controllers,and other components to satisfy the most diverse and demanding end-userequirements.

Multiple discharge point systems

Horizontally-oriented Flexiconflexible screw conveyors canfeed multiple packagingmachines, molding machines,and other process equipment.The system can convey bulkmaterial over short to mediumdistances, feed multipledischarge points selectively, or top off all points on a timed cycle through manual or automatic slide gate valves.

Flexicon offers a multitude ofmechanical and pneumatic hopperaccessories to promote the flow ofpoor-flowing or non-free-flowingmaterials. This hopper features dualagitators with interlocking paddlesthat de-agglomerate bulk material,promoting void-free charging ofmechanical conveyor intake adapters.

Divergent angles of Flexicon’s patentedhigh flow hopper design reduce theability of non-free-flowing materials toestablish a bridge between the hoppersidewalls, instead causing material totopple and flow toward and down thesteep backwall, increasing the flow of bulk materials while decreasingresidual material in the hopper.

High capacity flexible screwconveyor with downspout removed to demonstrate flow of material.

Flexicon’s Low Profile FlexibleScrew Conveyor positions themotor drive at the inlet end ofthe conveyor tube, allowing thedischarge end to fit withinlimited headroom areas oftenencountered above weigh hoppersor other receiving vessels.

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BEV-CON™ flexible screwconveyors from Flexicon handle powder and bulk solids including materials that tend to pack, cake, smear,plug, fluidize or separate.

BEV-CON conveyors are alsohighly effective for handling fragile or brittle products thattend to break or crumble fromthe friction, crushing, grinding,pressure, or impact that canoccur in other conveyors.

Products ideally suited to the special capabilities of a BEV-CON conveyor range from sub-micron powders to largepellets and include:

■ CHEMICALS:Titanium dioxide, carbonblack, calcium carbonate,powdered lime, rubber, detergent powders andsulphur

■ FOODS:Cake mixes, soup mixes, gravy mixes, cocoa powder,cheese, candy, milk powder,dehydrated, frozen or raw vegetables, fruits and nuts

■ PHARMACEUTICALS AND COSMETICS:Talc, titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, clay, calcium carbonate, powder and finished bulk of all types

Versatile configurations conform to your application

BEV-CON units have a straightconveyor tube which is generallysupported by attaching thedrive/discharge end to an overhead joist, tank rim or any other solid structure.

The conveyor tube may berouted through small openingsin walls or ceilings. BEV-CONconveyors are also available onframes with masts and castersfor in-plant mobility.

A wide variety of conveyortubes, motor drives, hoppers,and bag dump dust collectors, in a range of sizes, shapes andmaterials, enables Flexicon tocustom build a BEV-CONconveyor to your specificrequirements.

BEV-CON conveyors areavailable in carbon steel withdurable industrial finishes, or stainless steel in industrial or sanitary finishes, includingdesigns and construction for 3-A compliance.

Products that pack, cake, smear or plug

This BEV-CON conveyor isequipped with a highly specializedflexible screw matched to materialcharacteristics and otherapplication requirements.

Moist, sticky materials

Friable materials

BEV-CON Conveyors cantransport difficult-to-handle bulkmaterials vertically, horizontallyor at any angle. This low-incline,mobile configuration is designed,constructed and finished to 3-A andUSDA Dairy standards, and allowsdust-free connections to upstreamas well as downstream equipment.

BEV-CON™ ConveyorsHandle difficult-to-convey bulk materials

Flexicon’s PNEUMATI-CON®

dilute phase pneumaticconveying systems rangefrom single-point “up-and-in” installations to cross-plant systems with multiplepick-up and discharge points and automated controls,satisfying an exceptionallywide range of bulkconveying applications. All are custom-engineeredand fully integrated withother Flexicon equipmentand systems, and your new or existing process.

PNEUMATI-CON dilute phasepneumatic conveying systemsmove bulk materials that aresuspended in an air stream that is introduced by a positivepressure blower upstream ofmaterial intake points, or by a vacuum pump that removesair from the system downstreamof material discharge points.Material is separated from theconveying air at the use point,then discharged on a batchbasis via butterfly or slide gate valves, or continuously via rotary airlock valves.

Positive pressure systems

Positive pressure dilute phasepneumatic conveying systemsare typically employed to conveybulk materials from a singlesource to one or multipledestinations, over longerdistances and with greatercapacity than possible usingvacuum systems.

These systems utilize a positivedisplacement blower with singleor multiple downstream materialentry points, each of whichmeters product into conveyinglines by means of a rotaryairlock valve that maintains thepressure differential between theambient atmosphere and that ofthe conveying line. Material andair blown through the line exit at single or multiple use pointswhere they are separated bymeans of a filter receiver orcyclone separator, or fed directlyinto process vessels that arevented to downstream dustcollection devices.

Pressure systems offer higherefficiency than vacuum systems,can convey over longer distances,and can blow directly intoprocess and storage vesselswithout the use of a rotaryairlock valve.

Vacuum systems

Vacuum dilute phase pneumaticconveying systems are generallyemployed for transportingmaterial from multiple sourcessuch as storage vessels, processequipment, trucks and railcars,to individual or multipledestinations. Unlike positivepressure systems, vacuumsystems allow easy pick-up ofmaterials from open containersusing wands, and do not impartheat to the material. Sincevacuum systems offer superiorleak containment, they are often specified on the basis ofcleanliness, particularly whenhandling hazardous materials.

Negative pressure is created by a positive displacementvacuum pump located at thedownstream end of the system.

Material typically enters thesystem via upstream rotaryairlock valves, hand-held pick-up wands, and non-flow-through/flood-feed pick-upadapters, and exits the systemthrough filter receivers orcyclone separators that separatethe material from the conveyingair directly above processequipment, surge hoppers,storage vessels or otherdischarge points.

In addition, vacuum conveying is suited to direct feeding ofblenders, reactors and otherenclosed process vessels thatare put under vacuum by a lineterminating at a downstreambag house or other dustcollection device, eliminating the need for individual filterreceivers or cyclone separatorsabove each discharge point.

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PNEUMATI-CON® Dilute Phase Pneumatic Conveying Systems

Easy conveyor line routing

Since conveyor lines can berouted vertically and in anyhorizontal direction, over shortor long distances, through small holes in walls or ceilings,Flexicon PNEUMATI-CON®

systems are easy to integrateinto production environments in which process equipment andother obstacles often exist, whileconsuming minimal floor space.

Total evacuation

PNEUMATI-CON systems fullyevacuate the vessel beingdischarged and the conveyorline itself, minimizing cross-contamination of multi-ingredient systems. Completetransfer of material also ensuresthat individual and consolidatedbatch ingredients reach theirdestinations accurately byweight, maximizing quality while minimizing waste.

Wide capacity range

With a PNEUMATI-CONconveyor, capacity can rangefrom several pounds to tens of tons per hour, feeding any destination from smallpackaging lines to silos and railcars. Moreover, aPNEUMATI-CON conveyor is well suited to excessivefluctuations in feed rate, and is capable of sustainedoperation when underloaded.

Diversity of products handled by one conveyor

Powders having wide rangingbulk densities, as well as flakes,pellets, capsules, tablets andother friable materials, can behandled by a single Flexiconpneumatic conveyor, providingthe flexibility needed to transport multiple ingredients.(See “Materials,”page 4.)

A complete range of pneumatic systemcomponents

Flexicon provides any and all components necessary toconfigure your PNEUMATI-CONsystem including:

■ Pressure blowers and vacuumpumps with integral soundenclosures with separatecooling fans, and easy-access maintenance points

■ Rotary airlock valves in allpopular designs and sizes

■ Flex-tube diverters, wye-diverters, plug diverters andother line diverter configurations

■ Filter receivers for low- tohigh-capacity applications

■ Cyclone separators for low- to high-capacity applications

■ Gain-in-weight and loss-of-weight batching systems

■ Dust collectors and bin vents■ Controls and electrical

equipment■ Hand-held pick-up wands■ Silos, day bins and other

storage vessels

This Silo Vent is essentially theupper section of a filter receiverthat can be mounted atop anexisting silo or other large vessel,into which material can beconveyed.

PNEUMATI-CON filter receiversincorporate numerous design andconstruction innovations offeringunsurpassed separation efficiencyacross all capacity ranges.Low-capacity units (above) arecommonly positioned abovepackaging lines or smaller processequipment, while medium-capacity units (right) are utilizedabove storage vessels and processequipment such as blenders andbulk bag fillers. 11

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Material discharge methods

Material typically exits pressure and vacuum pneumaticconveying systems via filter receivers, cyclone separators, or fill/pass valves, or discharges directly into process or storage vessels.

Filter ReceiversFlexicon filter receivers separatesolids from the air stream using filter media and gravity, and aregenerally specified when materialscontain smaller particles that areprone to dusting and/or when dustcontainment is a primary require-ment. They are normally locatedabove material use points, andemploy reverse-pulse jet filtercleaning to dislodge accumulateddust from filter surfaces, allowingcontinuous and efficient separationof material from the air stream.

Cyclone SeparatorsCyclones separate solids from the conveyor air stream usingcentrifugal force and gravity, and are typically specified whenmaterials are comprised of largerparticle sizes that are not prone to dusting. Auxiliary filtration can also be incorporated as asecondary means of capturingairborne solids.

Fill/Pass ValvesFill/pass valves are commonly used to discharge material directlyinto individual or multiple process vessels and/or to deliver it to severaldestinations along a common conveying line. Downstream of thelast fill/pass valve, the conveyingline is normally routed to the original material source point or into a dust collection device.

Directly Into Process VesselsBoth pressure and vacuum systemscan feed material directly intoblenders, reactors and otherenclosed process vessels that are vented to a downstream baghouse or other dust collectiondevice, eliminating the need for individual filter receivers.

Rotary Airlock Valves with Flow-Through Pick-Up AdaptersRotary airlock valves with flow-through pick-up adapters can be utilized in pressure and vacuum systems for both controlledmetering of material into the conveying system, and maintaining the pressure differential between the conveying system and ambient atmosphere.

WandsHand-held pick-up wands plumbed to vacuum conveyor lines with flexible hose are used to vacuum material from Gaylords,drums, paper bags, barrels or other containers.

Non-Flow-Through Pick-Up AdaptersMaterial can be introduced into vacuum conveyor lines via non-flow-through (flood-feed) pick-up adapters, which aretypically used at pick-up pointswhere lower volumes of materialare fed manually.

Material intake methods

Pressure and vacuum conveying systems commonly utilizerotary airlock valves to introduce material to the air stream.Hand-held wands and non-flow-through (flood-feed) pick-upadapters can be utilized with vacuum systems.

Material pick-up points, clockwise from top left, include hand-heldpick-up wand, rotary airlock with flow-through adapter, non-flow-throughpick-up adapter, and rotary airlock with flow-through pick-up adapter.

Enclosed system prevents contamination

Totally enclosed and dust-free, a PNEUMATI-CON® conveyingsystem prevents contaminationof the product and plantenvironment, allowing safetransfer of contamination-sensitive materials includingdusty and hazardous products.

High reliability and ease of maintenance

Flexicon PNEUMATI-CONsystems feature easy-to-maintain filter receivers withaccess doors and inspectionports, as well as rotary airlockvalves with optional rotorsupport bars for easy access,cleaning and inspection.

Mobile and custom configurations

Self-contained FlexiconPNEUMATI-CON conveyingsystems complete with feedhopper and/or pick-up wand,blower unit, filter receiver andcontrol package, are availablepre-engineered and configured on caster-mounted frames for in-plant mobility.

Designed, constructed andfinished to industrial andsanitary standards

PNEUMATI-CON conveyingsystems are available in carbonsteel with durable industrialfinishes, or stainless steelfinished to standards requiredfor industrial, food, dairy andpharmaceutical applications.Available upgrades includequick-access and quick-disconnect features.

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Unlike filter receivers, cyclone separa-tors require no filters to separate solidparticles from the gas stream, insteadrelying on cyclonic action alone. Anair stream containing material entersthe separator at a tangential angleand is spun rapidly, creating a circu-lar flow that imparts centrifugal forceto the particles which strike the wallof the cyclone and fall through a bottom outlet, into a process vessel.

This modular vacuum receiverfeatures a rugged clamp-togetherdesign that facilitates rapiddisassembly for filter maintenanceand cleaning. Whereas conventionalfilter receivers employ multiplesmaller elements, it employs asingle, large diameter filter cartridge,and offers an ideal solution for low-throughput-rate, short-distancepneumatic conveying applications.

Model BFF BULK-OUT™ Bulk Bag Discharger(Forklift loading)

Shown with the following options: FLOW-FLEXER® bag activators, POWER-CINCHER® flow control valve, SPOUT-LOCK® clamp ring, TELE-TUBE® telescoping tube, and hopper with non-flow-through pick-up adapter for multiple pneumatic conveying lines.

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BULK-OUT™ Bulk Bag DischargersDust-free loading, untying, retying and removal of bulk bags

The SPOUT-LOCK® clamp ringcreates a high-integrity, sealedconnection between the cleanside of the bag outlet spoutand the clean side of thetelescoping tube. This preventscontamination of the product,while eliminating the plant

contamination that occurswhen falling material displacesair and dust from the hopper.The clamp ring is fullyaccessible and manuallyoperated using quick-releasehandles for rapid and safe, yetsecure, bag spout connections.

Revolutionary advancesovercome limitations ofoutdated designs

Just as bulk bags changed the way you stored andshipped bulk material in thepast, so will these bulk bagdischargers revolutionize theway you load, untie, retie,remove and collapse bulk bags in the future.

No longer must your operatorsreach through cramped accessdoors and awkward gloveboxes, struggle to retie partiallyempty bags, clean up spillageafter disconnections, dislodgeproducts from dead spots orflatten bags manually.

Patented SPOUT-LOCK® clamp ring eliminates dust during untying, discharge, bag collapse and removal

Broad model range satisfies general to specific requirements

Flexicon BULK-OUT™ BulkBag Dischargers are offered innumerous frame configurationsfor loading and unloading ofbulk bags using a poweredhoist and trolley or a forklift.Specialized models includesplit frames for forklift loadingof bags in low headroom areas,half frames for suspendingbags during discharge using a forklift, hoistable frames for lifting the entire bulk bagdischarger, continuous loss-of-weight dischargers foruninterrupted feeding directlyfrom bulk bags, and otherapplication-specific designs.

Cantilevered I-beam with electrichoist and trolley allows positioning ofbulk bag without the use of a forklift.

SPOUT-LOCK®

clamp ring eliminatesdust during untyingand discharge.

TELE-TUBE®

telescoping tube prevents deadspots and promotes flow.

Patented Z-CLIP™bag strap holderallows fast, easyand secure insertion andremoval of bag straps.

Pneumatically-actuated FLOW-FLEXER® bag activators promotepositive material flow.

Operators areprotected from falling bags by four safety framecrossmembers, andfour guard plates.

Hopper is availablewith hinged lid formanual dumping orclamped lid (shown)for rapid wash-down.

BAG-VAC® dust collector createsnegative pressurewhen piped tosealed system, collapsing emptybags prior to tie-offand removal.

Frames are offeredin carbon steel withdurable industrial finishes or in stain-less steel designedand constructed to industrial, food,dairy or pharmaceu-tical standards.

POWER-CINCHER®

flow control valvecinches the bagspout concentrically.

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A wide variety of hopper designs connectto processing equip-ment, pneumatic ormechanical conveyors.

Model BFC BULK-OUT™Bulk Bag Discharger(Electric hoist and trolley loading)

Shown with the following options: FLOW-FLEXER bag activators, POWER-CINCHER flow control valve, SPOUT-LOCK clamp ring, TELE-TUBE telescoping tube, BAG-VAC dust collector, and hopper with adapter for flexible screw conveyor.

The TELE-TUBE® telescopingtube raises the SPOUT-LOCK®

clamp ring for connection tothe bag spout, then lowers,applying continual downwardtension. As a result, the spoutis kept taut at all times,preventing excess spoutmaterial from bulging

outward (creating deadpockets) or falling inward(creating flow restrictions).Works in conjunction withSPOUT-LOCK clamp ring andFLOW-FLEXER® bag activators(see page 17) to promotematerial flow and totalevacuation.

Performance never before possible

You can eliminate thedrawbacks of outdateddesigns—while dramaticallyimproving convenience, safety and cleanliness—withFlexicon’s latest generation of bulk bag dischargers. Theheart of the new design is abag spout interface that notonly creates a dust-tight seal,but promotes material flowand total evacuation. It alsoallows easy retying of partiallyempty bags, and can collapseempty bags—free of spillageand dust.

TELE-TUBE® telescoping tube prevents dead spots and promotes flow

The high-integrity connectionbetween bag outlet spout anddischarger creates a sealedsystem that can be ventedthrough a filter sock to a central

dust collection system, or to an optional BAG-VAC® dustcollector. Actuating the BAG-VAC dust collector createsnegative pressure within thesealed system to collapse emptybags prior to retying, eliminatingdust commonly emitted whenbags are flattened manually. In addition, the BAG-VAC dustcollector vacuums any particlestrapped in spout creases duringdisconnect, eliminating the needfor awkward access ports. Whereabsolute spillage containment is essential, an optional doublewall version of the TELE-TUBE®

telescoping tube draws errantparticles into the dust collectorthrough an annular gap thatencircles the bag spout seal.

Total dust containment with BAG-VAC® dust collector

Leak-proof retying of spouts with POWER-CINCHER® flow control valve

Conventional iris valves also available

When a sealed connection isunnecessary, iris valves arerecommended. To operate, the bagoutlet spout is pulled through the irisvalve which is then closed around thespout, preventing material flow. Thespout can then be untied, the accessdoor closed, and the valve releasedslowly, reducing uncontrolled burstsof material into the hopper and dustinto the plant environment.

Unlike opposing bars that pinchthe spout of partially emptybags from two sides, thepatented POWER-CINCHER®

pneumatically-actuated flowcontrol valve contains a series of curved, articulated stainlesssteel rods that cinch the spout

concentrically on a horizontal axisfor easy tie-offs, and vertically in a tight zigzag pattern toprevent leakage of even the finestpowders. It also resists jamming,breaking and leaking, and allowsfull-open discharge from bagspouts of all popular diameters.

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Flexicon’s Hoistable Bulk BagDischarger features a bag-lifting framethat allows one operator to replace bulk bags using an overhead crane,and/or to hoist the entire unit from a single lift point—with or withoutbulk bag in place—to weighing,processing and storage areas.

This Half Frame Bulk BagDischarger offers total dustcontainment at low cost byeliminating upper frame componentsto lift and/or position the bag,instead relying on the user's forkliftor plant hoist to suspend the bagabove the unit during operation.

This BFC Series Bulk BagDischarger is equipped with asmall surge hopper that directsmaterial into the throat of avariable speed rotary airlock feeder for volumetric or gravimetricmetering into positive- or negative-pressure pneumatic conveyor lines.

Flexicon Bulk Bag Continuous Loss-of-Weight Dischargers feature anactivated surge bin and flexiblescrew conveyor, allowing continuousloss-of-weight (gravimetric) feedingdirectly from bulk bags. Systemsoftware switches to volumetricmode during bag changes.

Multi-purpose intake chute and manualdumping station

Poor-flowing, non-free-flowing and/orcompacted materialswill not fall throughthe bulk bag dischargespout consistently,often “rat-holing” or bridging as shown above.

At timed intervals,FLOW-FLEXER®

bag activators raise and lower opposite bottom edges of bulkbags, promoting material flow into the discharge spout.

As the bag empties, the stroke of theFLOW-FLEXER bagactivators increases,raising the bottom ofthe bag into a steep“V” shape, while POP-TOP™ extensiondevices stretch the bag into a coneshape, promotingcomplete discharge.

BFF Series BULK-OUT™ Bulk Bag Discharger (Forklift loading)

Shown with the following options: FLOW-FLEXER bag activators, POP-TOP extension devices, Multi-Purpose Hood and manual dumping station, Flexicon flexible screw conveyor, and load cells for automated loss-of-weight weigh batching directly from bulk bags.

The Multi-Purpose Hood allowsautomatic discharging from bulk bags as well as manualemptying from sacks, drumsand other containers. Availableas an option on both BFC and BFF Series dischargers, it can operate with an optionaldust collector to preventcontamination of the productand plant environment.

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Extra-wide receivingcups and backstopsmaximize the operator’starget area.

Fork tips slide easily andsecurely into full-lengthrectangular sleeves, unlikeframes having separatedforklifting points.

Round frame rails areeasy to locate intoreceiving cups, andslide into position.

Z-CLIP™ bag strap holders offer the fastest,most secure way to connect bag straps to the lifting frame.

This Split-Frame Bulk Bag Discharger accommodates bulk bags and—with upper frame removed—rigid bins. The removable top frame canalso be lowered to the plant floor for connection and disconnection ofbag loops, significantly reducing ceiling height requirements.

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BLOCK-BUSTER™ HydraulicBulk Bag Conditioners loosenbulk solid materials that havesolidified during storage andshipment, enabling bulk bagunloaders to discharge thematerial through bag spouts.These conditioners are ideal forbulk bags containing hygroscopicchemicals, certain types of spice blends, heat-sensitiveproducts, and other materialsprone to solidifying to the point at which pneumatically-actuated flow promotionaccessories integral to bulk bag dischargers are inefficient or completely ineffective.

BLOCK-BUSTER™ HydraulicBulk Bag Conditioners utilize twohydraulic rams with speciallycontoured conditioning platesthat press opposing sides of bulk bags of all popular sizes toloosen the contents of the bag.

The Flexicon Bulk BagConditioner-Discharger Systemeliminates the time, labor andequipment needed for separateloading of bulk bags into astand-alone conditioner. The design also consumessignificantly less floor spacethan two separate pieces ofequipment and requires lessmaterial and labor to construct,reducing initial cost.

The number and pressure of hydraulic ram actuations are user adjustable, but unlikestand-alone conditioners, theConditioner-Discharger Systemutilizes its electric hoist to raise and lower the bag forconditioning at varying heights.

The conditioner’s controller andhydraulic pump can be mountedon the exterior of the dischargeror remotely.

(See Bulk Bag Dischargers section pages 14-17, forfeatures on bulk bag discharger aspect of system.)

BLOCK-BUSTER™ Bulk Bag ConditionersLoosen solidified bulk solid materials

The Flexicon Stand-AloneHydraulic Bulk Bag Conditioner is equipped with the above-mentioned hydraulic rams, aswell as an optional hydraulically-actuated, variable-heightturntable that allows in-framebag rotation, and conditioning of bulk bags at varying heights.

The number and pressure ofhydraulic ram actuations, theheight of the turntable, and thenumber of 90-degree rotationsare user adjustable to achievemaximum effectiveness andefficiency.

The conditioner is enclosed onfour sides for operator safetyand includes full-height doorsthat are interlocked to disallowoperation of the system when

the doors are open. Thecontroller and hydraulic pump of the system, which can bemounted on the exterior of the

safety cage or remotely, require only an electrical power connection for operation.

Integral Bulk Bag Conditioner-Discharger System

Stand-Alone Hydraulic Bulk Bag Conditioner

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Flexicon offers three bulk bagfiller configurations, each ofwhich is engineered to deliveroptimum performance acrossspecific capacity ranges withmaximum cost effectiveness.

Flexicon’s patented TWIN-CENTERPOST™ filler (bottomright), satisfies low- to medium-capacity filling requirementsand/or sanitary applicationswhere frequent wash-down orcompliance with USDA Dairystandards is required.

Flexicon’s latest bulk bag fillinginnovation is the patentedSWING-DOWN® filler (page20). Designed for medium- tohigh-capacity applications, thisrevolutionary design brings thefill head to the operator at floorlevel for faster, safer and easierbag connections.

The REAR-POST filler (page 21, bottom left) is intended for medium- to high-capacityapplications requiring pass-through conveyors and/orpowered fill head heightadjustment.

Each of these designs satisfies a distinct range of bulk bag filling applications, and isavailable with performanceenhancements to meet yourindividual requirements withextreme cost effectiveness. From basic, low-cost fillers to automated, high-capacitysystems and everything inbetween, Flexicon offersprecisely what you need for bulk bag filling success.

(For sanitary Bulk Bag Fillers see page 24.)

Patented TWIN-CENTERPOST™ Bulk Bag FillerFlexicon TWIN-CENTERPOST Bulk Bag Fillers feature a patented framedesign that is exceptionally simple, strong and stable, and economical tofabricate. It is the first bulk bag filler designed, constructed and finished toUSDA Dairy Accepted requirements, and is recommended for applicationsrequiring low- to medium-capacity filling and/or rapid, thorough wash-down.

Material delivery systems

Flexicon will custom engineer an automated delivery systemaccording to your specific bulk material and processrequirements. Whether yoursystem must integrate with new or existing upstreamequipment, elevate non-free-flowing materials, or prevent the surging of free-flowing materialsfrom elevated storage vessels,Flexicon offers precisely whatyou need to keep your filler well fed:

■ Flexible screw conveyors ■ Pneumatic conveyors■ Controls and weighing

systems■ Conveyor and feeder inlet

adapters to interface withmaterial sources

■ Surge bins and other storagevessels for overhead materialdelivery

STANDARD FEATURES INCLUDE:■ Rugged TWIN-CENTERPOST,

REAR-POST or SWING-DOWN configuration

■ Forklift fill head height adjustment to accommodate all popular bag sizes

■ Inflatable collar to hold and seal the bag inlet spout

■ Pneumatically retractable bagstrap hooks for quick, positivestrap release

■ Vent port for air displacement and dust control

OPTIONAL FEATURES INCLUDE:■ Accurate weigh scale system

with automated control■ Automated vibratory

densification/deaeration system to stabilize the bag

■ Inflator to expand empty bag and liner, and remove creasesprior to filling

■ Pneumatically-actuated materialflow control valve

■ Custom controls for integratedmaterial feed system

■ Drum/box filling conversion kit■ Powered fill head height adjust-

ment (REAR-POST and SWING-DOWN fillers only)

■ Powered or gravity roller conveyor for bulk bag staging and removal

■ Forward-traveling, rear bag strap hooks (REAR-POSTfillers only)

■ Pallet-jack accessible base

Flexicon® Bulk Bag FillersThree designs satisfy the entire range of bulk bag filling requirements without compromise

Flexicon’s latest innovation inbulk bag filling features a pivot-down fill head that enables theoperator to connect empty bagsat floor level and resume fillingoperations rapidly, eliminatingthe need to climb steps, strainto reach overhead connectionpoints, or risk injury associatedwith operation of conventionalbulk bag fillers.

The SWING-DOWN® fillersimultaneously lowers andpivots the fill head, stopping itin a vertically-oriented positionthat places the bag inlet spoutinflatable connection, inflatorbutton, and four bag looplatches within one arm’s lengthof an operator standing on the

plant floor. Bringing the fill head to the operator in avertical position at floor levelcan significantly increase thesafety and speed of connectingbulk bags, since the connectionpoints of a conventional filler are beyond the reach of mostoperators, even when short bagsare being filled. For example,the connection points for bulkbags of only 48 in. (122 cm) in height are approximately 7 ft (213 cm) above the floor,considering the height of a rollerconveyor and the length of bagloops in addition to the height of the bulk bag.

Combination SWING-DOWN® Bulk Bag and Drum Filler Flexicon’s patented SWING-DOWN Bulk Bag Filler represents a total re-thinkof the bulk bag filling process, allowing operators to connect empty bags atfloor level. The model above is equipped with an optional swing-arm-mounteddrum filling chute which automatically rotates to deliver material to all fourdrums on a pallet.

An operator is connecting a bagspout to the vertically-oriented bagconnection frame at floor level.

As the entire fill head rises, thebag connection frame is pivoting to a horizontal position.

The bag connection frame has pivoted to horizontal position, the fill head is raised to “bag fill”position, and the bag has inflatedto remove creases.

An innovative latch mechanismautomatically resets the latchafter releasing the bag loops,and re-positions it as the fillhead pivots into a vertical

position, enabling the latch toreceive bag loops easily insertedby an operator and to re-latchautomatically, securing the bag.

Revolutionary SWING-DOWN® FillersBrings fill head to operator for floor-level bag connections

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The design also eliminates thedanger of repeatedly steppingonto and over roller conveyors to access rear bag hooks andspout connection collars, and of standing on the conveyor and bending over with head and arms inserted beneathoperational fill head componentsto pull bag spouts upward overinflatable collars while reachingfor bag inflator buttons.

A remote console or wall-mounted panel houses controlsto raise and pivot the fill headinto a locked, horizontal “fillposition,” automatically inflatethe bag to remove creases, open a flow control valve orstart a feed device, and stop the flow of material once apreset fill weight has beengained. Optional vibratory decks deaerate and densifymaterial in the bag at preset set points to create a solid,stable bag, ready for shipment.

Once bags are filled, thecontroller deflates the spoutconnection collar, releases theloop latches, and raises the fill head to fully disengage thespout, enabling the bag to exitthe filler automatically on theroller conveyor.

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Bag inflation blowerremoves creasesand pre-shapesbag, allowingmaterial to fillcorners formaximum bagstability duringshipment. (Alsoavailable with plantair connection.)

Inflatable collar holds and seals bag inlet spout.

Forklift fill head heightadjustment accommodatesall popular bag sizes.Powered height adjustmentalso available.

Air displacement outlet for connection to filter sock, cartridge filter, or dust collector(hidden by discharge spout assembly).

Electric or pneumaticvibratory deaeration/densification deck withhigh amplitude/lowfrequency motion.Inflatable air mounts raisedeck and isolate vibration.

Load cells withoverload protectiontransmit weight-gaininformation to thesystem controller.

REAR-POST Bulk Bag FillerFlexicon REAR-POST Bulk Bag Fillers feature a cantilevered fill head that provides three-sided access preferable for “pass-through” conveying usinga roller conveyor. It also offers powered fill head height adjustment as anoption, allowing rapid raising and lowering of the fill head to accommodatebags of varying heights, without the use of a forklift.

BASIC FILLER for lighter-dutyminimizes cost, yet offers aninflatable bag spout seal and feed chute dust vent port, plusoptional performance features.

This TWIN-CENTERPOST™ framecan be forklifted onto an all-purpose plant scale, eliminatingthe cost of load cells and controls.

Flexicon’s Low Profile Bulk BagFiller allows removal of loadedbags using a pallet jack,eliminating the need for a forklift.

Basic units to fullyautomated, high capacity,feeder/filler systems

For fast, accurate, and stableweigh-filling of small to largevolumes of free- and non-free-flowing bulk materials, Flexiconbulk bag fillers are offered in

two configurations: with loadcells which measure weight gain of the bulk bag filler(below) and with weigh hopperssuspended above the bag filler(right) allowing simultaneousrecharging of the hopper and replacement of the bulk bag to achieve high filling rates.

REAR-POST and TWIN-CENTERPOST™ FillersModels to fulfill the lowest to the highest capacity requirements

Pneumaticallyretractable baghooks partiallysuspend bagduring filling for superior bagshape, stability,and utilization of capacity. Bagstraps are releasedmanually, orautomatically upon completionof filling cycle.

Collect dust efficiently

Flexicon Bag Dumping Stationscollect dust generated whendumping powder and bulk solidsfrom bags, boxes, drums, andother containers, and return the material to the hopper.

The system reduces materialwaste and eliminates the need to clean a remote dustcollection site, while protectingworkers and preventing plantcontamination.

All units feature a high-velocityvacuum fan which drawsairborne dust away from theoperator through two cartridgefilters which are sized accordingto the application.

To operate, the hopper lid isopened, the vacuum fan isactivated, and material isdumped through the hopperscreen. Airborne dust in thevicinity of the hopper opening is drawn into the dust collector,protecting workers, preventingplant contamination, andreducing material waste.

An automatic reverse-pulse filter cleaning system employstimer-activated solenoid valves to release short blasts ofcompressed plant air inside

the cartridge filters, causing dust build-up on the outer filtersurfaces to fall into the hopper.Because the filters are blastedalternately at timed intervals,operation of the dust collectionsystem is both continuous andefficient.

Tailored to your process

The hoppers of Flexicon manualdumping stations are availablein various configurations forsimplified connection topneumatic conveyor lines, flexible screw conveyors, andvirtually any process equipment.

All units are available in carbonsteel with durable industrialfinishes, or in stainless steel inindustrial or sanitary finishes.

Two cartridge filters are accessed easily by removing the interior baffle, and replaced rapidly using quick-disconnect fittings.

The hoppers of Flexicon Bag Dumping Stations are offered with outletsconfigured for: (left to right) direct connection to process equipment, flexiblescrew conveyor charging adapters, rotary airlock valves with flow-throughadapters, and non-flow-through pick-up adapters for multiple conveying lines.

Self-contained Bag Dump System integrates a dust collector, flexiblescrew conveyor and bag compactor on a skid, streamlining installationand allowing easy relocation. The entire airtight system is undernegative pressure, containing dust when bags are dumped, as well as when empty bags are pushed through the chute and compacted.

Flexicon® Bag Dumping StationsReverse-pulse filter cleaning for continuous operation

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TIP-TITE™ Container DumpersSealed or open transfer of solids from drums, boxes and containers to process equipment

Flexicon TIP-TITE™ Drum, Box and Container Dumpersenable you to load, seal, tip

and discharge containers with no dusting,

bringing a new level of cleanlinessand efficiency to an age-old task.A hydraulic lift automaticallyforms a dust-tight seal betweenthe container lip and thedischarge cone. The assembly is tipped hydraulically causing the cone to mate with a gaskettedreceiving ring that is fitted toexisting process equipment or the lid of an optional Flexiconhopper, eliminating the need forconnecting sleeves and clamps.

All models are available in carbon steel with durableindustrial finishes, or in stainlesssteel with material contactsurfaces finished to industrial,food or pharmaceutical standards. All can discharge directly intoprocess equipment or intohoppers equipped with outlets for connection to Flexicon flexiblescrew or pneumatic conveyors, or to other process equipment.

TIP-TITE™ Universal Drum Dumper handles drums from 30 to 55 gal(114 to 208 liter). Shown with optional hopper configured with Flexiconflexible screw conveyor. Also available with hopper configured withFlexicon non-flow-through pneumatic pick-up adapter, or universalflanged outlet.

TIP-TITE™ Dumpers stop dust

Flexicon Open Chute Box/Container Dumper handles containers up to 48 in. W x 48 in. D x 44 in. H (1220 mm W x 1220 mm D x 1120mm H). Shown with optional hopper configured with Flexicon flexiblescrew conveyor. Also available with hopper configured with non-flow-through pneumatic pick-up adapter, or universal flanged outlet.

TIP-TITE™ Box/Container Dumper handlesboxes up to 48 in. W x 48 in. D x 44 in. H(1220 mm W x 1220 mm D x 1118 mm H)

Open Chute Dumpers offer simplicity, ease of cleaning

Flexicon Open Chute Drum, Box and Container Dumpersoffer an economical method of discharging from containerswhen dust generation is not a concern. The lift assembly is raised hydraulically untilmaterial discharges from thecontainer, down onto the chute,and into a receiving vessel.Smooth, wide-diameter productchutes allow unobstructeddischarge of free-flowingmaterials as well as non-free-flowing products containinglarge agglomerates. Chutes are also fully accessible andfree of crevices, allowing rapid, thorough cleaning.

All models are available incarbon steel with durableindustrial finishes, or instainless steel with material

contact surfaces finished to industrial, food orpharmaceutical standards.

Open Chute Drum Dumper offers alow cost method of discharging free-and non-free-flowing bulk solids whendust generation is not a concern.Discharges directly into processequipment or optional hoppersequipped conveyor adapters oruniversal flanges.

TIP-TITE™ High-Lift Box/ContainerDumper (shown) and Drum Dumperdischarge into vessels 6 to 10 ft (183 to 305 cm) high, dust-free

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Virtually all Flexicon equipmentis available constructed andfinished to meet food, dairy andpharmaceutical requirements of industry associations andgovernmental agenciesworldwide.

Flexicon sanitary equipment canbe constructed almost entirely of 304 or 316 stainless steeland finished to Flexicon sanitarystandards, or customer-specifiedrequirements. Product contactareas include continuous welds,ground smooth and flush withadjoining walls, with availablefinish levels up to mirror finish.

Wash down control enclosures(NEMA 4 or NEMA 4X) andmotors allow fast, thoroughwash down using steam,cleaning solutions and highpressure water, with no adverse effect on equipment.

Sanitary designs

Beyond requisite sanitaryconstruction and finishes,Flexicon equipment offersinnovative design features—many patented—that enablefood, dairy and pharmaceuticalprocessors to minimize wash-down time, eliminate cross-contamination betweenchangeovers, eliminate plantcontamination and verifycleanliness—and do so rapidly,efficiently and safely.

Sanitary Construction and Finishes

Sanitary Flexible Screw Conveyors aretotally enclosed, preventing plant andproduct contamination. The inner screwconnects to the motor drive beyond thematerial outlet, eliminating materialcontact with bearings. Allows flushingof smooth interior, or rapid, tool-freedisassembly. 3-A Dairy Certified.

Sanitary Pneumatic Conveying Systemsoffer optional airlock valves with rotorsthat slide-out for tool-free wash down,filtration of conveying air, top-removalfiltration elements, machined ferrulesand clamps for conveying line couplings,and other easy-access features thatpermit rapid inspection and cleaning.

Sanitary BULK-OUT™ Bulk BagDischargers create a dust-tightconnection between the clean sidesof the bag spout and the equipment,and collapse empty bags dust-free. AUSDA-accepted POWER-CINCHER®

flow control valve allows dust-freeretying of partially empty bags.

Sanitary Weigh Batching Systems andother engineered systems integratesanitary equipment and employdust-tight connections, preventingproduct and plant contamination. The sanitary bulk bag discharger,flexible screw conveyors and weighhopper of this batching systemallow rapid, thorough wash down.

Sanitary SWING-DOWN® Bulk BagFillers offer stainless constructionwith continuous ground and polishedwelds, and a fill head that pivotsaway from its support structure,providing unrestricted access forthorough wash down, bringingunprecedented safety, productivityand cleanliness to bulk bag filling.

Sanitary TWIN-CENTERPOST™Bulk Bag Fillers are the first fillersto receive USDA acceptance. Theyprovide a dust-tight, inflatable bag spout seal, a feed chute air-displacement port for dust-freefilling, and four-sided access foreasy operation and rapid washdown.

Sanitary Bag Dump Stations withoptional dust hoods on rocker armsraise the hood for easy separation andwash down of the gasketted seam—and for removal and wash down of theinterchangeable dump screens. Dustcollection prevents contamination ofpersonnel and plant environment.

Sanitary TIP-TITE™ Drum Dumpersallow loading, sealing, tipping and discharging of drums with nodusting by forming a dust-tightseal between a drum dischargecone and a gasketted receivingring fitted to existing processequipment or the lid of a hopper.

Sanitary TIP-TITE™ Box/ContainerDumpers form a dust-tight sealbetween the container rim andgasketted discharge chute.Finished to food and pharmastandards, these units provide unrestricted access for rapid,thorough wash down.

Whether you are sourcingmaterial from bulk bags, silos,manual dumping stations,process equipment or all of theabove, weigh batching oneingredient or 50, blending yourrecipe, filling containers, and/or delivering it to process vessels,packaging lines, or any otherdestination, Flexicon has thecomprehensive selection ofequipment you need for a total weigh batching solution.

From individual loss-of-weight bulk bag weigh batchdischargers to automated gain-in-weight batching/blendingsystems integrated with yourupstream and downstreamequipment, Flexicon offers youthe entire range of specializedequipment—and the engineeringtalent—required for a smoothstart-up and efficientperformance.

Equally as crucial to your weighbatching success is the provenability of Flexicon equipment to move your material—at highrates for fast batching cyclesand at steady dribble-feed rates for highly accurateweighments—and to deliverrecipes with no separation of blended materials and no exposure to potentialcontamination.

Whether your ingredients arefree-flowing pellets, powdersthat pack, bridge or smear,products that fluidize, or blendsprone to separation, Flexiconcan move them positively, weigh them accurately, anddeliver them in prime condition.

This Automated Weigh Batching System conveys material from Flexicon bulk bag dischargers via Flexicon flexible screwconveyors to a weigh hopper mounted on load cells at mezzanine level. Weighed batches are automatically dischargedthrough a rotary airlock valve into a Flexicon Pneumatic Conveying System, transporting the pre-weighed batch to a blender.

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Flexicon’s Self-Contained, Gain-in-Weight Batching and BlendingSystem conveys bulk ingredients from multiple upstream sources,weigh-batches, blends and discharges the material into a surge hopper, and transports it to a TWIN-CENTERPOST™ Bulk Bag Filler .The system is offered with Flexicon Flexible Screw Conveyors (shown)or PNEUMATI-CON® Pneumatic Conveying Systems.

Flexicon® Weigh Batching and Blending SystemsVirtually any bulk material, from any upstream source, to any downstream destination

Flexicon’s Bulk-Bag-to-Rigid-BinWeigh Batching System sealsagainst the clean side of the bagspout, elongates the bag for totalevacuation, and allows dust-freeretying of partially empty bags. A low-profile de-lumping devicebreaks up agglomerates as agravimetric feeder loads accuratelyweighed batches into rigid bins.

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Gain-in-Weight Batching Systems

Simple or sophisticated batch control

Flexicon Gain-in-Weight BatchingSystems convey bulk ingredientsmechanically or pneumaticallyfrom any location to a centralreceiving vessel which is mountedon load cells. The receiving vesselcan be a hopper positioned above a blender, reactor, or other process equipment, or it can be the equipment itself.

When the batch sequence isinitiated by a manual start button or automated signal, aprogrammable controller activatesthe first flexible screw conveyor orrotary airlock valve to begin loadingthe first ingredient into the receivingvessel at maximum feed rate.

Load cells transmit weight gaininformation to the controllerwhich steps-down the feed rate to dribble prior to reaching the the target weight, for greateraccuracy. The controller stops theflexible screw conveyor or rotaryairlock valve immediately beforethe target weight is reached tocompensate for material in-flight.

This turnkey, Gain-in-Weight Batching System conveys material from four Flexicon bulk bag dischargers to a weigh hopper which discharges into a blender. During theblending operation, a subsequent batch is being weighed by the hopper, therebyreducing cycle times. In this case, blended batches are discharged directly intoshipping containers.

Flexicon mechanical (above) and pneumatic (below) Gain-in-Weight Batching Systemscan transport material from silos, manual dumping stations, process equipment, bulkbags, or any other source to a weigh batching hopper, a blender, or other downstreamequipment mounted on load cells.

This Gain-in-Weight Batching System allows automatedweighing of a major ingredient supplied in bulk bags, anda minor ingredient dumped manually. The central weighhopper’s load cells transmit weight gain information to acontroller that starts and stops the conveyors to weigheach material in sequence, and actuates a slide gatevalve to discharge the weighed batch.

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Loss-of-Weight Batching Systems discharge one or more bulkbags while weighing the material and conveying the batch directlyto a common hopper, blender, conveyor, shipping container, or anyprocess vessel—automatically and accurately. Load cells transmitthe amount of weight lost to a controller, which stops the conveyoronce the target batch weight has been reached.

Loss-of-Weight Batching Systems

Flexicon mechanical (above) and pneumatic (below) Loss-of-Weight BatchingSystems transport material from one or more bulk bags to a common hopper,blender, conveyor, shipping container, or any process vessel.

This Loss-of-Weight Batching System conveys material from two Flexicon bulk bagdischargers into a filter receiver which discharges into a blender. The manual bagdump station allows the addition of pre-weighed minor ingredients to the batch.

Simple or sophisticated batch control

Flexicon bulk bag Loss-of-WeightBatching Systems consist of a BULK-OUT™ bulk bagdischarger mounted on load cells which measure weight lossof each discharger during thebatching cycle and transmit theinformation to a system controller.

The batch sequence is initiatedby a manual start button orautomated signal.

As the conveyor unloads materialat maximum feed rate, the loadcells transmit loss-of-weightinformation to the controllerwhich reduces the feed rate to dribble immediately prior to stopping the flexible screwconveyor or rotary airlock valveonce the target batch weight has been unloaded. Systemsoftware permits mid-batch bag changes.

Multiple weigh batch dischargerscan each convey a differentingredient to a central dischargepoint such as a hopper, blender,reactor, or other processequipment.

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All Flexicon equipment, frombasic conveyors to sophisticatedplant-wide process systems, are offered with digitalprogrammable controls,including:

■ Programmable Logic Relays (PLRs)

■ Programmable LogicControllers (PLCs)

PLR-based controls packagesare generally employed onindividual equipment to monitorand control basic to semi-sophisticated functions. ThePLR eliminates the need foranalog timers and mechanicalrelays, offering numerousbenefits, and can be utilized as an economical substitute for a full PLC in less complexequipment systems.

PLCs, which generally offer agreater number of inputs/outputsand more processing power, are typically employed tomonitor and control moresophisticated equipmentsystems such as multipleingredient weigh batching/blending systems, largerpneumatic conveying systemsand integrated engineeredsystems including multipleequipment types.

The Controls Departmentcustomizes individual equipmentas well as systems for maximumproductivity according to eachcustomer’s bulk handlingrequirements by integrating full-scale fabrication capabilitieswith state-of-the-art controltechnologies:

■ Easy-to-operate interfaces,from push buttons to human-machine-interfaces (HMIs)with touch screens andgraphic representations of equipment inputs andoutputs, all customized by application

■ 100% Bench testing toensure proper monitoring and control functions usingactual inputs/outputs such as simulated scale systems,various types of sensors andelectric motors

■ Advanced exchange of process data betweenequipment controls and thecustomer’s plant-wide processcontrol program such asdownloading of weigh batchrecipes and other operationalparameters to plant floorequipment, and uploading of weight deviations, alarmsignals and any type offeedback required for plant optimization

■ Components that are logicallyconfigured and labelled foreasy-to-follow troubleshootingby plant personnel

■ NEMA 4 and NEMA 7/9control panels

Flexicon® Digital Programmable ControlsMaximize Productivity of All Flexicon Equipment and Systems

Panel assembly area of Controls Department

Plant personnel can downloadprograms to start, stop, slow,speed-up, delay, advance or cycle equipment functions.

Electrical engineers programming digital controls to customizeequipment automation.

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Flexicon controls utilizeprogrammable logic relays(PLRs) instead of hard relays,reducing the cost, size andpotential failure associated with mechanical controls, whileadding digital programmabilityto even the most basic Flexiconequipment.

Essentially PLCs in miniature,PLRs replace physical relay logicwith digital programmable logic,offering a range of significantadvantages over mechanicalcontrols including:

■ Multi-function capability:A single PLR can performnumerous functions such as counting, sequencing,timing and real-time clockoperations, expanding thecapabilities of Flexicon equipment without increasingthe cost or complexity of itscontrols.

■ Programmability:Logic can be modified quickly and easily since thereis no need to add or replacecomponents such as physicalrelays and timers. Based on feedback from existinglevel sensors or upstream/downstream equipment forexample, the PLR’s timingprogram can be fine tuned to start, stop, slow, speed-up, delay, advance or cycle equipment functionsaccording to individualprocesses and materialcharacteristics. No physicalmodifications to the panelmay be necessary, even ifadditional sensors or othersignals are added to theprocess. In many cases,reprogramming the PLR is as simple as setting athermostat, and can beaccomplished by an operatorhaving little or no expertise.

■ Field serviceability:PLRs simplify troubleshootingby plant personnel, and allow emailing of programs to and from the FlexiconControls Department fortroubleshooting, reinstallationand/or customization ofprograms.

■ Lower component andassembly costs:Since the PLR replacesnumerous components, the overall number ofelectrical components is lower, reducing assemblycosts as well as material costs in many cases.

■ Reduced number and size of panels:One PLR can replacenumerous electricalcomponents, significantlyreducing panel sizerequirements. Due to its number of inputs andoutputs, a single PLR can also consolidate controls frommultiple pieces of equipmentsuch as flow promotiondevices, dust collectors and conveyors, eliminating the need for sub panels while streamlining installationof the system.

■ Increased reliability anddecreased parts inventory:PLRs eliminate the potentialfailure and maintenanceassociated with hard relays, timers and othercomponents, and eliminatethe need to stock theseindividual components.Should a PLR fail, an operator can replace it,download the program, and resume operation with minimal downtime.

Programmable Logic Relays Outperform Analog/Mechanical Controls

One PLR (foreground) can eliminate the need for multiple components,increasing programmability and reliability, while reducing initial cost and maintenance.

Flexicon offers NEMA 4 (shown withoptional purge kit) and NEMA 7/9(explosion proof) control panels.

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Flexicon is an internationalorganization with administrative,engineering and manufacturingcapabilities on four continents,and an extensive worldwidenetwork of applicationsengineers, authorizedrepresentatives and field support technicians to serveyou—a unique consolidation of bulk handling specialists with 1000+ years of combinedexperience.

At the local level, Flexiconpersonnel provide theknowledge and resourcesneeded to satisfy the diverserequirements of individualprocess plants country-by-country, while providing theworldwide infrastructure, long-term vision, stability and singlesource capability required bymulti-national organizations.

An extensive research and development programcontinually sets new standardsfor bulk handling equipmentperformance with entirely newdesigns, product improvements

and equipment that complieswith certifications required bygovernmental and industryassociations for chemical, food, dairy and pharmaceuticalapplications—both nationallyand internationally.

Flexicon’s design engineeringstaff devises efficient solutionsto the most unusual problemswith highly custom equipment,basing solutions on uniquecustomer requirements, notmerely on existing product line offerings. This approachprovides each customer with the most efficient solution to his or her individual problem,and endows Flexicon with adepth and breadth of bulkhandling experience unequalledby any other comparablemanufacturer in the world.

Flexicon’s worldwide testing facilities simulate full-size customerequipment and systems, verify performance prior to fabrication,demonstrate newly constructed equipment for visiting customers, and study the performance of new designs.

Test lab equipment for pneumatic bulk handling systems includes a comprehensive range of blowers, vacuum pumps, filter receivers,cyclone separators, inlet/discharge adapters and valves, and conveyorlines in a wide range of diameters and lengths, as well as bulk bag dischargers, bulk bag fillers, manual dumping stations and other equipment designed to interface with pneumatic conveyors.

Mechanical bulk handling test lab equipment includes flexible screw conveyors in a comprehensive range of diameters, lengths and screw configurations, as well as bulk bag dischargers, bulk bagconditioners, bulk bag fillers, manual dumping stations and otherequipment designed to interface with mechanical conveyors.

Testing facilities

Flexicon® World Wide System Engineering, Design,Manufacturing, Testing and Field Support

®

©2011 Flexicon Corporation. FLEXICON Corporation has registrations and pending applications for the trademark FLEXICON and other FLEXICON Corporation trademarks throughout the world.

Flexicon products are manufactured on four continents, and marketed through an extensive network of representativesthroughout Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Southeast Asia,Africa and North/Central/South America.

Y-1083

USA

FLEXICON CORPORATION2400 Emrick Boulevard Bethlehem, PA 18020-8006USATel: 1 888 FLEXICON

(1 888 353 9426)Tel: 1 610 814 2400Fax: 1 610 814 0600E-mail: sales@flexicon.comWeb: www.flexicon.com

AUSTRALIA (BRISBANE)

FLEXICON CORPORATION(AUSTRALIA) PTY LIMITED78 Westgate Street Wacol, QLD 4076 Australia Tel: +61 (0)7 3879 4180Fax: +61 (0)7 3879 4183E-mail: sales@flexicon.com.auWeb: www.flexicon.com.au

SOUTH AFRICA

FLEXICON AFRICA (PTY) LTD.PO Box 10450Linton GrangePort Elizabeth 6015 South Africa Tel: +27 (0)41 453 1871Fax: +27 (0)41 453 1670E-mail: sales@flexicon.co.zaWeb: www.flexicon.co.za

UK

FLEXICON (EUROPE) LIMITED89 Lower Herne Road Herne, Herne Bay Kent CT6 7PHUKTel: +44 (0)1227 374710Fax: +44 (0)1227 365821E-mail: sales@flexicon.co.ukWeb: www.flexicon.co.uk

AUSTRALIA (SYDNEY)

FLEXICON CORPORATION(AUSTRALIA) PTY LIMITEDSuite 5, Level 345-47 Hunter St.Hornsby, NSW 2077Australia Tel: +61 (0)7 3879 4180Fax: +61 (0)2 9477 5548E-mail: sales@flexicon.com.auWeb: www.flexicon.com.au

ADDITIONAL WEBSITES:

FRENCH LANGUAGEwww.flexicon.fr

GERMAN LANGUAGEwww.flexicondeutschland.de

SPANISH LANGUAGEwww.flexicon.es