Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1366075
28 / May 2021 powderbulk.com Engineering Solution | Automated bagging and packaging PBE A feed material manufacturer installs a new automated system to create a more efficient bagging process. D iamond V, Cedar Rapids, IA, creates materials for use in the animal feed manufac- turing industry. The base materials used in manufacturing vary greatly and require unique equipment set- ups to accommodate each material's distinct characteristics. In 2015, Diamond V wanted to create an automated process for a new product line. However, the powdery, dusty material was extremely hygroscopic, meaning the material easily absorbed mois- ture from the air, to the point where if the material was even exposed to the atmosphere, it would absorb the moisture in the air and harden. The material needed to be weighed and packaged using a form-fill-seal (FFS) machine with minimal air contact using an automated process. Finding an automated solution After contacting several suppliers who were hesitant to approach the project due to the material's charac- teristics, Diamond V found Concetti with the aid of its longtime local partner, Bratney Companies. Brat- ney is an Iowa-based construction and equipment company special- izing in agricultural processing facilities, and the US partner for Concetti. Concetti is a powder and bulk material weighing, bagging, and palletizing equipment supplier based in Italy with its US headquar- ters in Hoschton, GA. "This was a new process and product for the customer and a difficult task for the bagging equip- ment supplier," says Mike Giles, Bratney's packaging equipment product manager. "Concetti really embraced the challenges presented by the difficult-to-handle product and worked closely with Diamond V to prepare the facility and bag- ging equipment for success." The supplier decided to place the equipment inside a conditioned room to reduce or eliminate the A new automated bagging system squares every bag it picks up before the bag gets hung and filled, ensuring a clean fill and consistent seal.