It is always worthwhile questioning established processes, particularly with regard to pharmaceuticals or chemical industry production process.
To handle this problem, a funnel with a flap valve is usually placed on the rigging of a stainless-steel drum secured with a tensioning ring and turned over so that the drum can be emptied.
Bolz intec has developed a practical, multi-functional emptying system for drums especially for use in hygiene-sensitive areas which optimises the dead space between the emptying cone and the drum. This ensures that the risk of contamination is kept to a minimum if used and prepared correctly.
The specially designed funnel with a flap in various systems is fixed simply and securely to the drum with a clamping ring and a seal. Users can then use their usual technology for emptying. For an unobstructed product flow, the part of the funnel coming into contact with the product extends into the drum, compared to the contact previously being on the funnel. It is mounted on the drum not unlike a lid thus allowing the drum to be completely emptied. A cap with seal is used during transport and to protect the product.
The drum can be supplied with different bottoms. Tri-clamp connectors can be welded in the version with dished bottom and foot ring. These are suitable for blasting the container with nitrogen during the emptying process (air shock), adding further product components, or using measurement technologies. A CIP lance can also be easily installed either to capture the process liquid for reuse during rinsing or to reuse the drum once emptied. A stirrer can also be used to gently mix the product during emptying to prevent bridging.
The emptying system can be transported by drum carriage, drum roll, drum lifter, or other transport device. For safety reasons, the emptying system has been reinforced with a footrest and a rail to protect the container when used in unprotected production processes. Correct handling can prevent damage to the drum and the tension closure. Another advantage: since the footrest and the rail are also used as handles, protection, and transport aid, these facilitate the emptying process. The drum seal is tightly welded and very stable to prevent contamination.
The system is available in various sizes with the diameters 315, 375, 400, 450, 500 and 560 mm. The surface is available in bright mill, polished, or electro-polished. The roughness depth is between 0.8 and 1.2 μm by default, but other roughness depths as low as 0.3 μm are also available on request. The transport and emptying system can be delivered in the following materials: 1.4301, 1.4404, 1.4435, 1.4539, or Hastelloy C22 2.4602. The silicone round-snap seals with FDA approval, USP Class 6, and BSE/TSE approval ensure an airtight and secure closure. Sealing materials such as EPDM, VITON are also available.
