Food Manufacturing Safer Amid Key Processing Equipment Advancements

Auto-Pulse Bag Dump Station innovations boost food processing safety, cleanliness and efficiency

By Merilee Kern, MBA

Dust collection mechanisms are a critical facet of bag dump systems, as they remove dust and other particulate matter from the air. Image courtesy of ABM Equipment Co.

Amid the numerous product recalls and reports warning consumers about breaches in safety, efficiency and cleanliness in food processing environments, manufacturers must be more proactive than ever to implement safer and more efficient processing solutions — those that are not only specifically engineered to provide clean and fully controlled equipment environments but are also ergonomic and user-friendly for operators.

One critical facet of bulk dry solids handling and processing is the use of Bag Dump Station equipment, which offers significant benefits to not just the food manufacturing industry, but also that related to pharmaceuticals and chemicals. However, dust and other particulate contaminants have remained a concern.

“Bag Dumps are nothing new, but auto-pulse technology innovations make the use of them safer and more sanitary,” said Jeff Walling, Co-Owner of engineering and integration firm, ABM Equipment Co. “Auto-pulse bag dump stations not only reduce both product and labor waste, but also provide a safer and more convenient way to introduce product to closed systems that prevent dust and other particulate contamination. This equipment pulls air in when bags are being dumped, and then automatically discharges product from the filter when it is no longer being added. By reverse-pulsing the filter every time the lid is closed, the bag dump saves the operator a step, prolongs the life of the filter and minimizes unused product.”

Dust Collection Systems

Dust collection mechanisms are a mission critical facet of these systems, as they remove dust and other particulate matter from the air. These come in many forms and configurations for different applications and materials. “Integrated dust collection systems effectively capture airborne particles, ensuring a cleaner and safer work environment,” notes Walling. “Such dust collectors ensure that particles from manual dumping don’t get into the air and on your facility floor. This makes breathing easier, reduces risk of slipping and — depending on the application — will reduce explosion risk and attraction of pests.”

Safety aside, bulk dry solid Bag Dump Stations have also had a tendency to be overpriced, but advancements coupled with marketplace demand have made this solution more budget friendly for manufacturers. And, given the various benefits of today’s Bag Dump Stations, the capital expenditure on newer systems is worthwhile.

Auto-pulse technology innovations make the use of bag dumps safer and more sanitary Image courtesy of ABM Equipment Co.

As one case in point, ABM Equipment’s own Auto-Pulse Bag Dump Solution exemplifies modern day advancements, proffering key features:

• Choice of Dust Control Method: There are several different types of external dust collection systems available: cyclone, cartridge (required for compact in-unit systems) and baghouses. Each type of system has its own unique advantages and disadvantages for different applications.
• Auto-Reclaim: The default configuration of the ABM bag dump station is an internal jet which pulls air when the operator opens the door, and reverse-pulses the filter when the door is closed. This returns the ingredients caught on the filter back into the process after every dump and spares the operator having to stop and push buttons.
• Tool-Less Grate Removal: Coming in a number of configurations—depending on ingredients’ tendency to bridge and the types of objects at risk of falling into the system—our grates nest securely but freely, letting operators remove them quickly when needed.
• Ergonomic Design: List-assist lids minimize operator fatigue and reduce the risk of injury.
• Durable Construction: Built with high-quality stainless or carbon for prolonged industrial use.
• Easy Maintenance: Accessible filter design and tool-less grate removal make maintenance straightforward.
• Customization Options: Available in various configurations to meet specific operational needs and space requirements.

With the bulk food ingredients market poised to reach $454.6 billion in revenue by 2028 according a MarketsandMarkets report, rising spending on packaged and processed goods—coupled with a significant shift in lifestyle in developing economies also increasing demand for prepared and processed foods — is prompting a bulk ingredient market boom. Now is the time for bulk dry solids handling and processing facilities to procure leading-edge Auto-Pulse Bag Dump Station equipment to not only improve plant hygiene and conditions, but also reduce spillage, increase efficiency, mitigate accidents and bulk up those bottom lines in kind.

About the Author

Merilee Kern, MBA is an internationally-regarded brand strategist and analyst who reports on noteworthy industry change makers, movers, shakers and innovators across all B2B and B2C categories. This includes field experts and thought leaders, brands, products, services, destinations and events. Merilee is Founder, Executive Editor and Producer of “The Luxe List” as well as Host of the “Savvy Ventures” business TV show that airs nationally on FOX Business TV and Bloomberg TV and the “Savvy Living” lifestyle TV show that airs in New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Miami, Atlanta and other major markets on CBS, FOX and other top networks. Learn more at at www.TheLuxeList.com and www.SavvyLiving.tv.

Source: https://www.globenewswire.com/en/news-release/2023/12/01/2789246/0/en/Bulk-Food-Ingredients-Market-Size-Share-Growth-Industry-Trends-Forecast-2028.html