AZO, Osterburken, Germany, has completely redesigned its container docking system used in conjunction with dosing units for precision filling of bulk solids into containers. The improved arrangement – exhibited this week at ACHEMA – creates a flexible, dust-tight connection between the container (scale) and dosing unit and a highly efficient isolating mechanism is provided between the dosing unit and the scale.

 

In contrast to many conventional systems, with the latest AZO technology the containers are sealed with a lid when being transported by means of a roller or chain conveyor. Removal of the lid, and its replacement immediately after the partial quantity has been dosed, takes place at the dosing location itself. This stops products that emit a lot of dust from subsequent ‘smoking’ out of the container during onward transport. It also prevents contamination with foreign matter during normal operation. During dosing, the displaced air and entrained dust are extracted at the container docking station.

 

The redesign pays particularly close attention to the issues of hygiene and ease of cleaning. A key part of a docking system such as this is the use of mobile units, such as the AZO COMPONENTER® or the AZO ShuttleDos® systems, which are often of linear design. These usually transport bulk solids containers that are filled at a range of transfer points. www.azo.com 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AZO’s upgraded container docking system showing (above) the container lid being raised and docking with the dosing unit