Docking station

Docking stations for bulk material containers ensure low-dust filling and emptying. Intermediate bulk containers can be used for many logistical tasks. Factories where bulk materials are processed, refined, mixed, dried or agglomerated often have to deal with many different types of powder. Amixon GmbH manufactures container blenders that use standard containers.

In addition to storage, an IBC can also be used to produce powder mixtures by combining different components in the correct weight ratio.

Hygiene and dust prevention are top priorities,

• regardless of whether a container is being filled or emptied. The process must be dust-free. This is the job of docking stations.
• They dock from above when the bulk container is being filled. They dock below the container when the container is being emptied.
• If these processes are automated, they are often combined with weighing technology. The weight of the container is recorded. This is how the material flow and the emptying of the residue are controlled.
• Some bulk materials can solidify during prolonged storage. In this case, it makes sense to combine the docking device with a ‘vibrating table’. This causes the container to vibrate, which helps the bulk material to flow. This type of vibration stimulation is also useful when bulk materials need to be dispensed in measured quantities.
• Some docking devices have a drive mechanism to operate the shut-off valve above or below the bulk material container.
• Docking devices often look simpler than they are. Depending on the properties of the bulk material and the quality of the dust extraction, they can be very complex. Testing and careful engineering are required.
• In particular, double flaps are sometimes used for very high purity requirements. Such a valve is referred to as a ‘containment valve’.