ARTICLE IN MECHCHEM AFRICA – NOV/DEC 2024
Brynn Thomas, Managing Director of Flexicon Africa, highlights how Flexicon’s expertise has addressed challenges faced by three companies handling non-free-flowing materials: titanium dioxide, calcium carbonate, and carbon black. These materials often pack, cake, and form obstructions such as rat-holing and bridging, making their transportation complex without specialised equipment.
Summary
Ameron International and Titanium Dioxide
Titanium dioxide (TiO₂), used in industries ranging from paints to cosmetics, is cohesive, adhesive, and difficult to handle due to dust and flow issues. Ameron International overcame these challenges with a Flexicon bag-dump station, equipped with a dust-collection system and a BEVCON™ flexible screw conveyor. This setup efficiently manages TiO₂, preventing clogging, improving dust containment, and maintaining consistent flow through features such as pneumatic vibration, agitation, and a high-flow hopper design.
Plastics Group of America and Calcium Carbonate
Calcium carbonate (CaCO₃), widely utilised in applications such as antacids and plastics, is prone to packing and caking, complicating flow. The Plastics Group of America resolved these issues with Flexicon’s BULK-OUT® dischargers, FLOW-FLEXER® bag activators, and BEVCON™ flexible screw conveyors. This automated system reduces manual handling, ensures consistent flow, and integrates with a loss-in-weight control system, enhancing both efficiency and accuracy.
Kirkhill Inc. and Carbon Black
Carbon black, extensively used in rubber, plastics, and aerospace applications, presents significant safety and equipment challenges due to its tendency to fluidise and produce airborne dust. Kirkhill improved its material handling by adopting Flexicon’s bulk bag dischargers featuring SPOUT-LOCK® and TELE-TUBE® technologies for dust-tight transfer. The system also includes a BAGVAC® dust collector and a BEVCON™ conveyor, ensuring cleanliness, safety, and operational efficiency.
Testing for Optimal Performance
Flexicon underscores the importance of testing materials in full-scale systems to determine the optimal configuration for each application. Since 1999, Flexicon’s South African headquarters has provided tailored solutions for the region’s industrial and food processing needs.
