The sealing system from SSB Wägetechnik vacuum seals big bags. (YouTube screenshot) (Image: SSB Wägetechnik GmbH)
Vacuum-sealed closures for bulk goods
Many different industries continually need to package or dispense liquid or powdered goods. Powders and granules especially run the risk of accumulating dirt and dust, thus impacting on cleanliness during filling, closure and transport. To prevent this from happening, packers are turning to vacuum solutions for closure. This way, the environment can be kept dust-free and products are kept safe, both when using small packages and large bulk packs.
To extend the lifespan of machines and packaged goods, a clean environment throughout the entire value and supply chain is paramount. When powdered goods are packaged, dust can develop quickly, which is a potential hazard to both the quality of the product and the cleanliness of the machines. To ensure that cleaning of the machines is efficient and to reduce wear and tear, clean surroundings are crucial. The packaged products, too, should reach their destination in a clean and intact condition, ready for storage. When it comes to powdered products, humidity, for example, can present a big problem during transport and the following storage.
Solutions for all sizes
Many companies have tackled this challenge. One solution for filling and sealing packages for powdered goods comes from Haver & Boecker. The mechanical engineering company from the Münster region has developed a technique that simultaneously addresses product safety, safe surroundings, and sustainability. The Adams Technology allows powdered products to be filled into sacks and then hermetically seals them. The latter is achieved by using a vibrating lance and a ground vibrator, which together drive air from the package. This allows goods to be cleanly filled and packaged into pre-formed sacks of endless tubular film. The company also uses the mono-material PE (polyethylene) for their sacks. The sacks are 100 % recyclable and made of 70 % recycled materials.
The Adams Technology drives the remaining air from the packaging and then hermetically seals the bag. (Image: Haver & Boecker)
The company uses this technology to pack bags carrying at least 5 kg. However, when it comes to sealing big packs, another solution comes from SSB Wägetechnik GmbH. For a customer, the company built a sealing system that is able to cleanly seal packages measuring up to 2.5 m from side to side. A vacuum is created and the packages are cleanly sealed. The STV 2200 is suitable for octabins, big bags and cardboard boxes with liners.
Packaging bags let powdered goods be safely and cleanly packed, transported and stored. (Image: Haver & Boecker)
The company's technology and machines are able to package products and materials for a variety of industries. This includes building materials and minerals, chemicals and food, or pharmaceuticals. To prevent damage from humidity during transport and storage, companies hermetically seal their packages and turn to waterproof materials. Along the entire supply chain, this creates a clean environment and also serves to protect the machines.
The STV 2200 cleanly closes big bags. (Image: SSB Wägetechnik GmbH)