BETHLEHEM, PA — A new Flexicon "BFF Combi-Hood" Bulk Bag Discharger features a multi-purpose hopper interface that allows automatic discharging from bulk bags as well manual emptying from sacks, drums and other containers.

For bulk bag discharging, the bag outlet is pulled through a top-mounted iris valve that is closed around the spout, preventing material flow. The spout can then be untied, the access door closed, and the valve released slowly, reducing uncontrolled bursts of material into the hopper and dust into the plant environment.

For manual dumping in conjunction with or independent of bulk bag discharging, the operator simply raises the hinged door and pours material through a coarse screen into the hopper. When equipped with optional dust collector, the unit prevents contamination of the product and plant environment.

The discharger employs two devices to promote complete, automatic discharge of both free-flowing and non-free-flowing materials from the bag: FLOW-FLEXER^® bag activators raise and lower opposite bottom edges of the bag at timed intervals, loosening compacted materials and promoting material flow into the bag discharge spout. As the bag lightens, the stroke of the bag activators increases, raising the bag into a steep "V" shape, while top-mounted POP-TOP™ bag extension devices stretch the bag into a cone shape, promoting total discharge of material into the hopper.

BFF Series dischargers are equipped with top-mounted receiving cups and removable bag-lifting frames for forklift loading of bulk bags. New Z-CLIP™ strap holders* allow rapid, secure insertion and removal of bag straps.

The multi-purpose hood is also offered on BFC Series dischargers having a cantilevered I-beam with electric hoist and trolley to raise and position bulk bags without the use of a forklift.

Optional flexible screw conveyors, also manufactured by Flexicon, transport both free-flowing and non-free-flowing bulk materials including products that pack, cake, smear, seize or fluidize, with no separation of blended products.

The discharger can also be configured for bulk bag weigh batch discharging with the addition of load cells and a programmable controller.

Units are available in carbon steel with durable industrial coating, or stainless steel to industrial, food, dairy or pharmaceutical standards.