A new combination bulk bag/drum filler from Flexicon Corporation features a fill head that pivots down for connecting empty bags at floor level, and a swing-arm-mounted chute for filling of drums.

The unit's SWING-DOWN^® fill head enables the operator to connect bag spouts and resume filling operations rapidly, eliminating the need to step over roller conveyors, strain to reach overhead connection points, or risk injury associated with operation of competitive bulk bag fillers, according to the company.

The patented device simultaneously lowers and pivots the fill head, stopping it in a vertically-oriented position that places the bag inlet spout inflatable connection, inflator button,

and four bag loop latches within an arm's length of an operator standing on the plant floor. This reportedly increases the safety and speed of connecting bulk bags, since the connection points of a conventional filler are beyond the reach of most operators, even when bags as short as 4 ft (1220 mm) in height are being filled.

A remote console or wall-mounted panel houses controls to raise and pivot the fill head into a locked, horizontal "fill position," automatically inflate the bag to remove creases, open a flow control valve or start a feed device, and stop the flow of material once a preset fill weight has been gained. Optional vibratory decks de-aerate and densify material in the bag at preset set points to create a solid, stable bag, ready for shipment.

Once bags are filled, the controller deflates the spout connection collar, releases the loop latches, and raises the fill head to fully disengage the spout, enabling the bag to exit the filler automatically on the roller conveyor.

The unit can be switched to drum filling mode in several seconds by positioning the swing-arm-mounted drum-filling chute under the fill head discharge port. The chute automatically rotates to deliver material to all four drums on a pallet.

The filler is constructed of carbon steel with durable industrial finish, or stainless steel finished to industrial, food, dairy or pharmaceutical standards, and is offered with material delivery systems integrated with upstream process equipment or other material source.