This bulk bag unloader system from National Bulk Equipment, Inc. (NBE) is designed for use in highly contaminant-sensitive process areas handling bulk materials known to generate combustible dusts. A 9.525-mm. polycarbonate encasement surrounds the bulk bag unloader to prevent migrant dusts that piggyback on the exterior of bulk bags from becoming airborne and entering the work zone during bag conditioning and bag collapse. The combustible input material is introduced, dust-free, directly to an integrated surge hopper through the NBE E3™ closed-cycle dust recovery system that secures and encloses the bag spout within a sealed containment cylinder. The surge hopper is constructed with explosion protection and control features, including: an explosion venting system, calculated on a Kst value of 170 and Pmax of 9.5, to direct and release overpressure to prepared areas. The hopper construction includes reinforced walls and a reinforced cover, and is rated for 4.5 PSI internal pressure.
NBE integrated automation centralizes all drive controlling, material feed sensing, material routing, and control layer monitoring and reporting to a single, UL listed HMI, designed and built by NBE. Rigorous NBE risk assessment procedures work to prevent hazards to those who operate and maintain the equipment, while identifying improvements in physical ergonomics and equipment access points. NBE expertise in application-appropriate codes, standards, and regulations ensured system compliance at start-up.
