SPIROFLOW OFFER THE SOLUTION ON A TRAY!

Spiroflow have supplied 2 of their Model T5, Low-Headroom Bulk Bag Dischargers with integral Flexible Screw Conveyors to the UK’s leading shower tray manufacturer, Just Trays Ltd of Farnley, Leeds (JT).

They have recently purchased a new casting machine which will enable them to literally double capacity on their ‘low profile’ tray production line. Their previous casting machine included an integral bulk bag unloading hopper. The bag was loaded into place and supported during discharge by an overhead hoist. When difficulty was experienced in discharging calcium carbonate from compacted or otherwise problematic bags, the hoist had to be used to raise and lower the bag to promote flow.

JT’s new casting machine differs in that it requires calcium carbonate beads and, additionally recycled glass beads, to be delivered to 2 separate buffer hoppers at the top of the machine. These additives are then metered, at differing rates, into the mixing chamber where they are mixed with resins according to the specification of the shower trays to be cast.

Faced with the task of identifying the best way to feed calcium carbonate beads and recycled glass beads in to their new casting machine Darren Rhodes, Operations Director, confirms, “My criteria were: UK manufacturer, a competitive price, a supplier with a reputation for quality products and a quick delivery. In the end, it was Spiroflow that met them all”.

The Bulk Bag Dischargers supplied to JT are Model T5 low headroom Dischargers. With this model the top frame is removed to floor level, a full bulk bag installed and then the frame, complete with bag, is re-sited. Installing the bag this way considerably reduces the headroom required meaning that ‘Spiroflow’ Bulk Bag Dischargers can often be used in places where others cannot.

JT’s Production Manager, Ricky Dumbleton, visited Spiroflow to witness discharging and conveying tests on their calcium carbonate bead and recycled glass bead materials. As a result of the tests, the Bulk Bag Discharger for the calcium carbonate beads was furnished with bag massagers to promote the flow of compacted bags. Darren Rhodes notes, “This is much more efficient, clean and safe than having to bump the bag up and down on a hoist”. Additionally, the Flexible Screw Conveyor integral with the calcium carbonate beads Discharger was supplied with the more usual round spiral whereas the integral conveyor for the recycled glass beads Discharger was fitted with a flat spiral screw due to the fragile nature of the glass bead.

Installation of the new ‘Spiroflow’ equipment was a joint effort between JT and Spiroflow over a weekend, so as not to lose any production time during the working week. In conclusion, Darren Rhodes reports, “The ‘Spiroflow’ equipment has been in operation for many weeks now and it is absolutely to our satisfaction”.

To learn more about ‘Spiroflow’ Big Bag Dischargers and Flexible Screw Conveyors plus their ranges of Aero-Mechanical Conveyors, Tubular Drag Conveyors, Pneumatic Conveyors and Vacuum Conveyors and also about their Big Bag Fillers and too, contact Spiroflow Ltd, Clitheroe, Lancs. Tel: +44 (0)1200 422525 Web site at www.spiroflow.com or call them on to discuss your specific requirements.

For more information about Just Trays visit their website at www.just-trays.co.uk or call them on +44 (0)844 257 7253

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