Toxic compounds from a bag
high potency compounds safer, and is a cheaper option than current
rigid containment devices, according to its manufacturer.
Germany's Buck Valve, part of the GEA group, says the new hicoflex SL is a self-locking device that can be used to transfer toxic powders or granules from storage containers and into the production line - or vice versa - from any type of foil bag.
At present, the contained transfer of powder products has required the use of rigid containers fitted with costly containment valves assembled from stainless steel components. The costs of these containers has led manufacturers to explore the use of cheaper options - such as FIBCs (flexible intermediate bulk containers), sacks and Big Bags - but until now there has been no reliable means of docking these effectively to allow dust-free transfer.
The hicoflex SL coupling is based on two complementary half-seals that are hermetically docked onto one another, operating on the same principle as the snap ring seals of a spectacle case.
Buck Valve said that the new system drives down the cost of transferring toxic compounds without compromising the need to comply with regulatory thresholds on dust emission.
The new coupling extends Buck Valve's range of contained transfer products for powders and granulates, spearheaded by its Buck Bag, a flexible container designed to do away with the need for isolators and containment suites.
