Bin activator in panels for flour emptying

A customer specialising in the production of frozen foods needed to replace a bin activator for emptying flour stored in an outdoor silo.

The special feature of this silo is that it has a skirt. This type of silo protects the cone and provides a free, covered space under the silo, accessible through a door.

Project constraints

This project had several constraints.

The first constraint relates to the space available for installation of the bin activator. The skirted silo configuration restricts free access underneath the silo, making installation of the bin activator more complex. The most suitable solution for this type of silo is a bon activator in panels, which makes installation easier despite the access and space constraints.

The second constraint concerns the nature of the product to be extracted from the silo. Flour belongs to the category of products with a “lazy” flow. It can therefore be somewhat difficult to extract, especially if it is in a humid atmosphere. What’s more, its handling can present ATEX risks due to the formation of potentially explosive dust. Measures must therefore be taken to prevent these risks.

There are also constraints relating to the food industry. This sector is highly regulated and equipment that comes into contact with flour must comply with food industry standards. For this reason, the vibrating bottom supplied by ISERCO is made entirely of 304L stainless steel, a preferred material for this type of application.

In order to provide the customer with the best solution, ISERCO carried out an on-site audit, taking measurements and a 3D scan of the vibrating floor installation area. The 3D scan is an invaluable aid to the design of the equipment by our engineering department. It allows accurate measurements to be taken on site and data to be digitised for the layout of the future installation. This data is then processed by our design office to design and integrate the equipment.

Installation of the bin activator in the skirt silo requires passing through a door due to access constraints. Due to its size, a conventional 1800 diameter bin activator cannot be installed directly under the silo due to the configuration of the site. The best solution to this constraint: the bin activator in panels, completely made to measure.

This unit is delivered in 4 parts to be assembled on site. This design makes it easier to install the bin activator when space under the silo is limited.

The different sections are bolted together on site. Then, on ISERCO’s recommendation, these 4 sectors of the bin activator are welded together with a smooth, continuous and watertight weld to avoid any product retention.

This bin activator has a diameter of 1800 and is made entirely of 304L stainless steel. It is a bin activator from the Binatex 21 range. It is designed for emptying flammable powders stored in silos classified as Zone 21 or 22. There are no ignition sources inside the Binatex. The Binatex 21 was recommended here because flour can be considered a flammable product.

In addition, to further limit the risks associated with the possible emission of explosive dust (ATEX 21), this bin activator is equipped with 2 MVE ATEX 21 motors as well as earthing lugs and braids.

This device is designed for use in the food industry, so the sealing strip associated with the vibrating bottom is made from TPE, a material that complies with FDA standards.

In addition, 2 different finishes were applied to the stainless steel surface. Firstly, the outside of the unit was bead blasted. The bin activator was then stripped and passivated on the inside using SUBLIMOTION-process®. This surface treatment is particularly suitable for the food industry. It is mineral, natural and chemical free. The process is antimicrobial, offers unrivalled ease of cleaning and improved corrosion resistance.

An ISERCO assembly team provided on-site technical assistance for the installation of this bin activator.

• Industry: Food
• Product Flour
• Bulk density : 0,65
• Product hazard : ATEX
• Working ambient temperature : between -10° and 40°C