Decompacting and crumbling big bags of milk powder with the SmashR Palamatic Process

Our client, a major player in the production of milk powder, was experiencing difficulties in using big bags of milk powder in its production line. These big bags are often subject to clumping due to ambient humidity and storage conditions, which complicates the flow of the powder, leading to production interruptions. The company was looking for a solution capable of breaking the mass setting at the heart of the big bags and thus fluidising the extraction of the powder, whether fatty or wet, to maintain continuous, efficient production while preserving the safety of the production operators.

Palamatic Process proposed the installation of a SmashR hydraulic massaging cage to solve these problems. The SmashR is a plug-and-play trimming station that can be easily moved from one site to another thanks to its mobile design. This feature appealed to the customer, offering flexibility and the ability to respond quickly to the needs of different plants, depending on the potential problems of batches contained in big bags.

The SmashR hydraulic massage cage

The SmashR hydraulic massaging cage is equipped with powerful hydraulic cylinders and is capable of breaking up the powder blocks formed in the big bags thanks to a system of lateral cylinders and an upper arm that massage the material. The motorised turntable enables the big bags to be positioned at different heights and angles, guaranteeing complete coverage of the massage and improving the efficiency of the crumbling process.

The lifting table

The lifting table adjusts the position of the big bags according to their size and the unpacking cycle, allowing the jacks to operate at several different heights.

The light curtain

The light curtain, a safety feature, protects operators during decompaction cycles, ensuring safe operation.

The flexibility and mobility of the big bag massaging solution

In terms of flexibility and mobility, the SmashR is a mobile piece of equipment adapted to the changing needs of businesses. The system is designed to be easily moved. It can be transferred between different customer production sites without the need for heavy installations or complex modifications. This feature means that every plant can benefit from this innovative solution whenever a problem arises with the mass pick-up of big bags.

Reducing production downtime

The SmashR helps to reduce production interruptions thanks to its ability to efficiently lump big bags. By putting the powder back into flow, it ensures optimum continuity of operations, which is crucial to maintaining high production rates. By minimising downtime and ensuring a constant flow of materials, the SmashR helps to improve overall productivity and reduce the costs associated with unplanned interruptions.

Enhanced safety

Safety is also enhanced by integrated features, such as the light curtain, which ensure safe operation for operators. This means that operators are not exposed to unnecessary risks when using the equipment. The light curtain, for example, detects the presence of any person or object in the work area and immediately stops machine operation in the event of a potential hazard. This feature minimises the risk of accidents and ensures a safer working environment.

Ease of use

The SmashR's plug-and-play system means it can be set up quickly, with little need for operator training. This simplifies the integration of the equipment into existing production processes, through easy and intuitive installation. The SmashR can be up and running in record time, minimising the disruption and delays associated with installing new machinery. What's more, the ease of use reduces the learning curve for operators, meaning they can quickly master the operation of the equipment without the need for lengthy training sessions.

The solution proposed by Palamatic Process enabled the customer to overcome its powder flow problems in the big bags, while offering flexibility and safety. With the SmashR, the customer was able to improve and secure its production feed. The equipment effectively solved the problem of milk powder clumping, ensuring a constant and regular flow of materials.

All in all, the SmashR offered a complete, high-performance solution that met the most stringent requirements in terms of flexibility, safety and productivity.

To find out more, Transfer and packaging of milk powder.