Cone-valve Intermediate Bulk Container by Matcon can optimize mass flow

Matcon IBCs are ideal for powder mixing.

Matcon’s groundbreaking line of Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs) is available from Firing Industries Ltd. among its wide inventory of innovative processing equipment. Matcon has always excelled in mass flow, which industry experts define as the preferred discharge pattern for powder processing, since it keeps blended materials consistent during the production process.

The best way to achieve mass flow is with the Matcon cone-valve IBC, which has a geometry that is designed to create that flow.

A revolutionary cone-shaped design

Mass flow is the movement of all powder across the whole container when any is withdrawn. It produces a first-in/first-out flow sequence that eliminates all stagnant areas and offers a steady discharge with consistent bulk density, in addition to a uniform, controlled flow. To accomplish this, Matcon implements effective design solutions in the internal surface friction of the hopper, the hopper angle, and the valve model.

This is the opposite of core flow – in which powder flows primarily from the centre of the IBC, above the outlet, during discharge. This leaves material on the sides and causes particle rolling and mix separation, making it hard to get material out of the container. This is a frequent drawback of IBCs that employ butterfly valves. Other disadvantages include long-term container damage, production downtime, and constant inconsistency in the recipes. With the Matcon cone-valve IBC, Firing Industries helps powder-processing businesses overcome this issue.

This IBC has a unique cone-shaped design that raises and lowers the valve at the discharge outlet. It accounts for bridging, arching, and core flow, while helping with mass flow, partly with internal vibration of the cone as it lifts. Consistent product flow yields production lines that run continuously and automated discharge processes.

The Matcon cone-valve IBC integrates vibration directly into the cone at the top of the lifting cycle, which stimulates even the most stubborn of powders to flow downwards and decreases the potential for bridging. The cone lift can be reduced to control the quantity of the flow at discharge if the powder flows freely.

To learn more, contact Firing Industries’ application-sales engineers at ddubuc@firing.com or (877) 688-0974.

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