The advantages of parallel processing in manufacturing, according to Matcon

Matcon highly recommends parallel processing.

Matcon intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) are supplied by Firing Industries Ltd. and are useful in parallel processing. In manufacturing, it is important that every production process keeps pace with consumer demand, but traditional coupled systems typically fall short of this expectation, and restrictions on production-line capacity result in lower efficiency.

To offer the increased capacity and flexibility to produce optimal goods, manufacturers are relying more on parallel processing, which Matcon recommends.

Multiple processes occurring simultaneously

Parallel processing allows formulation, mixing, packing, cleaning, and other manufacturing stages to happen independently by separating, or decoupling, a process. This enables the potential for multiple processes to occur simultaneously, which allows production of more than one batch or various recipe batches at any time. IBCs from Firing Industries are ideal for this, as they allow workers to move product batches in individual containers between processes. Ingredients stay within their respective IBCs throughout the process, leaving containers only during discharge at the packing stage.

Implementing this intuitive, flexible production system comes with several major advantages. Higher manufacturing efficiency is one: with the decoupled nature of IBCs, a facility can formulate a mix in one container while blending another one and packaging a third all at once. Higher capacity and a more efficient production line result from moving IBCs independently around every stage of the process.

Another advantage of parallel processing is that simultaneous multiple processes decrease equipment and worker downtime substantially. The ability to fill and clean IBCs when they are offline boosts this reduction further, which eliminates the need to put production lines on hold during these processes. Blender downtime between batches for cleaning is also gone, as the IBC is the blending vessel.

Minimal cross-contamination risks is another benefit. Mixes stay contained within sealing IBCs throughout the process. Standard coupled systems often rely on manual handling to transfer ingredients between processes, making cross-contamination more probable.

These benefits result in consistent product manufactured in an efficient, controlled environment, with added potential to boost capacity to develop new products and meet demand.

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

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