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The Right Solution for Solutech

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Finding the right solution for Solutech highlights our commitment to delivering not just conveyor belts but complete conveyor belt solutions that enhance operational efficiency and productivity. Solutech Ltd of Winsford, Cheshire, is well pleased with the performance of their ‘Spiroflow’ mobile bulk bag discharger with its integral flexible screw conveyor.

Solutech Ltd’s Success and Services

Founded only 11 years ago by two entrepreneurs, Solutech is a small company offering a big service. They claim to be the UK’s only independent specialized food-grade fluid blending contractor, with an annual delivery volume of about 12,000 tonnes of blended liquids.

Clientele and Market Position

Their customers, at home and abroad, include some of the best-known blue chip names in the food and beverage industry. They also provide liquid blends to some big-name pharmaceutical companies. Needless to say, they have fought hard to carve their niche in the market and to achieve the success they enjoy today. So, when it comes to the choice of new equipment, they look long and hard to ensure they are making a wise investment.

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The Right Solution for Solutech

Four years ago, whilst at their previous premises, they purchased a Spiroflow flexible screw conveyor in anticipation of a major sugar blending contract. However, at the last minute, the contract did not materialize. Reflecting on their experience, Production Director Alan Kidd shared that the Spiroflow conveyor was brought to the new factory in June 2002, still encased in the original bubble wrap it was delivered in.

A Turnaround with a New Contract

Last year marked a significant turnaround for them as they secured a substantial contract that required multiple 15-tonne sugar blend batches each week. The previously unused conveyor naturally became the preferred option for transferring a sugar component into their large heated mixer/dissolver. To adapt to the requirements of this new contract and their factory’s layout, the flexible screw conveyor had to be designed for loading from Bulk Bags (FIBCs). Additionally, it was essential to mount the entire unit on a mobile frame, enabling easy relocation and storage after each use.

Adapting to New Requirements

To this end, Solutech approached Spiroflow for assistance in adapting the conveyor for its new task. We had no trouble meeting Solutech’s demands because bulk bag (FIBC) dischargers are among our main solutions and because the majority of our flexible screw conveyors are provided as transportable units.

Mobile flexible screw conveyor

Innovative Design Features of the Spiroflow Bulk Bag Discharger

The design of the Spiroflow bulk bag discharger is such that the sugar readily discharges from the bulk bags. Even so, there is provision for bag massagers to be added at any time should other, less readily flowing, products need to be discharged. Considering the design of the flexible screw conveyor, which features a long, narrow inlet slot, a spiral agitator was installed in the collection hopper situated above this inlet. This addition guarantees a consistent and dependable delivery of the product into the large mixing vessel.

Specifications, Operational Schedule, and Vapour Management

The Flexible Spiral Conveyor has a nominal diameter of 67 mm, is almost 6 meters long, and delivers the sugar at 3 tonnes/hour. Solutech works two shifts per day, and the Spiroflow conveyor operates for 5 to 6 hours each shift, 5 days a week. As the blending vessel is full of water at 75 degrees Celsius, and as the sugar is steadily loaded, the vapor rises. At an early stage, when production of the new contract first started, it was recognized that this vapor would cause an undesirable build-up of sugar at the outlet of the conveyor.

To overcome this and to avoid the problems that this could cause, we provided a low-pressure blower, which is mounted at the conveyor outlet by way of a quick-release band clamp. This has prevented any build-up since it was fitted in August last year and is easily removed when the time comes to clean the conveyor.

A woman photographing one of the conveyor systems

Solutech’s Product Range and Quality Standards

Solutech’s portfolio includes the contract blending of acidity regulators, preservatives, and two types of sugar-based sweeteners. All of their output is in liquid form, but except for the water with which they are mixed, all of their other ingredients are dry bulk solids. Of these, around 60% is delivered in bulk bags (FIBCs) and the remainder in 25 kg bags. Everything Solutech does is carried out under ISO 9001-2000 accredited procedures – they operate under HACCP regulations and are halfway to achieving BRC recognition. High standards of hygiene are paramount, and the steam cleaning of all tanks is a regular occurrence.

Maintenance and Cleaning Routine

Every two weeks, the Spiroflow conveyor is washed through with water and dried. The operatives who handle the cleaning confirm that it is an easy conveyor to clean. In conclusion, Alan Kidd confirms, “We are pleased with the Spiroflow discharger and conveyor. They perform very well”.

The new Spiroflow conveying system

Do You Require Conveyor Manufacturers? Trust in Spiroflow’s Expertise and Services

We at Spiroflow are pioneers in the design and manufacture of flexible screw conveyors. We also offer aero-mechanical conveyors and, in recent years, have diversified to offer an extensive range of bulk bag (FIBC) fillers and dischargers, too. We operate a comprehensive test and demonstration facility and actively encourage customers to witness trials of their products. Call us at +44 (0)1200 422525 to discuss your specific requirements. Solutech Ltd can be contacted at +44 (0)1606.

Discover Conveyor Solutions with Spiroflow

Spiroflow is also a leader in providing comprehensive conveyor belt solutions. Our range includes various conveyor belt systems, from the highly versatile flexible screw conveyor to sophisticated industrial conveyor systems designed to meet the diverse needs of modern industries.Are you looking for reliable conveyor solutions? Do you need a conveyor belt system that integrates seamlessly with your operations? Look no further. As one of the leading conveyor systems manufacturers, we pride ourselves on delivering conveyor technologies that are both innovative and efficient. Don’t miss the opportunity to optimize your production line with our advanced conveyor solutions. Contact us for a consultation or to witness our systems in action.

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