Coperion awarded contract for a container filling system

Container loading and unloading is becoming increasingly important during bulk material production, as many manufacturers use this transport method for export purposes.

As a supplier of overall systems solutions for plastics manufacturing, Coperion also installs container loading and unloading systems for 20 ft., 40 ft. and high-cube containers. These are suitable for most applications and a number of powdered and pelletized bulk materials, including difficult products such as PTA, some of which must be conveyed in inert gas systems. 

Recently Coperion was awarded a contract for the installation of a comprehensive container loading system for polyolefin pellets. This system is hallmarked by its simple operation and high loading capacity. Containers are filled at eight loading stations with a capacity of up to 40 t/h within a maximum loading time of 25 minutes. In this case the Fluidload pneumatic conveying method is used for loading. Two containers are always positioned directly next to one another. Four of the eight containers are filled while the other four containers are being prepared for the loading procedure.

The system is extremely easy to operate from four operating platforms suspended on rails that can be moved electronically. When one container has been filled, the operator standing on the platform travels approximately five meters to the adjacent container.

With this loading system it is possible to fill 20 ft., 40 ft. and high cube containers from the rear, with the container remaining on the trailer during the entire operation. The control for this intelligent loading system was also designed by Coperion.

Coperion supplies two different technologies for unloading containers:

1. The container remains on the truck and is tipped by means of the truck's own tipping device

For this unloading method Coperion has developed a rotary valve station that is hooked onto the rear container wall with a forklift truck. It is connected to the conveying system by hoses.

2. The container is tipped and unloaded using a stationary tipping platform

In collaboration with Westphalen & Kann, Coperion has developed a tipping platform especially for use with truck trailers without a built-in tipping device. To this purpose the truck reverses slowly into the tipping station. The container is secured at the corners with fixing bolts, the doors are opened and locked in place. The container is then hydraulically lifted – the truck remains in the tipping station - and is tipped up to an angle of 50°. After the unloading process the tipping station is returned to the start position and the container is lowered onto the truck, where it is secured and closed. The truck can then drive out of the station.