Twin bag tip stations for adding low volume ingredients flank a bag compacter which compresses empty bags for dust-free disposal . The large buffer hopper ( right ) receives blended batches that are transferred pneumatically to the downstream process .
Smith ’ s snackfoods installs large-scale Bulk handling system for new chip line
Smith ’ s Snackfoods began manufacturing potato crisps ( chips ) in Australia in 1931 and was the first to offer flavoured crisps in Australia . Today , as a unit of US-based PepsiCo , its brands include Twisties ®, Burger Rings ®, Doritos ®, Parker ’ s ® pretzels , as well as reduced-fat products such as Sakata ® rice cakes , and Sunbites ® Grain Waves ® whole grain chips and Sunbites ® air popped popcorn .
In January 2019 , Smith ’ s installed a process line to manufacture Smith ’ s ® Oven Baked potato chips , which contain 50 percent less fat and have more crunch and texture than traditional fried crisps .
For the powder handling and blending portion of the new line , Smith ’ s worked with Flexicon Corporation Australia . Due to the size and scope of the new system , the supplier ’ s Project Engineering Division 4 FDPP - www . fdpp . co . uk
( PED ) handled much of the design and specification work .
UPSTREAM BATCH AND DOWNSTREAM CONTINUOUS PROCESSES
The new powder handling and blending system consists of two upstream batch processes that feed a downstream continuous process .
In one batch process , major ingredients received in bulk bags are dispensed by weight from two Bulk-Out ® model BFC bulk bag dischargers supplied by Flexicon . Installed facing one another , the matching dischargers are each equipped with an electric hoist and trolley that travel on an I-beam common to both frames , allowing bulk bags to be loaded from a single floor location .
The dischargers are each equipped with a Spout-Lock™ clamp ring atop a Tele-Tube™ telescoping tube that applies continual downward tension as the bag empties and elongates , directing material through the bag spout . The sealed systems of both dischargers are vented to a dust collection system installed in an