National Bulk Equipment ProductSaver product recovery system for packaged liquids and flow-resistant wet contents

The National Bulk Equipment ProductSaver line of product recovery systems is designed to provide automated, controlled removal of free-flowing liquids or flow-resistant wet contents from their packaging.

Processing and packaging operations must often dispose of, or destroy, off-spec, mislabelled, overrun or otherwise unsalable wet product and its packaging. ProductSaver product recovery systems enable reclaim of contents for residual resale, re-use or efficient disposal; and reclaim of packaging material for recycling or disposal. The systems can contribute to process performance by providing tangible metrics tor sustainability improvements; protecting product safety; reducing material loss; keeping labour on task. The systems are engineered to integrate with legacy processing and packaging operations and can be designed to run as a self-contained wet material reclamation system.

The system combines package in-feed, package opening, and contents and package separation processes into a single-stream product recovery sequence. Whether pallet loads, cases or single packs, no break-pack or razor knife steps are necessary. Package opening occurs within the compression screw press where precision-formed, specially pitched, 304-2b stainless steel screw flights draw packages from the in-feed chute into the compression sequence. The screw flights are edge finished to open packages and accelerate material release prior to compression action.

The conical screw shaft, together with an end block press, create a progressive compression force on the pre-opened packages to ensure thorough release of contents and separation of contents from packaging material. Two large-bore pneumatic cylinders power two compactor gates for final-stage material release. Automated discharge of compacted packaging material is provided by sensors at the compactor gates that gradually release compactor pressure and open the gates to discharge recovered packaging.

The product recovery systems provide up to 99.95% of content recovery for most wet material. They are designed to the particular requirements of each application, regardless of package material or shape, including ampoules; gable-top, coated paperboard cartons; polypropylene dairy containers; aluminium cans; aseptic cartons; PET bottles; ploy-based tubes; roll stock packs; and foil laminate pouches. This means they are built to the particular processes and practices of the application and aid in attaining optimal compliance contribution (OCC).