Bulk Bag Unloading Systems
Custom Bulk Bag Unloading Systems
Bulk Bag Unloading System Features
Bag Spout Access & Seal Enclosure
Pneumatic Controls
Bulk Bag Deflation System
Bulk Bag Unloading Systems Brochure
Custom Bulk Bag Unloading Systems
IEDCO designs and manufactures custom bulk bag unloading systems engineered to safely and efficiently discharge powders and dry bulk materials from FIBCs (Flexible Intermediate Bulk Containers), super sacks, and bulk bags into downstream processes.
Manufacturers handling powdered ingredients often receive materials in bulk bags of varying sizes and weights. This creates operational challenges such as:
- Safe lifting and handling of heavy bulk bags
- Dust containment during bag opening and discharge
- Controlled material flow to prevent bridging or inconsistent feed
- Efficient transfer of material into mixers, blenders, or conveying systems
- Cost-effective handling of multiple bulk ingredients
Our bulk bag unloading equipment is purpose-built to solve these issues while improving plant safety, cleanliness, and process efficiency.
IEDCO systems can be supplied with:
- Integral hoists and lifting frames
- Load cells for batch accuracy and inventory control
- Bag agitation and flow-assistance devices
- Discharge valves tailored to material characteristics
- Integrated feeding and conveying solutions
Each system is engineered to meet your application-specific material handling requirements.
Bulk Bag Unloading System Features
At IEDCO we have developed a wide range of custom designs to provide reliable flow of your product from bulk bags to your process and doing so in a safe and contained manner.
Our bulk bag unloaders are designed to fit your specific requirements, and our systems can be designed to handle all types and sizes of bulk bags.
These systems can consist of some or all of the following main components:
- Bag Lift Frame with Liner Clamp
- Bulk Bag Vibration Pan or Pneumatic Agitation Paddles
- Pneumatic Bag Spout Choker
- Enclosed or Open Spout Access and Sealing System
- Sanitary Butterfly or Rotary Valve
- Central Control Panel
- Cable or Chain Lift Hoist with Trolley
- Adjustable Support Frame to Accommodate Different Sizes of Bulk Bags
- Construction Materials Ranging from Mild Steel to 316 Stainless Steel
- Bulk Bag Deflation System
- Dust Collection System or Integration
Bag Spout Access & Seal Enclosure
Our Bag Spout Access & Seal Enclosure provides easy and safe access to the discharge spout of the bulk bag. This allows the operator to connect the spout to the discharge inlet, and safely seal and untie it.
The operator pulls the spout through our specially designed choker mechanism and internal flange ring (with a compressible seal), and places it over the discharge chute.
The flange ring is lowered onto the inlet via pneumatic cylinders controlled by the nearby panel.
Once lowered, a dust-tight seal is created by compressing the flange ring’s seal tightly against the inlet rim. The operator is now able to untie the bag spout and the system is ready for dust-free discharging.
Pneumatic Controls
The pneumatic control system for bag spout access & seal enclosure is located below the enclosure doors and incorporates two-hand safety operation to keep operators’ hands clear during critical functions.
Control functions include:
- Bag choker open/close
- Flange ring raise/lower
This ergonomic design improves both operator safety and process control during unloading operations.
Bulk Bag Deflation System
IEDCO offers an optional Bulk Bag Deflation System that compacts empty bulk bags while connected to a plant dust collection system.
Instead of manually crushing empty bags—an action that often releases residual dust—the deflation system:
- Eliminates airborne dust during bag collapse
- Maintains a cleaner facility
- Improves housekeeping and safety
- Allows efficient disposal or recycling of empty FIBCs
Two pneumatically controlled valves divert suction between the Spout Access & Seal Enclosure and the Bag Deflation System, maximizing dust-collection efficiency.
This feature is a highly recommended addition to any bulk bag unloading station.