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AZO, the expert for automatic handling of raw materials in bulk, powdered, granular and liquid form, is exhibiting at Anuga FoodTec 2018 in Cologne.

In Hall 10.1 at stand B028 C029 we will be demonstrating solutions for automatic handling of large and medium components and the integration of small components and ingredients in the automated process. Intelligent process-IT and a vacuum-process plant for the manufacturing of sauces, mayonnaise and ketchup complete the portfolio of the AZO Group.

AZO CleanDock® is a system for docking containers at upstream dosing units. Apart from dust-free transfer between dosing units and mobile containers and decoupling from scales, it provides further functions.

This contrasts with the situation when mobile containers are used. The use of this type of system means that there are transfer points between dosing units and the relevant bulk materials container. These transfer points have to satisfy several requirements simultaneously: First, the target receptacle needs to have a cover lid that prevents foreign matter from getting into the inside of the container during storage time. Residual quantities, which typically stick to the outlet of the dosing unit after dosing operations, should be prevented from falling into the plant. Use of special docking systems rules out potential contamination of the plant. A sealed connection between the dosing units and the target receptacle while it is docked is critical to avoid dust from accumulating. An additional challenge is achieving maximum flexibility in decoupling the scales. A flexible connection with minimum force shunt is absolutely necessary. De-aeration of the bulk materials container being filled should be considered as an add-on.

AZO provides container docking to satisfy these requirements with its CleanDock® system. This is a double-cone system, consisting of a passive part on the container and an active part on the dosing unit. The passive part on the container seals the opening with a spring-loaded lock. The drop tube, which is below the dosing unit and which feeds the product, is sealed with a cone in the active part of the AZO CleanDock®. When the container is docked, both housing parts (active and passive) are first joined and then locked. Thanks to the flexible connection built into the passive part, a dust-tight join is formed between the dosing unit and the container. The flexible connection is formed of air-permeable filter media. This ensures de-aeration of the container in the filling process and a reliable air supply flow during discharge. The double cone is moved from the lock position to the open position in order to open the product channel. Typical of the AZO CleanDock® design is the line contact of the four components: active part of housing, passive part of housing, passive part of cone and active part of cone.