BFM fittings at IAMS animal feed

Traditional cuffs a risk to personnel and production processes

Spectrum Brands produces dog and cat food for pet food brand Iams at its plant in Coevorden. Spectrum Brands aims to 'clean design' equipment for optimum hygiene and food safety. The traditional cuffs the factory used to transport raw materials between equipment were not dust-tight and broke down quickly. This resulted in contamination of the production environment.

Moreover, fitting traditional cuffs was a time-consuming and complicated job. Engineers often had to fix them with clamps and straps in hard-to-reach places. This involved sharp tools and materials that posed a risk to personnel and production processes.

The solution: BFM fittings

Vlint provided BFM fittings as a solution. To install this fitting system, an adapter is welded to the equipment with a fit. This is where a BFM fitting comes in between, pressing itself into the adapter. The advantages of the BFM fitting are:

•   Dustproof seal
•   Translucent material contributing to a 'clean design'’
•   Antistatic for in ATEX environments
•  Can be installed in minutes

The BFM fittings have been used in more than 30 places in the plant, such as under six Rotex screens. As these Rotex screens move, the BFM fittings have a deflection of several centimetres. However, as the fittings are flexible and very strong, the deflection does not cause any problems.

The result: fast and safe assembly

Vlint's BFM fittings have had the desired effect on the safety and hygiene of the production process. Due to the dust-tight connection, Spectrum Brands' factory hall is now not contaminated and because the BFM Seeflex fitting is transparent, product movement can be monitored properly.

Robert Feringa, engineer at Spectrum Brands in Coevorden, is also very satisfied with the quick assembly of the Fittings. 'Previously, changing a cuff took between half an hour and three quarters of an hour, depending on the location in the factory. This required a lot of work preparation and planning. Now our fitters change BFM fittings in just ten minutes.' According to Spectrum Brands' maintenance specialist, the BFM fittings also last twice as long as the old cuffs.

Want to know more ?

Want to know more about the benefits of BFM fittings or specific fittings for ATEX environments?  
Download our white paper 'dust explosions and ATEX' or contact us without obligation.
 

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