Dumping contents of bags into mixers for blending of adhesives.

The Problem:
Pallets of 50 lb. Bags were loaded centrally between a series of mixers for a blending operation. Operators were expected to lift bags by hand and slit them open, to be dumped into batching mixers for blending. The pallets were centrally located, and several different products from several different pallets were required to move to several different mixers, some located behind building columns. The operators were required to lift and carry bags for large distances.

Alternatives:
This operation could only be performed manually.

System Chosen:
A VaucHoist® model VH 160 (150Lb. Capacity) vacuum lifting system with a bag lifting attachment was chosen. It was suspended from ErgoSys Ceiling Mounted Bridge Crane, complete with custom telescoping bridge beams. All equipment chosen was manufactured by Ergonomic Handling Systems. The components of the system were specifically engineered to provide the most efficient work handling method. The single source responsibility eliminates the integration of various manufacturers components and the resultant field start-up problems.

This System Was Selected:
The operation required the bridge crane, in order to cover the large area (20' wide by 80'long) that the batching operation encompassed. The telescoping bridge beams allowed the operator to pick up the load from any pallet and move freely (bypassing the building columns which impeded full crane travel) and place them into any one of the mixers. The VacuHoist® was chosen for its quick and simple operation in grabbing and lifting the bags.

Safety Reasons:
The operators were no longer required to lift and carry the bags for long distances, reducing the risk for lifting related inquires.

Ergonomic Issues:
The operators could now be performed by either gender.

Productivity:
The operator could now function all day with a minimum of fatigue due to repetitive manual lifting of the heavy bags.

Cost Effectiveness:
The new lifting system reduced the possibility of lost product, due to operators dropping bags in the sometimes long distances traveled from pallet to mixer.