Automated IBC filling line

The electrometallurgy specialist GfE offers around 250 material compounds on the global market, including vanadium-containing acids for energy storage systems. An automated filling system implemented for GfE by SysTec partner KESTERMANN GmbH is used for precise and fast filling of the acid into IBC containers. The powerful SysTec IT8000E filling controller, together with the FILL E application software, ensure high throughput.

Key facts
- Automatic gravimetric filling instrument (AGFI) with pallet conveyor technology for automated filling of IBCs
- Very high filling accuracy: up to 0.5% for 1,000 liter IBCs and a throughput of 20 IBCs per hour
- W&M approved liquid filling
- Robust SysTec weighing electronics
- PROFINET-PLC-connection

The process:
As soon as the operator has entered the product number of the acid to be filled and the target weight, the system is ready for automatic filling using the bottom filling method. The interaction of the powerful SysTec weighing electronics, the PROFINET-PLC-connection, and the labeling system are important aspects for the smooth functioning of the system processes.

The IBCs are moved onto the roller conveyor of the system by forklift trucks and detected by a sensor. In the next step, the IBC is moved to the first turntable, where a hazardous goods label is applied. The IBC is rotated by 90° and transported to the filling and weighing station.

Precise alignment on the weighing platform is achieved by means of IBC centering. The screwing tool is positioned over the opening lid, which is screwed on, and the SysTec weighing electronics carry out the taring. First, the SysTec weighing indicator controls the coarse flow via the feed hopper and the filling lance according to the gravimetric principle and then reduces it to fine flow. The indicator also calculates the overrun. Once the target weight has been reached, the IBC lid is fitted and closed using a screwing tool.