How does the Iris BIBO Pneumatic Transfer Containment work as a powder transfer station?
A powder transfer station must provide more than a reliable barrier between the product, the operator and the surrounding environment. It must also allow powders to be transferred from drums while supporting safe and ergonomic handling throughout every stage of the operation.
The Iris BIBO Pneumatic Transfer Containment is a flexible containment station designed for the pneumatic transfer of powders from drums into downstream process equipment. It combines DIT® Iris Diaphragm Technology, a flexible isolator and multiple handling systems in a single configurable solution. The station, powder transfer lance and drum can be positioned independently according to process requirements, allowing the operator to manage the complete transfer operation at a suitable working height.
A multilayer containment system.
The drum is positioned beneath the flexible chamber and connected to the powder transfer station through the DIT® iris diaphragm. When the iris closes around the drum, it creates a containment barrier between the external environment and the working area. An additional barrier can be provided by a secondary bag secured to an internal adapter ring by means of an O-ring.
The primary drum liner can therefore be opened and handled inside the flexible isolator while the operator remains separated from the product. The containment arrangement is based on three complementary elements:
- the DIT® iris diaphragm tightened around the drum
- the bag/sleeve secured to the internal adapter ring
- the flexible isolator surrounding the complete working area
Together, these elements support contained powder transfer while helping to protect the operator, the product and the surrounding production environment.
Interchangeable adapter rings for different drum sizes.
One of the main features of the Iris BIBO Pneumatic Transfer Containment is the use of interchangeable internal adapter rings.
Rings with different diameters can be installed according to the size of the drum and the bag used for the operation. The bag is then secured to the selected adapter ring with an O-ring.
This solution allows different drum formats to be handled without replacing the complete containment interface. It also simplifies preparation of the powder transfer station when container dimensions, production requirements or operating procedures change.
Three independent movements for improved ergonomics.
The station has been designed around the different working heights required during drum connection, liner opening and pneumatic powder transfer.
The complete flexible containment station can be raised or lowered vertically, allowing its position to be adjusted during the different stages of the operation.
The powder transfer lance can also be moved independently. A dedicated rear-mounted winch system supports the lance and helps the operator raise, lower and position it inside the drum.
A third movement is available through an optional drum lifter. Once the drum has been positioned beneath the iris, the dedicated mobile lifting unit raises it further into the station, bringing the container closer to a more comfortable working position.
This optional handling tool is particularly useful when the drum is not placed on a pallet or when a pallet truck should not remain occupied throughout the powder transfer operation.
Four drum handling configurations.
The Iris BIBO Pneumatic Transfer Containment System can be used in various configurations to work with drums. We have identified four of them, using:
- secondary bag
- drum sleeve
- common bag
- drum lifter.
The powder transfer station can therefore be adapted to the preferred drum connection and handling method while maintaining the same flexible chamber, DIT® iris interface and pneumatic transfer system.
By combining interchangeable components, independent movements and optional drum handling tools, the Iris BIBO Pneumatic Transfer Containment provides a flexible working platform for contained pneumatic powder transfer from drums.
CSV Containment provides tailor-made solutions for pharmaceutical and fine chemical sectors in terms of containment. For more info: containment@csv-ls.com
