High viscosity pump extracts residues

A.R. Arena Products said the top transfer pump mechanism in its Starfish Air-Evac liner and Air-Evac Station 3 allows a more efficient extraction of high viscosity fluids from bag-in-box bulk packages. The hands-free system works by replacing volume of liquid pumped out of inner chamber of bag with shop air introduced to chambers on outside of bag. The inflating air chambers push the liquid content toward the bag outlet. Air volume is increased as the liquid content decreases. As product pools around the pump inlet, it can be pumped out, allowing the Air-Evac to achieve very low residual levels, the company claimed. The shop air does not come in to direct contact with the bag contents, preventing product contamination. The system can be used for dairy, beverage, dressings and condiments, health and beauty aids, confectionaries, and chemicals, the company stated. The Arena Air-Evac station works with the Starfish liner, which is designed to reduce the residual waste left behind by high-viscosity products. "The addition of the Air-Evac Station 3 improves process productivity using existing pumps by reducing change-over time, and simplifying cleanup,"​ the company claimed. The AES-3 and Air-Evac liners are designed for any high-viscosity products including those used in dairy, beverage, dressings and condiments, health and beauty aids, confectionaries, and chemicals. The stainless steel station works with many styles of pumps. Totes with product are placed underneath the pump, and the pump evacuates from the top of the tote. The system eliminates the need to attach an additional hose, and it eliminates the potential safety hazard of hoses lying on the floor near the packaging line, the company claimed. The top discharge also eliminates the need for workers to bend over to attach and disassemble hoses. In addition to providing improved safety and ergonomics, the Air-Evac Station 3 improves processing by speeding up the time it takes to switch out products on a packaging line.