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Luxme MINILux automated food-grade bag slitter Image courtesy of Luxme International Ltd

Addressing the food industry’s need for a hygienic, bulk ingredients, high-volume bag opening solution that eliminates dust and removes the associated health and safety risks, Luxme International developed the MINILux – an automated food-grade bag slitter constructed to FDA standards with self-contained dust collection and recovery.

Converting labor-intensive, inefficient processes into automated and sustainable ones, the MINILux recovers 1.5-2% more product at a rate 1.8-2x faster than a single bag dump station. Facilitating a healthy, safe, and hygienic working environment by recovering both airborne and trailing product, it also reduces waste and boosts profits.

Safeguarding Operator Health

The health and safety challenges of handling dust-rich bulk ingredients – such as powders, mixes, spices, flours, dairy products, nuts, and seeds – are widely known, and the moment when bags are first opened is when the risk is greatest. Operators using manual bag dump stations are at increased likelihood of developing breathing and asthma-related conditions linked to working with airborne-rich materials in a dusty environment over prolonged periods. In fact, occupational asthma – often caused by workers inhaling dusts – is the most common work-related lung disease in the US. Certain ingredients, such as flour, are also known to be volatile, as well as the long-term health dangers, dust-rich environments present an explosion risk, too.

The MINILux protects workers from occupational breathing conditions and greatly reduces the risk of explosion by containing all dust particles within the system itself, ensuring workspace air remains clean, safe, and hygienic.

Eliminating Cross-Contamination

Capable of opening up to six 25-kg bags per minute, the MINILux is an all-in-one conveying, slitting, emptying, integral dust filtering, and empty bag compaction solution. Adhering to the highest standards of food hygiene, it features multiple clean-out access points for easy cleanability to ensure allergens and pathogens do not enter the food chain.

This is especially important for producers of specialist or “free-from” food ranges. When making claims around a product’s integrity – be it organic, vegan, nut-free, gluten-free, or similar – it is crucial that they can be substantiated. Aside from the serious health risks associated with consuming a known allergen, brand reputation can be severely impacted if cross-contamination is found to have occurred. Consumers will only pay a premium for a specialist, niche product if they trust its authenticity, so adherence to the highest standards of hygiene is important for food producers in these markets.

The MINILux has been designed for versatility and efficiency. It processes most 25-kg bag types and sizes on a continuous basis, allowing batches with a variety of bag sizes, weights, and constructions to be slit and opened in a single run without set-up adjustments. To accommodate clean-out, there are access panels on each of its four sides. In contrast to the typical enclosed design of most industrial equipment, it is easier to clean and quicker to access, facilitating speedy yet safe product changeovers. All internal components have been designed to USDA standards to allow for easy and thorough cleaning, comprising food-caliber, FDA-approved materials. In addition, material finishes are of AAA quality; the highest food-grade standard available.

Luxme International Ltd, Brossard, QC, Canada 450-619-1999 www.luxme.com

About the Author(s)

Powder Bulk Solids Staff

Established in 1983, Powder & Bulk Solids (PBS) serves industries that process, handle, and package dry particulate matter, including the food, chemical, and pharmaceutical markets.

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