SOMERSET, NJ. — Gericke USA’s Big Bag Unloader® (BBU) is now available to food processors in an ATEX-compliant design to prevent explosion incidents. ATEX is a directive established by the European Union that spans equipment systems designed for use in potentially explosive atmospheres, including chemical plants, mines, flour mills and human and pet food facilities.

The BBU’s controls, hoist, motor and electrical components are explosion-proof according to ATEX requirements, making it a suitable in ATEX Zone 22 for areas in which flammable chemicals and dust mix with air, which is unlikely to occur with normal operations.

Gericke’s BBU can be used in chemical, pharmaceutical and human and pet food plants, among others, in which bulk powders or solids are processed. The BBU safely unloads bags for transfer to other systems or storage areas while preventing dust from entering the atmosphere. According to Gericke, the bag unloader eliminates the risk of spillage, further reducing the potential for explosions.

As well as ATEX-compliant customization, the BBU can be further customized with an optional automated hoist, pneumatic bag closing system and bag disposal system, among a slew of other customizations and accessories.

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