Due to its abrasive nature, the friction generated as resin moves through a conveyor line can cause heat. This heat can melt the resin’s surface, which can create streamers (also known as angel hairs). Softened resin can also stick to the sides of the convey line or elbows. The automated bulk handling system should be engineered to minimize heat to avoid these effects.
Resin Attributes
Toxicity
Low
High
Abrasiveness
soft
hard
Friable
Solid
delicate
Combustible
Low
High
Flowability
free-flowing
poor
Hygroscopic
not
high
Bulk Density (lb/CF)
light
heavy
particle Size
Coarse
fine
Resin Handling: Overview
Incorporated into a variety of products in unique and exacting formulations, resin is a diverse ingredient category that includes applications in PVC dry blends, plastics, and chemicals. Further, it is often toxic and generates highly combustible dust. These critical attributes can make successfully conveying it safely and without clogs challenging. AZO’s engineering team carefully considers each of these factors to ensure the design of a bulk resin handling system is safe, reliable, and dust free.
Resin Handling: Common Challenges
Resin requires special handling to prevent deformation.
Resin requires special handling to prevent deformation.
Resin must be handled as a hazardous material.
Resin must be handled as a hazardous material.
Resins — as well as liquid plasticizers and other chemicals — must be safely stored, dispensed, and conveyed within an operation. Equipment must be capable of completely containing all hazardous materials to safeguard the health and well-being of employees.
Manufacturers must contain resin dust.
Manufacturers must contain resin dust.
The high volumes of dust generated by resin present both an explosion risk and a personnel hazard. Explosion protection requires either suppression or venting to the outside the facility. There are many types of resins. Most are toxic and many are carcinogens. If not captured and handled property, resin dust creates an unsafe working environment for personnel. Every bulk ingredient handling system must incorporate explosion protection and dust mitigation equipment to protect an operation and its employees.