Schmalz at ACHEMA: Hygienic Handling Systems

The vacuum handling system PalVac Sprint Hygienic moves heavy loads in cleanrooms and hygienic areas. (Image: J. Schmalz GmbH)

The sack sucker PSSG grips the jumbo powerfully and convinces with long service life thanks to the innovative density element. (Image: J. Schmalz GmbH)

The silicone suckers FSGA are autoclavable, wear-resistant, and resistant to H2O2/VHP. (Image: J. Schmalz GmbH)

Hygienic Design, Cleaning Agent Compatibility, and FDA Compliance – The pharmaceutical and chemical industries have clear requirements for their equipment and systems. Schmalz presents at ACHEMA 2024 (June 10-14, Frankfurt am Main), in Hall 3.1 at Stand D1, ergonomic vacuum lifters specifically designed for the high demands of cleanrooms, as well as vacuum components for the fill-and-finish process.

Manually handling bags, barrels, or buckets is physically demanding for workers. Vacuum lifters improve ergonomics at the workplace and reduce the risk of health problems. Additionally, they enable quick, precise handling of containers, thereby increasing productivity. At ACHEMA, Schmalz showcases hose lifters that the company has specially designed for use in hygienic areas and explosion-proof environments.

In the Ex-zone, the vacuum hose lifter JumboSprint EX operates. It moves compact workpieces such as barrels and bags weighing up to 250 kilograms in ATEX Zone 2/22 and up to 85 kilograms payload in ATEX Zone 1/21. The surrounding handlebar transmits force optimally and ensures that skilled workers can precisely control the load. Thanks to the extensive gripper and accessory program as well as the modular design, the system can be adapted to individual requirements. The complete solution with hose lifter and steel swivel crane is certified according to ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU, making it usable throughout Europe.

Reliable Bag Handling

For process-safe handling of bags, Schmalz presents the new Sacksucking Gripper PSSG. It grips coated and uncoated bags made of paper, plastic, or fabric with varying fill levels. The innovative sealing element is made from FDA-compliant silicone or wear-resistant nitrile rubber NBR and is characterized by long service life. It is also very wear-resistant, and contamination from sealing particles is almost impossible. The sack gripper is available in three different sizes.

Hygienic Design Lifting Aid

The PalVac Sprint Hygienic meets the highest requirements of the pharmaceutical and chemical industries. In addition to the integrated HEPA filter for contamination prevention, the hose lifter features a wash-down design: the protective hose is washable, weld seams are ground smooth and crack-free, surfaces are polished, and the sealing lip is FDA-compliant. The control unit of the hose lifter can be disassembled without tools and washed industrially. The hose lifters are suitable for safe and gentle handling of bags, barrels, and buckets in cleanroom environments and sluices. They prevent overload and back problems.

Automated Processes

Silicone suckers allow precise, reliable, and gentle handling of workpieces in automated vacuum systems. The round bellows suckers FSGA with 1.5 folds or FSG with 2.5 folds grip delicate objects particularly softly thanks to height compensation and damping effect. They are highly resistant and suitable for heavy-duty processes at temperatures from -30 to 180 degrees Celsius. The material is FDA-certified, autoclavable, H2O2- and VHP-resistant (VHP: vaporized hydrogen peroxide), as well as wear-resistant and low in particles. This is confirmed by certificates from the Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology and Automation (IPA) in Stuttgart, which tested the material for purity and cleanroom suitability. The sealing lip adapts very well to convex surfaces or unevenness. The stiffness of the upper fold ensures stability under horizontal forces and high accelerations.