Entecon designed and delivered a mobile ATEX Automatic Sack Opener for a leading chemical manufacturer handling hazardous powders. The customer needed to reduce exposure to airborne dust, eliminate labour-intensive manual sack cutting and improve throughput while working across several ATEX-classified plant areas.

The bespoke system provides automated sack cutting, emptying and separation within a fully enclosed, dust-tight machine. It is designed for ATEX Zone 21 internally and Zone 22 externally and incorporates integrated dust extraction to maintain a cleaner working environment.

A skid-mounted mobile design allows the same machine to serve several processing locations rather than requiring dedicated equipment for each line. Heavy-duty 304 stainless steel construction was specified, with 316L also available, while PLC automation and an operator interface in Dutch and English provide straightforward control.

The system removes much of the manual lifting and cutting previously required and reduces operator exposure to hazardous powder.

For the customer, the mobile arrangement provides the additional advantage of plant flexibility, allowing one ATEX-compliant system to be moved between lines. This reduces the need for duplicate capital equipment while providing enclosed processing, lower labour requirements and improved safety.