Arcus

A well-renowned specialist packaging re-use company based in Ireland were unhappy with their existing IBC cleaning system which consisted of two separate machines to complete the process. The client wanted to increase the number of IBCs cleaned per day significantly.

The existing machines were at their limits, took up too much space and required the use of forklifts for loading/unloading, restricting company growth and causing downtime.

After researching the market and seeing Arcus’s VASA product, the client contacted Arcus to discuss the design and supply of a bespoke industrial IBC cleaning machine. It needed to use existing infrastructure and fit within a small footprint in the client’s facility. Arcus Engineers visited site numerous times to gain a clear understanding of the client’s requirements.

Over the following weeks, Arcus designed a system to the client’s exacting requirements, ensuring not only that the machine would integrate into the existing facility with minimal downtime or infrastructural impact, but that it would also dramatically increase production and safety as well. The client had an assigned Arcus Project Manager who was their single point of contact and received weekly updates of the overall project progress on top of the various design suggestions and discussions.

VASA Twin Station Automated IBC Cleaning System Details:

The result of this close collaboration was a twin station IBC cleaning system which enables operators to easily move IBCs into position via the roller conveyor and start the automatic cleaning process simply by pressing one button. The machine completes the 3-stage high pressure cleaning cycle, before sounding an alarm to signal completion. This VASA also has an on-board water heating module, providing up to 90°C water, and a dosing system to enable chemical cleaning/sanitising.

Another key factor for the client was the significant reduction in power and water use – the previous machine used a 30kW motor and 45 litres per minute – the VASA consumes just 5.5kW and 13 litres per minute, which has resulted in significant cost savings, and reduces the load and wear on the facility’s water treatment system.

The machine was fully installed and commissioned within 3 days, minimising the client’s downtime and increasing production. They have since reported the number of IBCs washed per day has increased by 50-60% to 100+ IBCs per day – a huge leap in throughput which will help expand their company rapidly.

The client’s Operations Director noted the following:

“Previously we were working with a disjointed system which was causing a lot of double handling and downtime, which increased costs and caused a huge amount of downtime and inefficiency. IBC cleaning is our core business, and the reliability and output of the machines conducting that task are critical to us. The VASA not only increased production, but it also reduces the amount of water and power we are using, the amount of non-value-added labour required and improves the safety and level of employee wellbeing on site, as the machine requires much less manual handling of IBCs. The team at Arcus were very accommodating with regards our requirements, took on board our suggestions and ensured that we were happy with the concept before proceeding with manufacturing, so we ended up with exactly the machine we wanted. More importantly, in the time since the install, they are easy to reach with any queries we may have and have helped ensure the machine is running at peak, and they continue to do so. We’re incredibly happy with the service Arcus have provided, and we’re already working on other similar projects with Arcus.”

Arcus specialise in the design and manufacture of industrial washdown, spraying and cleaning solutions for a range of industries including Food & Beverage Production, Chemical Production, Marine, Agriculture, Oil & Gas, Pharmaceutical and many more across the UK, Ireland and worldwide.

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