autoload.c version - patented by Zipfluid - is the first robotic system expressly designed for loading fluids into small containers such as IBC’s, drums, totes, pallet tanks.
At the start-up, it self-checks, then autonomously recognizes the containers and their manholes, computes their exact position, then moves to them, inserts the drop pipe and loads the fluid in a predefined sequence.
autoload.c version
automatic loading arm for containers
welcome to the future
Why autoload® for containers?
Safety
- No toxic inhalation
- No ergonomic challenges
- No damages
Efficiency
- There is no need of an expert operator
- All preparatory operations are streamlined
- Loading sequence is fast, consistent and error free
LOW COST OF OWNERSHIP
- The cost of operators for purely waiting around is saved
- The cost of periodical maintenance is lower due to absence of damages
- The cost of the insurance premiums is lower thanks to lower safety risks
- o The system is configured to get fiscal advantages of Industry 5.0
Filling an IBC, a drum, a barrel, a tote or any other small container can be a hazardous and labor-intensive process. The risk of getting it wrong can have severe consequences with high costs and bad advertising that could devaluate customer brand.
Handling manually dangerous liquids greatly relies on the skills and the familiarity of the operator to manoeuvre accurately the arms or the hoses. Toxicity, damages, errors, back pain, other injuries are potential consequences of human misbehaviour and increase the risk while loading.
Moreover, arms or hoses are often equipped with many accessories (actuated valves, overfill sensors) that increase their weight and - therefore - the risk of damages and unfavourable situations to handle.
To create a safer and a cleaner workspace and to boost efficiency, Zipfluid has invented the autoload® Loading Arm, available in ATEX and SAFE version.
How does autoload® work?
Picture a fluid loading operation, where up to 4 containers are positioned somewhere in the loading area. The manholes have been opened and awaits filling. The autoload® loading arm is parked in a tundish.
Just one button is pressed. It can be pressed from a control panel in the loading area or in a remote Control Room. The autoload® loading arm will identify the positions of the containers to be filled, then it lifts out of the tundish and move through its arcs to a point over the first container.
Only then it will give a permissive to start loading. The command can then be given by the operator in the loading bay or by the supervisor in the Control Room.
On completion of loading, the autoload® arm will remove itself from the manhole and move to the next containers to fill them through their manholes.
At the end, the automatic loading arm will return directly to the parking tundish where a purge can be conducted awaiting the next containers to load.
Manual operation is always allowed in case the operator wants to take control of the loading. By using a simple joystick, he can manoeuvre autoload® by using a wireless joystick or pressing the LEFT/RIGTH and UP/DOWN buttons.
Two-way communication to TAS / DCS allows for a complete integration of autoload® into the Company Logistic System.