We often run across bulk bag users who subscribe to the idea that bulk totes MUST be inflated before filling.
Not true!
It's understandable why this common practice exists and why it persists: through-pallet densification FIBC fillers.
A through-pallet bulk bag filler is characterised by the bag resting on a pallet throughout the fill cycle. As you can imagine, if a bulk bag is attached to the filler and left to drape randomly on the pallet prior to filling, it is possible - perhaps likely - that the bag will become twisted or folded on itself and not fill properly. Hence, bags are often inflated prior to filling when a through-pallet filler is used.
While inflating a big bag is generally a good idea with this kind of bulk bag handling equipment, it takes time during the filling cycle and adds capital cost. However, there is an alternative.
If you use a filler that features hang filling - the bag hangs from its loops for about half the time it is being filled - you don't have to inflate your bulk bags.
A key characteristic of this type of filler is that a pallet is NOT in the machine while it is filling bulk bags. Because the bag is not in constant contact with a pallet and because the bag is hung from its loops, you don't have to worry about poor performance from not using inflation.
With a hang filling bulk bag loader the ONLY time you need to use inflation is if your bags contain loose tubular liners.
