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How to Match Lithium Carbonate FIBC Bag Filling and Discharge Spouts to Processing Equipment

How to Match Lithium Carbonate FIBC Bag Filling and Discharge Spouts to Processing Equipment

2023-09-28

When purchasing lithium carbonate bulk bags, buyers often focus on the 1,000 kg rated load and body dimensions while overlooking compatibility with filling and discharge equipment.

The spouts are the direct interfaces between a Lithium Carbonate FIBC Bag and the processing line. Even if the body dimensions and load rating are suitable, an incorrect spout diameter, length or closure may result in:

  • Failure to fit the filling-machine outlet
  • Spout movement or detachment during filling
  • Restricted filling speed
  • Insufficient air displacement
  • Powder escaping around the equipment connection
  • Incompatibility with the discharge station
  • Bridging or residual lithium carbonate
  • Difficulty controlling the discharge rate

The filling and discharge spouts must therefore be selected separately according to the equipment and powder characteristics.

Distinguish Spout Dimensions from Panel Openings

The existing construction contains two sets of dimensions that should not be confused:

Position Nominal spout dimensions Top or bottom panel opening
Top filling spout Φ45 × 60 cm Φ39 cm top-panel opening
Bottom discharge spout Φ40 × 55 cm Φ34 cm bottom-panel opening

In this configuration:

  • Φ45 × 60 cm is the nominal diameter and length of the filling spout.
  • Φ39 cm is the corresponding opening in the top panel.
  • Φ40 × 55 cm is the nominal diameter and length of the discharge spout.
  • Φ34 cm is the corresponding opening in the bottom panel.

When confirming specifications, identify whether a dimension refers to the equipment connection, finished spout or panel opening.

How Should the Filling Spout Match the Equipment?

1. Measure the actual outlet diameter

The filling spout normally fits around the outside of the filling-machine outlet. Measure the actual outside diameter rather than relying only on the nominal pipe size.

Provide:

  • Actual outside diameter
  • Available outlet length
  • Clamps, flanges or sensors around the outlet
  • Required spout insertion depth
  • Tie or clamp position

An undersized spout may not fit. An oversized spout may be difficult to secure and leave a gap through which powder can escape.

2. Check the filling-spout length

The existing filling spout is 60 cm long. This length must provide sufficient space for equipment connection, fastening and closure after filling.

A short spout may not provide enough room for both insertion and fastening. An excessively long spout may fold during operation and restrict the material flow.

3. Confirm the vertical clearance

The filling station must accommodate:

  • Filling equipment
  • Spout connection length
  • Bag height
  • Lifting loops or support frame
  • Weighing platform
  • Clearance for removing the filled bag

The nominal body height is 125 cm and the filling spout is 60 cm long. These values should not simply be added together because the spout insertion depth and actual suspended-bag position also affect the required clearance.

Why Is Air Displacement Important?

As lithium carbonate enters the bag, it displaces the air already inside. Higher filling speeds generally require more air to escape.

Insufficient air displacement may cause:

  • Dust-laden air around the filling connection
  • Premature bag inflation
  • Unstable filling
  • Powder movement back toward the equipment outlet
  • Fluctuating weighing readings
  • Increased internal pressure in the coated bag

Because coated fabric allows less air to pass through the body, the filling-spout design should also consider a separate vent, filtered venting system or external dust collector.

The equipment connection gap should not be used as the only air-displacement method.

How Should the Discharge Spout Match the Equipment?

1. Confirm the discharge-station connection

The existing bottom outlet measures Φ40 × 55 cm. Before ordering, measure the receiving hopper, discharge station or connection sleeve.

Confirm:

  • Receiving opening diameter
  • Insertion or overlap method
  • Required connection length
  • Clamp or tie arrangement
  • Available space below the bag
  • Actual ground clearance when the bag is lifted

If the spout must extend into enclosed receiving equipment, confirm whether the 55 cm length provides sufficient insertion and fastening space.

2. Match the outlet to powder flowability

A larger outlet does not automatically guarantee smooth discharge for every lithium carbonate grade. Flow is also affected by:

  • Particle size
  • Particle-size distribution
  • Bulk density
  • Moisture condition
  • Storage period
  • Compaction caused by transportation
  • Internal baffles and bottom construction

Lithium carbonate with limited flowability may bridge above the outlet. The solution may require a different outlet diameter or assisted-discharge equipment such as vibration or bag-massage systems.

3. Define full or partial discharge

Discharge requirement Construction to confirm
Complete discharge in one operation Outlet diameter, opening method and receiving capacity
Batch feeding Reclosable outlet and flow-control method
Enclosed transfer Sealed connection to the equipment
Dust control Dust collector or negative-pressure connection
Reduced residue Bottom shape, baffle openings and discharge assistance

The existing outlet uses a 20 cm tie. If repeated opening and closing are required, confirm whether a standard tie is sufficient or whether a specialized valve construction is needed.

What Does Coated PE Spout Material Provide?

Both spouts use flexible 90 g/m² internally coated PE material. The flexible construction supports equipment connection, tie closure and outlet deployment during discharge.

The coated material helps reduce powder passing through the spout fabric, but it cannot replace a correctly fitted equipment connection. Interface performance also depends on:

  • Dimensional difference between the spout and equipment
  • Overlap length
  • Tie or clamp position
  • Folded material
  • Equipment vibration
  • Lateral force on the connection

Why Is an Equipment Connection Test Necessary?

Drawing dimensions confirm the design but do not fully demonstrate compatibility with the customer’s equipment. Before mass production, use a sample bag to:

  1. Fit the filling spout to the actual equipment.
  2. Check whether the tie or clamp holds the connection.
  3. Fill lithium carbonate at the planned operating rate.
  4. Observe the connection for powder escape.
  5. Check whether displaced air exits correctly.
  6. Test the closure after reaching the target weight.
  7. Install the sample on the actual discharge station.
  8. Record discharge flow and residual-material locations.
  9. Check whether the outlet can be closed as required.
  10. Adjust the diameter or length according to the results.

Testing should use the actual lithium carbonate or a material with comparable particle size, bulk density and flowability.

Equipment Data Required from the Buyer

Equipment or material data Effect on spout design
Filling-machine outlet diameter Determines filling-spout diameter
Available outlet length Determines insertion and fastening space
Filling rate Affects flow capacity and venting
Filling method Affects fastening and dust collection
Vertical clearance Limits the combined bag and spout height
Discharge-station opening Determines discharge-spout diameter
Required insertion depth Determines discharge-spout length
Powder flowability Affects outlet size and discharge assistance
Permitted residual material Affects the bottom and outlet construction
Full or batch discharge Affects the closing method
Dust-control requirement Affects interface sealing and extraction

Conclusion

The filling and discharge spouts are not only bag components; they are interfaces between the packaging and processing equipment.

The filling spout should be designed according to the filler outlet, fastening method, filling rate and venting requirement. The discharge spout should be matched to the receiving equipment, powder flowability, discharge method and permitted residue.

The standard Φ45 × 60 cm filling spout and Φ40 × 55 cm discharge spout provide starting references. Final dimensions should be confirmed through equipment measurement and sample connection testing.