APEC Blog

The APEC team is here to be your number one resource regarding all automated processing topics. Explore our blog posts below to learn more.

Pneumatic Conveying Equipment Design and Materials

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=""]Pneumatic conveying equipment use air to create propulsion that moves materials from one place to another. Though other types of mechanical motion, like belt conveyors or screw conveyors, can be more efficient, pneumatic conveyors offer a number of advantages. When working with particular materials,…
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Getting Screw Conveyor Design Right: Avoid Risks & Maximize Efficiency

As an engineer, overseeing project efficiency and longevity is crucial for ensuring screw conveyors are designed properly to avoid equipment delays schedules, spikes maintenance, and drives up costs. A poorly designed screw conveyor is not just a nuisance, it poses operational, safety, and budgetary risks.…
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The Risks of Chasing Cheap Labor

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=""]Recent events shed light on the potential downside outsourcing manufacturing in other countries in order to cut labor costs, and the instability that can occur without established links in the labor force. More and more companies are looking at the long-term costs of these…
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Solving 5 Common Super Sack Unloader Problems

The right super sack unloader system allows you to measure and process materials quickly and cost-effectively, with very little waste, error or manpower required. Unloading materials may seem like a straightforward process, however the wrong bulk bag discharge system can cause product defects, ingredient loss,…
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Why Is My Load Cell Inaccurate?

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=""]Having trouble with load cell calibration? Accurate load cells are critical to get the correct weighing and batching results. There are many different types of load cells for different processes, all of which can become inaccurate for different reasons. In this blog post, we’ll…
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How to Prevent Clogs in Liquid Coating Systems

Liquid coating systems are essential for many different types of foods for both humans and animals. When liquid coating systems clog it can damage the system and slow or even shut down production. So how can you prevent clogs in liquid coating? Let’s take a…
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How to Solve Bin Flow Problems

Ingredient storage bin construction may not seem like a crucial detail in a processing facility, however, using a bin type that is not appropriate for your ingredients can create flow problems. These flow problems can create other issues that can alter the quality of your…
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The Essential Types of Industrial Processing Equipment

The Industrial Revolution marked an important era in human history. For the first time, the things that we needed could be made in large quantities, quickly. As technology progressed, this included everything from canned food to clothing to furniture and more. Technology is continually progressing,…
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7 Considerations to Select a Ribbon Blender

The type and number of blenders you choose for your process will play an important role in how fast and how well your recipe is mixed. There are a number of different ways to customize your ribbon blender, and it can be difficult to choose…
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The Best Automation Upgrades for Feed and Pet Food Processors in 2022

  Improving efficiency in 2019 is a top priority for many feed mill and pet food processors. Automating processes or upgrading existing automation is often the way to maximize efficiency gains, but it can be difficult to know where to start. This roadmap of feed…
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