1. Comprehensive ABC Consumption Analysis with Seasonal Considerations: A thorough analysis of ingredient consumption, including any seasonal fluctuations, forms the cornerstone for determining the level of automation and flexibility required. a) For consistently high-consumption items (A group) year-round, it is prudent to opt for delivery via tanker trucks or Big Bags, with storage in larger silos to minimise manual handling. b) Some ingredients might exhibit high seasonal or campaign-based consumption (A group). In such cases, utilising Big Bags and smaller storage hoppers that allow for easy product changeovers with minimal cross-contamination can be advantageous. c) For components with lower consumption but frequent usage (A or B group), integrating smaller stations for bag or Big Bag supply offers flexibility, with provisions for product changeovers. 2. Building Constraints: The available building height and footprint significantly influence the installation's fundamental design. A direct gravity-flow system, where ingredients flow from the top into the mixer and then directly into packing machines, requires ample vertical space (approximately 20 metres) for high capacities. Existing buildings, often limited in height, may necessitate a horizontal design that might involve more manual handling. The goal is to create the most compact installation possible. 3. Budget: The allocated budget plays a pivotal role in determining the extent of automation. This encompasses decisions about which components can be automated and how much operator involvement is required to balance the investment. 4. Future Vision: Looking ahead, it's crucial to envision the desired level of automation and capacity expansion for production. Planning for future extensions from the outset enables seamless integration of additional features such as more ingredients, additional blending lines, and the use of robots and AGVs for finished goods transportation. While these considerations may seem logical and straightforward, they entail substantial collaboration with the customer. In most cases, we actively participate in the ABC analysis, forming the basis for all subsequent decisions. The end result is that each installed premix line is unique, tailored to meet specific conditions and future aspirations. We take pride in working closely with our customers, leveraging our extensive toolbox of equipment and expertise to create the best turnkey solution within their budget. This approach ensures that the installation is not only well-suited to current needs but also poised for future growth and expansion.  

But even with meticulous precautions, a potential risk can linger at the bottom of the BigBag when operators unfold the outlet spout. Traditional discharge stations expose the product-contacted part of the discharge pipe during this process, potentially compromising purity. Responding to the rigorous quality assessments of our customers, we embarked on a mission to eliminate this contamination risk. The result? Our 'hygienic valve' ingeniously integrated with the filling tube. This innovative valve seals off the product area with a protective flap, effectively preventing any contamination. And here's the kicker - once the docking process is complete, the valve smoothly retracts, facilitating the product flow and making cleaning a breeze! This pioneering solution, born from invaluable customer feedback and rigorously vetted by our quality department, has now become our industry-standard for high-hygienic applications.

Ensuring high dosing accuracy Our approach involves a precision dosing unit that meticulously measures additives within a narrow tolerance range. We're talking about precision to the finest detail, thanks to the implementation of advanced techniques tailored to meet specific client needs. Emphasizing cleanability We ensure that every product contact point in our installation is designed for easy access and dismounting, facilitating hassle-free manual cleaning without the need for additional tools. This means maintaining impeccable standards without sacrificing efficiency. Mitigating product losses Special additives are precious and often come with a high cost per (kilo)gram. Our efforts revolve around minimising any waste during the dosing process, ensuring that these valuable additives are put to the best possible use. The result? An engineered dosing and weighing system that combines accuracy, hygiene and efficiency. Feel free to reach out if you are interested in our microdosing solutions! Your success in delivering safe and precisely formulated products is one of our priorities!

Positioned within the heart of the production facility, the UV-C unit operates within the hoisting shaft that elevates BigBags. Dynamic and choreographed, the unit's strategically positioned lamps emit a purifying UV-C light in perfect synchronisation with the BigBag's movement. This meticulous approach ensures that every intricate corner and crevice of the BigBag is bathed in cleansing UV-C light, leaving no room for microbes to thrive. J-Tec's ingenuity lies in its ability to seamlessly blend innovation and efficiency, thus safeguarding valuable production time without compromise. The success of the UV-C system hinges on precise testing. Through meticulous microbiological assessments at varying speeds and bacterial concentrations, optimal exposure intensity has been achieved. Notably, this rigorous testing has demonstrated remarkable efficacy, showcasing a 3 log reduction for both E. coli and S. aureus, equating to a staggering 99.9% bacterial reduction. This accomplishment serves as a resounding testament to the efficiency and effectiveness of the UV-C cleaning system, firmly establishing it as a pivotal tool in infant nutrition production. J-Tec goes beyond the boundaries of innovation by championing sustainability and eco-friendliness. This UV-C method operates devoid of chemicals and residue, seamlessly aligning with the principles of sustainable production that the industry holds dear. As the landscape of infant nutrition production continues to evolve, J-Tec's integration of the UV-C unit transcends conventional paradigms. It pioneers a new era of cleanliness and safety, shaped by meticulous testing, cutting-edge technology, and an unwavering dedication to excellence.    

It’s important to remind ourselves that we are responsible for addressing the risks associated with challenging production processes which often involve the handling and processing of hazardous substances. This reality underscores the importance of engineering solutions that create safe workplace environments and prevent potential environmental impacts. J-Tec overcomes these challenges by seamlessly integrating the client’s know how, our own expertise, and that of OEM industry leaders specialised in providing tailor-made systems. Moreover, implementation of operational safety protocols and adherence to regulatory standards such as CE & ATEX provide assurance to our clients and the end users. We extend our gratitude to Covestro for our recent collaboration and in setting the standards together!