Mepaco Blog


Reliable by Design


Portable Column Dumper Solves for Flexible Production

There are multiple reasons to use a portable dumper equipment solution. Processors with quick turn batches and reoccurring recipe changes benefit from a portable dumper to use in multiple production areas. Some processors prefer to move equipment to designated sanitation areas. Also, the column dumper must be portable and move out of the way for mixers that require clearance for tipping hoppers to unload.

Another feature on the column dumper is an extended chute integrated with a 60-degree dump angle. The extended chute covers the gap between the column dumper and the mixer when the components prevent a close fit.

This processor utilized a 60-degree dump angle because the application required that every particulate was added to the batch.

Personnel guarding featured on this column dumper is designed for visibility and access with safety relays that provide safe fork truck access.

Reliably Built Standard Features:

  • 10-ga stainless on 120” dump heights, 7-ga stainless on 144” column heights
  • Full penetration welds
  • Built-in safety features including (3) proximity switches, e-stop
  • Completely wired motor starter in NEMA 4X enclosure
  • Minimum maintenance on broken motor, chain, bearings, and proxy switches
     

Processors should be able to focus on critical operations and not have to worry about auxiliary equipment. That's what Mepaco's CD1000 Column Dumper delivers; a Column Dumper that is heavily built, engineered for easy maintenance, built to strict sanitary design standards, and like our processing equipment solutions, modifiable to meet specific production requirements.

For more information, download our Column Dumper Flyer.


Column Dumpers - Featuring 60 degree dump angle

Processors should be able to focus on critical operations and not have to worry about auxiliary equipment. That's what Mepaco's CD1000 Column Dumper delivers; a Column Dumper that is heavily built, engineered for easy maintenance, built to strict sanitary design standards, and like our processing equipment solutions, modifiable to meet specific production requirements.

The animation features a new option in Mepaco's Column Dumper, a 60 degree dump angle for applications where every particulate must be added to the batch.

For more information, download our Column Dumper Flyer.


Proper Operational Procedures Improves Dumper Performance

Depending on the complexity of the equipment and controls, there are a few options for production personnel to learn how to operate the equipment. The manual explains the operation of the equipment and its components. The customer can visit Apache for training and testing or contract with Mepaco Field Services for on-site training.

In one example, the production staff did not understand how to operate the HD3000 Dumper, causing the carriage to bind-up where cylinders weren't lifting in tandem. The issue was caused by incorrect operation.

Due to the operational configuration of the hydraulic cylinders, the HD300 dumper must be fully cycled (complete cylinder extension and retraction) each time it is used. The production staff was not fully retracting the dumper leaving the carriage 12 - 18" off the ground. This allowed the cylinders to start up unevenly and compounded if the staff did not fully extend the dumper. This caused the dumper carriage to misalign and bind against the dumper frame.

Once the carriage binds against the frame the only way to safely correct the situation is to lock out the hydraulic power unit, disconnect the hydraulic line from the overextended cylinder and allow the carriage to drift down until it is re-timed. Once the cylinders are re-timed the power unit can be operated to bring the carriage to the fully down position. Air will need to be bled from the cylinder that had the hydraulic lines removed.

Please call Joe Hertel, Field Services Manager, at 920-219-2286 if you have any questions about the operation of Mepaco equipment or if a training visit is necessary for new personnel.


New Video: Mepaco Dumper Equipment Configurations

Mepaco offers a range of dumper configurations that are customized for specific applications in food manufacturing environments.

Column Dumper CD1000  The Column Dumper CD1000 is designed for buggies with a standard working capacity up to 600 lbs.

High Dumper HD3000 The HD3000 has a 3000 lb. capacity with a high discharge height specification.

Lift Dumper LD3000  The LD3000 Lift and Dump equipment provides the  highest discharge height of all Mepaco dumpers.

Pivot Dumper DP3000  The DP3000 (Pivot Dumper) is constructed from T304 Stainless Steel material and is a USDA approved design.

Dumper Equipment Options

  • Pallet Retention System
  • Liner Hold Down
  • Safety Guarding
  • Stainless Components
  • Elevated Load Height Configurations
  • Hydraulic Power-Pack (painted mild steel or stainless) cover
  • Alternative Shoot Designs
  • Custom Carriages

DOWNLOAD DUMPER EQUIPMENT BROCHURE


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