VOLUMAX

The Volumax is a system designed to optimize the filling of bulk and piece goods. This system provides a solution to more efficiently fill containers with loose products, such as frozen products. The Volumax speeds up and improves the accuracy of the container-filling process by using automation and image recognition technology.

 

Current situation

A problem with existing systems is that the filling often needs to be manually adjusted by an operator. After filling a container, it can happen that there is either too much or too little product inside.
• If there is too much product, it has to be removed manually, leading to waste/loss of valuable product. Additionally, it relies on the operator to report that there is too much product, which often does not happen or is done inaccurately due to time pressure.
• If too little product has been filled in a container, this is usually not corrected. This is because it is only noticed after manually levelling the product, and by then, the filling station is already working on the next container. As a result, the available space in the container is not optimally used. While the shortage per container may be small, due to the often very large quantities involved, this can lead to a significant amount of unused storage space.
This entire process depends on the operator, who often cannot accurately determine how much product needs to be added or removed.

The Volumax offers a solution to these problems.

 

Operation

A container is filled through a supply system at the filling station. This supply system is designed to ensure that the bulk or piece goods are filled into the correct location in the container below. The supply system can be a conveyor belt, screw, vibrator, or another means of transport.
Above the filling station, a specific setup of cameras ensures continuous monitoring of the surface of the product in relation to the container during the filling process.

The filled container then moves to the levelling zone. In this zone, the bulk/piece goods are evenly distributed throughout the container by a robotic manipulator. Above this zone, a specific camera setup also ensures continuous monitoring of the surface of the product in relation to the container during levelling.
After the first container has been levelled, the image processing system calculates the unused volume in the container and sends this data to the filling zone.
When filling the next container, the corrected volume is filled to ensure optimal filling. This cycle continues to repeat for the following containers.

 

Advantages
• The configuration of the filling system can be flexibly adjusted depending on the different types of goods.
• This system reduces unused space in the container, leading to maximum efficiency in transport and storage capacity.
• The optimized filling system also prevents overfilling of the container. Overfilling can lead to product loss, damaged containers, and potential damage to the products themselves.
• There is no need for an operator to be present in the often hazardous zone where the filling process takes place.

 

Date of market introduction in Belgium (if still in development: expected date of launch)
Interpom 24/11/2024

Briefly formulate what is new. If your innovation is selected for inclusion in the innovation route, your text will be used as the basis for the texts in the communication to the visitors, press, etc... (max. textarea: 1000 characters)
The Volumax is a system designed to optimize the filling of bulk and piece goods. This system provides a solution to more efficiently fill containers with loose products, such as frozen products. The Volumax speeds up and improves the accuracy of the container-filling process by using automation and image recognition technology.

Added value for the user (in commercial terms, user-friendliness ...)
The configuration of the filling system can be flexibly adjusted depending on the different types of goods. • This system reduces unused space in the container, leading to maximum efficiency in transport and storage capacity. • The optimized filling system also prevents overfilling of the container. Overfilling can lead to product loss, damaged containers, and potential damage to the products themselves. • There is no need for an operator to be present in the often hazardous zone where the filling process takes place.

Added value for the further sustainability and professionalization of the potato sector.
VOLUMAX The Volumax is a system designed to optimize the filling of bulk and piece goods. This system provides a solution to more efficiently fill containers with loose products, such as frozen products. The Volumax speeds up and improves the accuracy of the container-filling process by using automation and image recognition technology. Current situation A problem with existing systems is that the filling often needs to be manually adjusted by an operator. After filling a container, it can happen that there is either too much or too little product inside. • If there is too much product, it has to be removed manually, leading to waste/loss of valuable product. Additionally, it relies on the operator to report that there is too much product, which often does not happen or is done inaccurately due to time pressure. • If too little product has been filled in a container, this is usually not corrected. This is because it is only noticed after manually levelling the product, and by then, t