In order for filling to be completed, bagging scales require a special spout to be integrated inside of each bag. The bag spout is determined by the application as well as the size and material of each bag.
Types of Bag Spouts
There are 2 basic types of spouts for open mouth bags: non-clamp and clamp.
Non-Clamping Bag Spouts
The non-clamp spout is a simple tapered bag filler funnel where the bag is placed over the bottom of the funnel and manually held in place as the bag is being filled. It is used with net-weigh systems. Non-clamp bag spouts are typically found on low throughput &/or small weighment (e.g. less than a few lbs.) systems.
Clamping Bag Spouts
The clamping spout is a tapered bag filler funnel that clamps the bag on the spout. They are either a “clam shell” style or a “center grip” style. Clamping bag spouts can be used on either gross weigh or net weigh systems, and can be either mechanically or pneumatically operated. Pneumatic spouts are activated with a whisker switch or foot switch.
Clam Shell Spouts
Clam shell spouts are bag filler funnels that are split down the middle and each side expands outward to hold the bag in place. Clam shell bag spouts are typically used with heavy poly bags because of their larger clamping area.
Center Grip Spouts
Center grip bag spouts are most common and have two curved “arms” that clamp the bag on the spout after it is placed on the spout. Center grip spouts are typically used with paper or poly-woven bags.
Bag Spout Options
There are options that may be available when choosing a bag spout.
Dust Tight
The dust tight option for the center grip spout is a fabric band that fully encircles the top of the bag when clamped.
Dust Accumulation
The dust accumulation option is a 2” port where a vacuum system is attached to evacuate dusty powder created as the bag is being filled.
Bag Spout Material Selection
Spouts are available in mild steel or stainless steel. Stainless steel spouts are used with corrosive materials (such as fertilizer or salt) and with food or pharmaceutical products.
Bag Spout Size Determination
Spouts come in a wide variety of sizes. The size of the bag spout is determined by the circumference of the smallest bag being filled. To determine the circumference of the bag, lay it flat and measure its width and multiply by 2. Be sure to include any gusset. For example, a 12” wide bag with a 2” gusset will have a 28” circumference (2 x 14”). To be able to spout that bag you will need an additional 5“ clearance. Therefore your minimum packing spout circumference is 33” (28+5).
For more specific recommendations, contact us at 608-221-8180 or [email protected].