Safe handling of powders and granules starts with controlling exposure. Particularly in the pharmaceutical, chemical, food and battery industries, preventing dust emissions during Big Bag discharge is an important part of maintaining a safe production environment.
At HECHT Technologie, we see containment being incorporated increasingly early in the process, often from the very first process step. One solution that has proven particularly effective in practice is the LAS-MC – Liner-Anschluss-System Manual Connect.
The LAS-MC is now one of HECHT’s best-selling solutions for Big Bag discharge, combining ease of use with a high level of containment.
Why containment is so important when discharging Big Bags
Dust can be released during Big Bag discharge when a liner is connected, opened or replaced. With products that have a low OEL, even limited emissions can pose a relevant safety risk.
The aim of containment is therefore to:
protect employees from exposure;
reduce product loss and dust emissions;
prevent cross-contamination;
make the production process cleaner and easier to control;
simplify cleaning and maintenance.
The required solution depends, among other things, on the properties of the product and the desired OEB classification. HECHT develops and supplies solutions for different containment levels.
LAS-MC: smart connection, safe discharge
The LAS-MC Manual Connect was developed for safe and dust-free Big Bag discharge. The system can achieve a containment level of up to OEB 4 (1–10 µg/m³). This makes it suitable for applications where a significantly higher level of product and operator protection is required.
A key advantage is the way the liner is connected and replaced.
The process is designed to be:
fast → controlled → ergonomic → with minimal emissions.
Virtually no additional consumables, such as O-rings, are required. This means fewer components, lower operating costs and fewer potential sources of downtime.
Pneumatic or fully manual
The LAS-MC is available in different versions.
The pneumatic version is suitable for automated processes where convenient operation and integration into the installation are desired.
The manual version operates without compressed air, making it particularly interesting for applications where simplicity, flexibility and limited infrastructure are important.
Both versions are manufactured from stainless steel and can be integrated into existing Big Bag discharge stations. Different liner materials, including PE and aluminium liners, can also be used. An ATEX version is available as well.
From pharmaceuticals to battery production
Containment is not limited to a single industry.
HECHT sees applications for the LAS-MC in, among others:
Pharmaceutical industry
Chemical industry
Battery production
Food industry
The exact configuration is tailored to the product, the required containment level, the process conditions and the existing installation.
This makes the LAS-MC suitable for both new projects and upgrading existing Big Bag discharge stations.
Technology that works in practice
The popularity of the LAS-MC is not based solely on its technical specifications. It is precisely the combination of containment, speed, ergonomics and low operating costs that makes the system attractive for industrial applications.
For operators, a simpler liner change means fewer handling steps. For production, this means shorter downtime. And for the organisation, it means a solution that can be integrated into existing process installations.
That is exactly where practical containment technology makes a difference: not just a theoretically high level of protection, but a solution that works every day in production.
See the LAS-MC in action?
During Solids Antwerp on 21 and 22 October 2026, containment will be a key focus at HECHT. On Wednesday, 21 October, a presentation will also be given on safe handling of powders and granules under containment requirements.
The presentation will cover topics including OEL, OEB, primary and secondary containment, and practical solutions for industry.
See the LAS-MC in action:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZadXFQfkm-0&t=3s
More information about the LAS-MC:
https://hecht-technology.nl/producten/las-mc-liner-aansluitsysteem-manuel-connect/
Containment does not have to be complicated. The right solution should above all be safe, practical and reliable.