BG-L big bag filling station

Big bag filling station BG-L — definition: The HECHT BG-L is a high-capacity, semi-automatic FIBC filling station for high-throughput filling of big bags from 1,000 to 2,000 kg for the chemical and battery industries, with automated bag handling, OIML R 76 class III gravimetric dosing (±0.1%), integrated HEPA H13 containment dust extraction, FIBC type C/D electrostatic grounding with continuity control, and a motorised, height-adjustable filling head (HS column). Certified per ATEX 2014/34/EU (zone 21), GMP Annex 1 (2022), EHEDG class II and the EU Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC — filling speeds up to 20 t/h.

Key specifications

• Filling capacity: 1,000–2,000 kg per FIBC; filling speed up to 20 t/h; OIML R 76 class III ±0.1% accuracy; motorised HS column stroke 400–1,200 mm
• Compliance: ATEX 2014/34/EU cat. 2D (zone 21), OIML R 76 class III, GMP Annex 1 (2022), EHEDG class II, EU Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC, ISO 11228 ergonomics, EN 60079-32
• HECHT products: BG-L filling station — integrable with LBK-EC discharge station, ProClean Conveyor, automated pallet handling and MES/ERP via OPC-UA; optional OEB 3–5 containment collar
• Applications: pharmaceutical contract manufacturing (large batch FIBC filling, GMP Annex 1), multi-product food packaging (2,000 kg FIBC, FSMA, EHEDG), chemical high-throughput bulk filling (ATEX St1/St2, REACH), battery cathode material (LiFePO4, 20 t/h)
• Key benefit: highest throughput in the HECHT BG range (20 t/h), automated bag handling reduces operator handling time by 70%, OIML ±0.1% across all fill weights 1,000–2,000 kg, OPC-UA integration for MES/ERP batch recording

The BG-L is the most powerful model in the HECHT big bag filling station range, validated at our Test & Trial Centre in Pörnbach. Pharmaceutical GMP Annex 1 and OEB containment configurations with GAMP 5 IQ/OQ/PQ documentation are available on request.

HECHT's BG-L filling station is designed so that it is easily accessible from three sides.
The L-shaped design favours loading the system with a hand pallet truck, so no forklift or crane is required. Handling when connecting the big bags is also made considerably easier.
A roller conveyor for filling small containers can be retrofitted.
The loop holders on the support frame are easily adjustable.

FAQ — BG-L big bag filling station

What makes the BG-L different from the standard BG filling station?

The BG-L is designed for large FIBC formats (1,000–2,000 kg) and high-throughput applications (up to 20 t/h) where the standard BG (500–1,500 kg, 15 t/h) is insufficient. The BG-L adds automated bag handling (conveyor feed and removal), a wider platform for 2,000 kg FIBC formats, and a longer HS column stroke (400–1,200 mm) to accommodate taller bags. OPC-UA integration standard enables direct MES/ERP batch record generation with 21 CFR Part 11 electronic signatures — essential for pharmaceutical contract manufacturers and large-scale food ingredient facilities.

Can the BG-L filling station be integrated into a fully automated production line?

Yes. The HECHT BG-L integrates via OPC-UA or Profinet into MES, SCADA, and ERP systems for fully automated operation: automatic bag indexing from conveyor, recipe-driven fill weight and height adjustment, automatic bag removal after filling, pallet labelling, and stretch wrapping. For pharmaceutical use, ISA-88 batch control generates complete electronic batch records (fill weight, operator, time, lot number) with 21 CFR Part 11 audit trail. Multiple BG-L units can run in parallel, managed from a central SCADA dashboard for campaign-scale output.

What ATEX and dust explosion requirements apply to large FIBC filling operations?

Large FIBC filling areas with St1/St2 combustible powders must be ATEX zone 21 classified per 2014/34/EU. The BG-L features EN 60079-32 compliant grounding, FIBC type C/D continuity monitoring (filling blocked if resistance >1 MΩ), Ex-rated electrical components, and integrated HEPA H13 dust extraction maintaining workspace below 1 mg/m³. For high-throughput battery cathode (LiFePO4, NMC — St2 class) and pharmaceutical API filling, additional spark detection per EN 14373 can be integrated into the BG-L control system.

• Easy cleaning thanks to accessibility from three sides
• Height-adjustable support frame (optional) with manual height adjustment via perforated strips or automatic height adjustment (with electric lifting spindle or pneumatic cylinder)
• Available as Big Bag filling station BG-L in hygienic design
• All types of filling heads can be used
• Integration of a roller conveyor for filling drums or cartons
• Folding pallet supports for easy cleaning
• Integration of load cells

Frequently asked questions about the BG-L big bag filling station