HECHT Technology offers a comprehensive range of powder handling equipment for the process industry. Our product range includes solutions such as endless liner systems for contamination-free bulk transfer and powder dosing systems for precise and safe powder feeding — engineered for pharmaceutical, chemical, food, and battery applications.
Lifting equipment for emptying big bags — definition: Lifting equipment for emptying big bags (FIBC) encompasses hoists, lifting frames, and integrated discharge stations rated for 500–2,000 kg SWL, designed to tilt, lift, and discharge bulk bags safely at OEB 1–5 containment levels, meeting ATEX 2014/34/EU, EN 1070, GMP Annex 1 (2022), and SMEPAC protocol requirements. HECHT systems include the LAS-EC and LBK-EC series with integrated liner management.
Key points
- Safe Working Load: 500–2,000 kg; height-adjustable frames for standard IBC and FIBC types B/C/D
- Standards: ATEX 2014/34/EU, EN 1070 (lifting equipment), GMP Annex 1 (2022), SMEPAC, EN 60079-32 (ESD)
- HECHT product: LAS-EC big bag discharge station — OEB 4–5 rated, integrated HEPA H14 filtration, RTP connection
- Applications: pharmaceutical (HPAPI), chemical (ATEX St1/St2), food (EHEDG), battery production (Li-ion)
- Result: <1 µg/m³ operator exposure (SMEPAC-verified), 30–50% faster discharge vs. manual cutting methods
Selecting the right lifting solution depends on containment level, bag type, and process flow — explore our full range on the powder handling and transport page, validate your bulk bag type in our Test & Trial Centre in Pornbach, or review sector applications on the pharmaceutical industry page.
FAQ — Lifting equipment for emptying big bags
What lifting capacity is needed for FIBC big bag discharge in pharmaceutical production?
Standard FIBC bags weigh 500–1,500 kg filled. HECHT LAS-EC discharge stations are rated for SWL 2,000 kg with a 4:1 safety factor per EN 1070. For OEB 4–5 HPAPI processes, closed-loop liner management (endless liner SBK or RTP ISO 10648-2) is integrated into the lifting frame to maintain <1 µg/m³ exposure during discharge.
How do I choose between a manual and automated big bag lifting system?
Manual frames suit batch sizes <5 bags/shift and OEB 1–2; automated stations (conveyor-fed, PLC-controlled per ISA-88) are preferred for >10 bags/shift, OEB 3–5 or GMP-regulated environments. Automation reduces ergonomic risk (RSI prevention per Arbowet) and enables 21 CFR Part 11-compliant batch recording. ROI typically 12–24 months at 10+ bags/day.
What ATEX requirements apply to big bag lifting equipment in dusty environments?
FIBC type C or D bags are required in ATEX zone 21 (dust cloud) environments. Lifting frames must be earthed (<10⁶ Ω per EN 60079-32) with conductive chains and ESD-safe components. HECHT systems are ATEX category 2D certified. Zoning per EN 60079-10-2 must be documented before installation — HECHT supports ATEX zoning assessments as part of the project engineering service.
Author: Mark van Leeuwen, Sales Director Hecht Technology B.V. Reviewed: 26 May 2026.