BEHN + BATES launches INTEGRA IV valve bag packing system with AI quality control
BEHN + BATES has introduced the INTEGRA IV series, a valve bag packing system designed to address hygiene and efficiency requirements in food manufacturing facilities. The German equipment manufacturer is positioning the system as an integrated solution for producers handling flour, starch, cocoa, sugar and other food products.
Integrated housing design for hygienic operation
The INTEGRA IV series combines the bagging unit, bag applicator and discharge system within a single enclosed housing. This Plug ‘n Pack configuration aims to minimise commissioning efforts whilst maximising hygienic operation. The nomenclature denotes “I” for integrated and “V” for valve bag, with variants designated IVT (impeller-based) or IVL (pneumatic technology).
Critical components are suspended rather than floor-mounted to contain dust during filling operations. The redesigned housing features large access doors and openings that reduce interior cleaning time by up to 50% compared to previous models. Folding bag magazines and operator chairs provide additional accessibility for cleaning and maintenance procedures.
“The INTEGRA IV series meets the unique requirements of a variety of food products and makes life easier for producers. Each machine is customised to spec through the configuration system,” said Christoph Ransiek, Sales Manager at BEHN + BATES. “For customers seeking a cleaner and quieter packing solution, the INTEGRA IV gives a compelling alternative to wannabe-housed or unhoused packing machines in industries where hygiene, safety and flexibility are top priorities.”
Enhanced mechanical performance
The system accommodates up to four filling spouts with variable bag dimensions. The application arm executes diagonal motion in addition to horizontal and vertical movements, increasing performance speeds by up to 10%. Swivel-mounted switch cabinets improve accessibility for maintenance work, whilst pneumatics and cladding elements are centralised in a single access point.
The MEC 4.0 weighing system enables full production line communication through a human-machine interface with integrated industrial personal computer. A redesigned 15.6-inch touchscreen operator panel provides industry-specific configuration options.
QUAT²RO artificial intelligence suite
The INTEGRA IV series can be equipped with four AI-based quality control systems:
BAGcheck scans empty bags before filling to verify product specifications match operator parameters, preventing costly packaging errors.
VALVEcheck detects insufficient valve opening and rejects improperly prepared bags, increasing production throughput by an average of 10%.
MATEXcheck uses high-definition camera monitoring to detect bag bursts during filling, triggering immediate shutdown within seconds compared to several minutes for weight-based systems.
SEALcheck monitors bags transported from packer to palletiser, identifying improper ultrasonic seal closures that could result from variations in bag architecture, welding time or product volume in the valve.
The company says BAGcheck addresses packaging errors costing millions in credits, whilst SEALcheck targets the second most common customer complaint regarding seal quality.
BEHN + BATES operates as the HAVER & BOECKER brand specialising in food industry bag filling equipment. The company provides solutions to customers in over 60 countries through global subsidiaries and representatives.
- For more information, visit: www.behnbates.com/en/
